Forest Xiao is an image maker, storyteller, treasure finder, and new mother. She has lived in China, Germany, USA, UK, and Malaysia, which nourished her open heart and free spirit. She loves connecting with people and hearing stories. Forest aspires to create books that are life-giving, convey a sense of wonder and spark humour.

Forest obtained a BA in Graphic Design at Camberwell College of Art which led her to children's publishing. Then she found a sweet community on the MA in Children's Book Illustration at Cambridge School of Art. Graduating in 2023, Forest was a runner-up for the Sebastian Walker Prize 2023, highly commended by the 2022 Macmillan Prize for Children's Picture Book Illustration, and shortlisted for the Batsford Prize 2023. Forest was also one of the 2023 Bologna Illustrators Exhibition Winners.