How Many Babies?

By Author / Illustrator

Forest Xiao

Genre

Early Skills

Publisher

Walker Books

ISBN

9781529521214

Format

Board book

Published

07-05-2026

Synopsis

With irresistible, graphic paintings and happy, bouncy text, this board book is a must-have for a new baby's library as well as an ideal present for any new parent or carer to share and read aloud with their child - together you can learn to count all the way to ten!

Babies love to look at pictures of other babies. And babies have never been sweeter, rounder and happier than in Forest Xiao's counting concept board book which gently introduces little ones to first numbers through objects and situations they're familiar with. Count to ten with babies on a see-saw, babies in a shopping trolley, fast asleep babies (but for how long?) and so much more.

Praise for Forest Xiao: "Joyous [...] The babies' expressive round faces recall Helen Oxenbury 's drawings, but Xiao's art has a zingier colour palette and a wildness of its own. It's one of the cutest, and perhaps best, picture book portrayals of new parenthood that I've ever read." - Observer on Seven Babies. "Xiao's delightful debut, exploring the everyday chaos that comes with having a baby in your life, has a similar look (and as much warmth) as Helen Oxenbury's A First Book for Babies series." - Bookseller on Seven Babies

Reviews

Sue

How Many Babies? Is a delightful board book with gorgeous babies on every page. From one baby playing 'peek-a-boo!' to ten exhausted babies saying 'night, night!', there is so much here to enjoy - and not just for babies! I defy anyone not to smile at the antics of these adorable little ones.

The number of babies is indicated by a large, bold cardinal number with a short sentence below describing the activity. Facing this for each number is a delightful illustration, full of charm, capturing some very baby like activity. The odd adult is included, usually acting as a climbing frame or support for the children.

Older children will enjoy finding the new addition on each page as the growing number of babies continue in their comical capers. Robust card pages will survive many readings as this little book encourages curious babies with an early counting experience.

Board book / 20 Pages / Reviewed by Sue Wilsher, teacher