Judge and 2025 Klaus Flugge Prize winner illustrator Emma Farrarons says, “As judges we were unanimous. It was love at first read of Seven Babies, and love all over again on the reread. Forest takes you on a heartwarming, original, tender and chaotic adventure with seven adorable babies, starting with a knock at the door. We found her artwork very exciting. It's bold, playful, and full of feeling. Her choice of art materials, balancing of line work and textures, and shapes all painted in a zingy colour palette enhance the drawings beautifully. The composition puts you right there, at eye level, as though you're inside the house watching the story unfold.

We loved how the simplicity of the text works alongside art that's rich in narrative. You notice something new every time you read it. The words tell you one thing is happening, while the pictures are telling you something else entirely.”

She adds, “Huge thanks to Klaus Flugge for creating this prize. His vision plays an important role in supporting exciting newcomers to picture book illustration. And that's why we think Forest Xiao is so deserving of it, with the joyful Seven Babies, which celebrates everything that is beautiful and magical about visual storytelling.”

Her fellow judge, bestselling author illustrator Rob Biddulph says: “From the moment I saw the cover, Seven Babies made me smile. Forest's illustrations are fresh, vibrant and brimming with personality, while every spread is packed with delightful details that reward repeat visits. The comic timing is impeccable – a rare and remarkable achievement in a picture book – and beneath all the humour lies a story full of warmth and heart. It's a richly deserving winner of the Klaus Flugge Prize.”

Forest Xiao says, “It is an absolute honour, and it feels deeply rewarding to be receiving the Klaus Flugge Prize.

Thank you, Klaus Flugge, for such encouragement and recognition. It reminds me to stay authentic, to trust my own experiences, and never to underestimate the power of ordinary, everyday moments that may seem trivial, but are often the most significant of all.”

Chair of the judges, Julia Eccleshare says: “We are delighted to be celebrating Forest Xiao together with this year’s Klaus Flugge Prize shortlisted picture book illustrators Becky Colvin, Laila Ekboir, Thekla Priebst, Justin Worsley and Circle Yuen. We will follow all their careers with huge interest and anticipation. Special thanks as always to Klaus Flugge who has done so much to support and promote illustrators throughout his long career and to bring outstanding illustration to children.”

Alongside Emma Farrarons and Rob Biddulph, this year’s judges are Shelley Jackson, course director for the internationally renowned MA in Children’s Book Illustration at Cambridge School of Art, Anglia Ruskin University; and Vanessa Lewis, co-owner of independent children’s bookshop The Book Nook in Hove. Julia Eccleshare is chair of the judges.

The announcement was made on the evening of Wednesday 9 September at the Art Workers’ Guild, Queen Square, London WC1.

Forest Xiao wins £5,000.