Frog's First Song, The

CBCA 2026 Shortlisted Book: Picture Books

A playful picture book about the joys of belonging and community from award-winning Wiradjuri poet Jazz Money and three-time Archibald Prize finalist Jason Phu.

First, the world is all dark. A little bit muddled and confused.
The only sound dripping water and small bubbles gurgling.
In that darkness and quiet, everyone is alone.
This is the world in the well.

And so begins the tale of how frogs came to croak in chorus at night-time. Inspired by Chinese parables and Dreaming stories, this debut picture book is a unique and melodic ode to taking chances, using your voice and coming together in song and dance.