I first learned about the Hula painted frog when I was doing research for my book LIVING FOSSILS: Clues to the Past. It turns out that the Hula painted frog's closest relative is an ancient frog known only from its fossil remains, and is thus a living fossil. I was intrigued by the story of its discovery and the connection to its ancient relatives.
I thank the editors of The School Magazine for publishing my story, and illustrator, Marjorie Crosby-Fairall, for her artwork that brings this tiny amphibian and its environment to life.