We Are Like Birds

Shortlisted for the 2026 Klaus Flugge Prize and the 2026 Shropshire Bookfest Picture Book Award.

A gorgeous and joyful debut picture book from Argentinian illustrator Laila Ekboir about moving home, making new friends and embracing change!

Flora is only seven years old and has moved home three times. Now her family is moving again and she has to start all over again in a new country and a new school.

A beautiful, lyrical picture book about moving home, finding new friends and a sense of belonging in a new culture. The perfect, uplifting story for any child who feels like they don’t fit in or who is worried about the prospect of moving country, home or school and having to start over.

Reviews

Established in 2016, the Klaus Flugge Prize is awarded to the most promising and exciting newcomer to children’s picture book illustration. From a longlist of 18, the panel of judges have chosen six to shortlist and praised the illustrators for their skill and originality and for the inventiveness of their storytelling.

Flor is only seven but she is moving for the third time. We watch as she leaves her old home behind and begins to settle in a new home, school and country. Readers can see how hard this is but as she begins to find her feet, she makes friends and becomes more confident sharing her heritage. This book takes a difficult topic and makes it joyful, say the KF judges. The characterisation is excellent and the pacing just as good and there’s a skillful mix of light and shade.

About the author

London-based author-illustrator 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.