Shortlisted for the Wainwright Prize for Children’s Picture Books 2025

Travel back to the very beginning of time in this awe-inspiring children’s picture book about evolution and the origin of frogs. Written with lyrical beauty by award-winning author Isabel Thomas and brought vividly to life with breathtaking illustrations by Daniel Egnéus, this is a story that spans the universe itself.

Before frogs leapt in ponds, before dinosaurs roamed the Earth, before even our planet or the stars existed, the journey begins 13.7 billion years ago, at the dawn of the universe. From that first spark, readers are carried through the story of life’s evolution, arriving at the moment when the very first frogs came to be.

This epic tale is more than a scientific journey, it is a poetic adventure through space and time. With every page, children discover how life is interconnected, and how the story of frogs is still unfolding today in gardens, ponds and ecosystems across our extraordinary planet.

A stunning science picture book for children, this title combines factual wonder with visual splendour, making it perfect for curious minds, classrooms, and families who love books about nature, the environment, and the mysteries of life on Earth. Ideal for ages 4+, and a must-have for fans of educational picture books that blend science with exciting storytelling.