*Shortlisted for the 2026 Peters Children's Book of the Year Award*
*Shortlisted for the 2025 Children's Wrainwright Prize for Non-Fiction*
*Longlisted for the UKLA 2026 Book Awards*

If frogs come from eggs,
and eggs come from frogs,
where did the first frog come from?

This is the incredible story of how frogs came to be. To find out, we go all the way back to the very beginning. Before frogs, dinosaurs, planet Earth – before even the stars existed . . . back 13.7 billion years to the moment just before the universe began. And from there, through Isabel Thomas’s beautifully lyrical text and Daniel Egnéus’s breathtaking illustrations, we are transported through time to the evolution of the very first frogs.
The story of frog is an epic; an adventure in space and time. It’s a story still being told, in every garden, every pond and every corner of our extraordinary planet.

Beautiful artwork and a lyrical text help children understand physics, chemistry and life on Earth. * The Bookseller *
An awe-inspiring introduction to cosmic evolution that makes the universe’s story feel both intimate and infinite. * Kirkus Reviews *
A powerful work covering the big and small story of the creation of the universe, this is an excellent addition to a classroom library with accessible language and illustrations that speak to both younger and older learners * School Library Journal *
An engaging introduction for curious children beginning to ask big questions * Booklist *
Thomas’s direct language, with just the right degree of poetic resonance, pairs powerfully with Egnéus’s atmospheric images; this is the perfect book for talking to children about death. * The Guardian on FOX: A CIRCLE OF LIFE STORY *
A rare pleasure * Wall Street Journal on MOTH *
A stunning visual experience * Books for Keeps on MOTH *
Isabel Thomas’s infectious enthusiasm for her subject clearly comes through on every page, sure to inspire a new generation of science lovers. * Through the Bookshelf *
For the curious and inquisitive child, I imagine that this is a book to be poured over again and again. * Just Imagine Reviews *
A riot of colour, the thoughtful design results in a visual feast, an unforgettable and vibrant introduction to evolution. If there was ever a book to spark curiosity and inspire wonder, this is it! * SLA Information Book Award 2026 Judges *

Isabel Thomas is a science writer and the author of a galaxy of books for young audiences. They include Moth: An Evolution Story, illustrated by Daniel Egnéus, which won the AAAS/Subaru Prize for Excellence in Science Books. She also writes for science magazines including The Week Junior Science + Nature. Isabel studied Human Sciences at the University of Oxford and Education Research at the University of Cambridge. Find out more at isabelthomas.co.uk | Instagram: @isabelthomasbooks

Daniel Egnéus is a prolific artist who has illustrated numerous books, including several Neil Gaiman titles and the much-loved picture book, Be Wild, Little One by Olivia Hope. He is also a well-regarded fashion artist, illustrating for the likes of Chanel, H&M, Nike and many more. He is based in Athens, Greece. X and Instagram: @danielegneus