Vendor
	Mohrbooks Literary Agency Annelie Geissler
Categories
Children’s picture books

THE FROG'S FIRST SONG

Jazz Money Jason Phu

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

First, the world is all dark. A little bit muddled and confused.

The only sounds 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 First Nations Creation stories, this debut picture book is a unique and melodic ode to taking chances, using your voice and coming together in song and dance.

JAZZ MONEY is a Wiradjuri poet and artist whose work spans installation, digital, performance, film and print. Their writing has been widely published nationally and internationally, and performed on stages around the world. Jazz has published two award-winning collections of poetry, how to make a basket (UQP, 2021) and mark the dawn (UQP, 2024). The Frog's First Song is their first children's picture book. https://www.jazz.money/

JASON PHU is an artist working across a wide range of mediums, including printmaking, painting and performance. His work references folk tales, family history and funny jokes. Sometimes it includes imagery from comics, cartoons and Chan paintings. He is a four-time finalist for the Archibald Prize and won the Sulman Prize in 2015. https://www.jasonphu.com/

Available products
Book Published 2025-07-01 by UQP University of Queensland Press - St Lucia (AUS)

Comments

The power of community and friendship are beautifully explored through The Frog's First Song, reminding us all that even in dark times, no one needs to be alone ... A book that should be on every library shelf.

A very promising voice.

Money's poetry is at once tender and sharp, clear-eyed and lyrical. I know I'll return to it again and again.

Beautiful and lyrical.

Jazz Money is not just a talented poet, but also an incredible artist and filmmaker. [They] have an exquisite artistry with words. Reading these poems feels like a gift.

This is so much more than a story about a little frog being alone in the darkness and uttering a tentative first croak, especially if it inspires just one little person to do the same.

Jason Phu's illustrations absolutely burst with character, capturing the joy of friendship and shared songs, while Jazz Money's words flow with a simple, undeniable beauty.

Playful and surprising... an exquisite, unique package that will be adored by children aged 3+ and artists.

Jazz Money rebirths the art of storytelling .

Money's voice is lyrical yet sharp.

Jazz's poetry sings and calls to us on every page, within each line, sometimes quietly but also with roaring energy.