Babies and toddlers · ages 0–3

Seven Babies

A box of seven babies arrives at the door.

Seven Babies — written and illustrated by Forest Xiao (Walker Books). Ages 2–5.

A box arrives one Thursday. Seven babies inside. Nobody ordered them. The adults feed, bathe and entertain, then fall fast asleep — and the babies head out for the evening.

All seven have separate personalities, told entirely through the drawing. You'll recognise at least one.

The catch — a lot happens on every page. A child who wants a calm bedtime may find it overstimulating. Save it for the afternoon.

Shortlisted for the Klaus Flugge Prize. Winner announced 9 September.

Get the full guide: The First Shelf →

Cover: Seven Babies · written and illustrated by Forest Xiao · Walker Books