The Grizzled Grist Does Not Exist

1It’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. No one’s impressed with 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, little Liam saves the day—a triumph for the quiet child no one notices.

“"Signs say a Grizzled Grist hides in the woods. Should Ms. Whisk and her class be afraid? Optimistically, they forge ahead on the Dismal Hills hiking trail anyway. Ms. Whisk takes notes as her students, except for Liam, boast of great outdoor skills, such as cooking, climbing, and taming wild beasts. Liam's talent is hiding. The other students scoff, but Liam puts his stealth to good use; as he hides behind rocks, he notices a sign about the Grizzled Grist and observes other clues. But his warnings are ignored as the clueless and frazzled Ms. Whisk races from one wilderness crisis to another. Everyone remains unscathed and unfazed--until they meet a bear. Liam distracts the creature, but soon after, Ms. Whisk and the class come face to face with a toothy, hairy beast. They are doomed to be ingredients in the Grizzled Grist's Cream of Children Soup unless Liam can save them. Detailed illustrations in soft textures and muted but eye-catching hues set against a white background create plenty of fun opportunities to find Liam and see what only he notices. Using a mix of rhyming couplets (with dialogue from Liam in speech bubbles) and longer stanzas as well as creative line breaks, MacIver creates a bouncy read-aloud that will tickle children and adults alike. Ms. Whisk is light-skinned, Liam is brown-skinned, and the class is diverse. (This book was reviewed digitally.) Brave--and not so brave--hikers will giggle at this class's brush with peril."--Kirkus Reviews”

Following the international success of That's Not a Hippopotamus, linguist Juliette MacIver returns with The Grizzled Grist Does Not Exist, an irresistible, rhyming rollick through the wilderness. While Ms Whisk and her class keenly stride up Dismal Hills with all their outdoor skills at the ready, quiet Liam, the 'hider', 'moves with soundless ease and treads as softly as the breeze'. The intrepid observer notices danger, but frazzled Ms Whisk repeatedly exclaims, 'The Grizzled Grist does not exist,' while also incessantly wrangling the other heedless students. The playful lyrical verse and repetitive refrain add to the suspenseful wit as Liam persists, consuming readers with excitement as the plot leads the class straight into the Grizzled Grist's trap. Sarah Davis's illustrations are full of energy and personality as she renders her haughty mythical creature and her characters ensnared into bewilderment. The combinations of soft, earthy watercolours, defined lines and palpable textures capture the depth of the wilderness, popping with the lively colours of raucous children, spring, and yellow beastly eyes! Championing the feats of the 'hiders' of this world, this vibrant and charming picture book is an enchanting and triumphant tale for early-years adventurers, bursting with wonderment and the diversity of people, skills and nature. Romi Sharp is a picture book writer and digital marketer for children's authors and publishers.

Juliette MacIver is a picture-book writer and mother of four, who lives in Wellington, New Zealand. Juliette majored in Linguistics at Victoria University, Wellington, and has a diploma in teaching English. Her popular books are regularly shortlisted for awards.

Sarah Davis is a leading illustrator living in Sydney, Australia, with a wide portfolio of award-winning books. She has won and been shortlisted for numerous awards in Australia and New Zealand.

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