Hachette Children’s Group signs three-book deal with 'immense talent' Forest Xiao

Hachette Children’s Group (HCG) has acquired world rights to a picture and gift book publishing programme of three books from award-winning début author and illustrator Forest Xiao.

Emma Blackburn, formerly group trade publisher for picture books and preschool at HCG, acquired world rights from Justine Smith at Bell Lomax Moreton. The titles will be brought to publication by editorial director Katie Sassienie and editor Molly Littleboy.

The first book in the three-book deal is slated for autumn 2025 in hardback, titled How to Catch an Idea. Two further titles will publish in 2026 and 2027.

Graduating in 2023 from the Cambridge School of Art, Xiao 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. She was also one of the 2023 Bologna Illustrators Exhibition Winners.

"How to Catch an Idea follows a curious little girl as she tries to find the answer to this very big question: where do ideas come from?" HCG said.

Sassienie said: "It’s not often we meet creators with such a palpable creativity, energy and authenticity; we have all been completely and utterly enchanted by Forest and her immense talent, with her playful and joyful imagination. Her work is colourful, unique and brilliant. Forest is a début to watch out for, and we have a great sense of excitement throughout HCG in bringing her to our list."

Xiao, who spends her time across London and Malaysia, said: "How to Catch an Idea is a book that reflected my creative journey during my MA in Children’s Book Illustration, where our artistic seeds were nurtured and watered. I am so glad the book has found a welcoming home at the Hachette Children’s Group, which has the same vision. I am very much looking forward to our collaboration and seeing my ideas grow further."