Forest Xiao author page

Forest Xiao biography

Forest Xiao is a children’s author and illustrator described as an “image maker, storyteller, treasure finder,” and parent.

She earned a BA in Graphic Design at Camberwell College of Art, then completed an MA in Children’s Book Illustration at Cambridge School of Art, graduating in 2023.

Xiao has lived in China, Germany, the United States, the UK, and Malaysia—experiences she cites as shaping her creative outlook.

She was runner-up for the Sebastian Walker Prize 2023; highly commended in the 2022 Macmillan Prize for Children’s Picture Book Illustration; shortlisted for the Batsford Prize 2023; and named one of the 2023 Bologna Illustrators Exhibition winners.

Xiao’s debut picture book, Seven Babies, is published by Candlewick Books.

In August 2024, Hachette Children’s Group announced a three-book deal with her as part of their talent acquisition.