Comeback Creatures : Discover the Wild Things Once Thought Extinct?

Discover animals once thought extinct—found alive and thriving in the wild!

Earth is full of surprises. Every year, thousands of species vanish—gone, presumed extinct, lost forever . . . or are they?

On rare occasions, creatures believed to have disappeared have been rediscovered by scientists and local communities. From the black-footed ferret, thought wiped out by disease until one turned up on a Wyoming porch, to the Pinocchio lizard, a quirky, long-nosed reptile hiding in Ecuador’s cloud forests, these comeback stories span the globe.

Comeback Creatures is packed with inspiring tales of animals that beat the odds. It features:

• Over 50 rediscovered species—from tiny frogs and rare reptiles to giant tortoises and singing dogs.
• Immersive habitat spreads that explore rainforests, deserts, islands, and oceans.
• Flip-to-reveal pages uncovering the fascinating story behind each rediscovery.
• Compendium snapshots highlighting even more species that defied extinction.
• Tips to become a wildlife detective and protect nature in your own backyard.
• A helpful glossary to explain key conservation and science terms.

Written by award-winning children’s author Leisa Stewart-Sharpe and brought to life with stunning illustrations by Lucy Rose, Comeback Creatures is a hopeful, eye-opening look at conservation and the resilience of nature. 

Leisa Stewart-Sharpe is an author of children's non-fiction and picture books. Born in Bundaberg, Australia, Leisa grew up fascinated by wild places and even wilder animals. As an adult, Leisa brings that fascination to a wide array of children's books, taking in everything from chocolate to buried treasure and sharks to environmental activism. Her works include the companion books to the BBC's Blue Planet II, The Green Planet and Frozen Planet II, as well as Happy Stories for Animal Lovers (Ivy Kids, 2023) and The Comeback Creatures (Wide Eyed Editions, 2024). Leisa lives in England with her family.

Lucy Rose is a UK based illustrator that graduated from Falmouth University in 2015 with a BA Hons in Illustration. She is inspired by vintage prints, art-deco posters and textile pattern, influencing her choice of muted/vintage colors and often pattern-like compositions. Lucy has also always loved the print process and this is reflected in her work with organic textures and graphic layering. Living in Devon, UK, she takes huge inspiration from the countryside and sea that is on her doorstep.