Laila Ekboir worked as a freelance illustrator for many years in Buenos Aires, Argentina before completing an MA in children’s book illustration at the Cambridge School of Art.

Drawing inspiration from everyday moments and childhood memories of living in California, Mexico City, and Buenos Aires, Laila’s art is colourful, warm and rich in texture. She works by hand, exploring a variety of materials and using digital tools to make her work pop, but her favourite medium is printmaking.

Laila enjoys telling whimsical stories with quirky characters, as well as exploring the themes of home, memory, identity and belonging delicately and thoughtfully.

Laila says: I’m thrilled that We Are Like Birds was shortlisted for the Shropshire Bookfest Picture Book Award by the readers who matter most – kids.

Flor and her family are definitely doing a celebratory dance in their living room!