Juliette MacIver is so far ahead of the pack when it comes to perfect, lip-smacking rhyming books.
The Sapling (NZ)
The Grizzled Grist Does Not Exist
An exuberant rhyming picture book about a school trip to the hills, where no one sees the danger—apart from quiet Liam, who pays attention and saves the day with his particular skill of hiding.
White Ravens Award 2023
Funky Kids Radio Global Picture Book Award, Winner 2022
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. 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.
From the world of That’s Not a Hippopotamus also written by Juliette MacIver and Sarah Davis.
Author Q&A | Look inside video | Activity sheet
Ebook available wherever you buy your ebooks
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Book Details
Country of Origin New Zealand Reader Age 2-5 year Book Size 25 × 26 cm 25 × 26 cm 25 × 26 cm 25 × 26 cm ISBN TheGrizzledGristDoesNotExist TheGrizzledGristDoesNotExist 9781776574155 9781776574162
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Reviews
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Reviews
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Read Plus –
A brilliant story that should be shared just for the fun of it.
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Kids Read the World –
Reminiscent of The Gruffalo in the best ways possible – it becomes more enjoyable, and entertaining on every read.
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Big Books for Little Hands –
Sure to capture your heart.
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Armadillo Magazine –
‘Whisk’ is only the first of the highly inventive rhymes for ‘Grist/exist’ that ‘persist’ all the way through this delightful picture book, which will be great fun to read aloud and share with children who might join in.
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Just Imagine –
An empowering read for those quieter children… a book to revisit and savour.
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Swings & Roundabouts –
A fun read-aloud with rhyming text and comical illustrations
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Stuff –
Best books of 2022
Hilarious with lots to spot. -
Poetry Box – Paula Green –
The kind of book that gladdens your heart as both reader and writer, and reminds you Aotearoa children’s books are in the best of hands.
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Politics and Prose –
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.
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The Sapling –
Juliette MacIver is so far ahead of the pack when it comes to perfect, lip-smacking rhyming books.
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Lancashire Evening Post –
A picture perfect story, laughs galore, and a call and refrain wordplay that will enchant toddlers, pre-schoolers and early readers.
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NZ Booklovers –
A fun and energetic read that will delight readers of all ages.
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What Book Next –
A celebration of the quiet child in the class who participates on the fringes of events or play, and notices what others don’t.
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The Source –
The Grizzled Grist Does Not Exist is a perfect marriage of comic verse, cute rhymes and hilarious illustrations – destined to be a well-thumbed classic of tomorrow.
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Kids Books NZ –
Gorgeous rhythmic rhyming language, humour, and twists.
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Northumberland News –
An entertaining, rhyming story that is particularly good for adults to read aloud to children.
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Bob’s Books Blog –
This picture book is one of the best of the year.
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School Library Journal, Betsy Bird –
It’s like I always say. 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.
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Books + Publishing –
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.
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Kirkus Reviews –
Using a mix of rhyming couplets and longer stanzas as well as creative line breaks, 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.
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Available worldwide from your local bookstore or online.
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White Ravens Award 2023 –
Selected for the White Ravens Award 2023