The Grizzled Grist Does Not Exist!

  • Interest Level: Preschool - Grade 2
  • Reading Level: Grade 2

An exuberant read aloud story about a school trip outdoors with rhyming word play and madcap energy, set against the quiet observant Liam. From the award-winning creators of That’s Not a Hippopotamus.

It’s the class trip to Dismal Hills wilderness. The children aren’t worried about the legendary Grizzled Grist who lives here; they’re excited to show off their outdoor skills—foraging, climbing, trapping and hiking. No one’s impressed with quiet and observant Liam’s skill of hiding. But it turns out a hider can see what others think does not exist.

A hider moves with soundless ease and treads as softly as the breeze.
At times, a hider barely breathes—but what is this the hider sees?

When the children and their frazzled teacher walk confidently into disaster, observant Liam saves the day—a triumph for the quiet child no one notices.

This clever rhyming story for children aged 2 to 7 years features humor and call and refrain wordplay that will entertain toddlers, preschoolers and early readers. Children delight in spotting the elusive Grizzled Grist and identify with sweet Liam, the quiet but observant boy who no one listens to. Sarah Davis’s charming and lively illustrations tell a different story about where Liam and the Grist are hiding on every page. Perfect for reading together again and again as a family, in the school classroom or independently, this picture book features a cast of diverse characters and funny and curious children.

New Zealand born Juliette MacIver is the author of 19 much-loved picture books. She is studying part-time for a Master’s degree in Linguistics. Her popular books are regularly shortlisted for awards.

Sarah Davis has illustrated more than 30 books. She has won and been shortlisted for numerous awards in Australia and New Zealand.

Praise for The Grizzled Grist Does Not Exist!

“A bouncy read-aloud that will tickle children and adults alike.”—Kirkus Reviews

“An enchanting and triumphant tale for early-years adventurers, bursting with wonderment and the diversity of people, skills and nature.”—Books + Publishing

“Hilarious with lots to spot.”—Stuff, Best Books of 2022

“If you can write a book in which the phrase “It’s finis diem!” successfully rhymes with “He’s eaten Liam!” then I will be your friend for life.”—School Library Journal

“[T]his picture book is one of the best of the year.”—Bob’s Book Blog

“[T]he rhyme and rhythm, and playfulness of this story . . . is a skill MacIver works into all her books.”—Book Trailers 4 Kids and YA

“Juliette MacIver is so far ahead of the pack when it comes to perfect, lip-smacking rhyming books.”—The Sapling

“[E]very page is a visual delight.”—NZ Booklovers

“[A] perfect marriage of comic verse, cute rhymes and hilarious illustrations—destined to be a well-thumbed classic of tomorrow.”—The Source

“A celebration of the quiet child in the class who participates on the fringes of events or play, and notices what others don’t.”—What Book Next?

“With a bouncy rhyming cadence and humor, Juliette MacIver reminds us how important it is to listen to the quiet child as Sarah Davis’ vibrant illustrations take readers deep into the wilderness.”—Politics & Prose

Praise for That’s Not a Hippopotamus
“Good-natured, funny, and a fabulous readaloud to groups of kids.”—School Library Journal

“Will bring smiles to your face and cheers to your lips! Kids will ask for it again and again just for the pure joy of joining in the hippo hunt.”—Storywraps

“A fantastic romp to read aloud, wonderful to share so the nuances in the illustrations can be fully appreciated. Recommended.”—Magpies Magazine

Format Your Price Add
978-1-77657-415-5
$14.24
978-1-77657-418-6
$23.99
Available at all major wholesalers and distributors. Save 25% off list price on hardcovers and ebooks when you buy direct! Digital purchases will be accessed on Lerner Digital Bookshelf. An account will be created for you after purchase.
Interest Level Preschool - Grade 2
Reading Level Grade 2
Genre Picture Books
Category SEL: A Self-Awareness, SEL: B Self-Management, SEL: E Responsible Decision-Making, Social Emotional Learning
Copyright 2022
Publisher Lerner Publishing Group
Imprint Gecko Press ™
Language English
Number of Pages 36
Publication Date 2022-09-06
Text Type Fiction
BISACS JUV019000, JUV032170, JUV057000
Dewey [E]
Dimensions 10.2 x 9.8
Lexile 490
Features Original artwork, Reviewed, Teaching Guides, and eSource

Author: Juliette MacIver

Juliette MacIver is the author of 18 picture books. She has received the Storylines Notable Book Award six times, and has had multiple nominations for awards in NZ, Australia and the U.S. She recently won Best Picture Book in the NZ Book Awards for Children and Young Adults. Juliette lives with her husband and four children in Wellington.

Illustrator: Sarah Davis

Sarah Davis grew up in New Zealand. She won the 2009 Children’s Book Council of Australia’s Crichton Award for Best New Illustrator. She recently won Best Picture Book in the NZ Book Awards for Children and Young Adults. Sarah lives in Sydney, Australia.

Lerner eSource™ offers free digital teaching and learning resources, including Common Core State Standards (CCSS) teaching guides. These guides, created by classroom teachers, offer short lessons and writing exercises that give students specific instruction and practice using Common Core skills and strategies. Lerner eSource also provides additional resources including online activities, downloadable/printable graphic organizers, and additional educational materials that would also support Common Core instruction. Download, share, pin, print, and save as many of these free resources as you like!

The Grizzled Grist Does Not Exist!

An exuberant read aloud story about a school trip outdoors with rhyming word play and madcap energy, set against the quiet observant Liam. From the award-winning creators of That’s Not a Hippopotamus. It’s the class trip to Dismal Hills wilderness. The… View available downloads →

Meet the Publisher: Gecko Press

Lerner has the extreme privilege of distributing unique and celebrated children’s books from publishers both national and international. We’d like to take this opportunity to begin introducing them to you one at a time. First up is Gecko Press! Gecko Press is an independent,… View →

Reviews

Kirkus Reviews

“MacIver creates a bouncy read-aloud that will tickle children and adults alike. . . . Brave—and not so brave—hikers will giggle at this class’s brush with peril.”—Kirkus Reviews