The frog's first song by Jazz Money. Illus. by Jason Phu

This debut picture book is resplendent in simplicity. Jazz Money, a Wiradjuri poet and artist, has created a masterful tale that holds the illusion of quietness but delivers a wonderfully poignant message. Taking inspiration from Chinese parables and First Nations creation stories, The Frog's First Song begins with a world of black (an underground well), 'a little bit muddled and confused' where everyone is alone and everything is quiet. The very first song (a croak from a frog) is a surprise to all, but as with most things in life, it's with one little thing that almost everything begins.

The change from white lines on pitch black is dramatically disrupted as the singing frog becomes bright green. 'This is the sound that changed the darkness'. More and more frogs join in, their joy contagious and their song one of 'friendship and family, and with it the frogs feel brave'. They travel further up than anyone else ever has, into the light at the top of the well, until they emerge onto the ground in the light of the moon. 'The frogs sing their wonder and excitement into this new world' and moon and frogs alike take delight in each other and their respective beauty.  The allegory is clearly spelled out on the final page; that even in dark times coming together to sing, dance or tell stories makes the world a brighter place. 

Don't be fooled by the unassuming front cover. This is storytelling at its finest, with illustrations that sing. It's also a lovely message, easily accessible to children, that uniting with others for joyful experiences is a vital part of the human experience that we shouldn't feel guilty about, despite the sometimes dark world we inhabit. The text has a large potential audience, whom will connect with its themes on differing levels. There is also a Chinese parable (obviously a major inspiration) titled The Frog at the Bottom of the Well that would make an excellent companion text. 

Themes: Parables/Creation Stories, Community and Belonging, Courage.

Nicole Nelson