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If I Had a Gryphon

Author Vikki VanSickle On Tour

Illustrated by Cale Atkinson

Board Book

$9.99 US

| $12.99 CAN

Tundra | Tundra Books

On sale Oct 02, 2018 | 30 Pages | 9780735264656

Age 0-3 years | Up to Preschool

Reading Level: Lexile AD730L | Fountas & Pinnell J

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Sam just got a hamster for a pet. But the hamster is kind of boring ... he just eats and sleeps and gets his shavings wet. Inspired by her book of mythological creatures, Sam longs for a more exciting pet. But she soon realizes that taking care of these magical beasts might not be as wonderful as she thought. Sasquatches are messy, unicorns are shy, hippogriffs scare the dogs at the dogpark, and having a fire extinguisher handy at all times makes dragons seem like an awful lot of work. In the end, Sam realizes that her hamster is a pretty sweet and safe pet ... or is he?
If I Had a Gryphon is a raucous rhyming read-aloud about fantastical beasts in everyday situations--and the increasingly beleaguered heroine who has to deal with them.

WINNER | 2017
Rainforest of Reading Award
SHORTLIST | 2017
Ruth and Sylvia Schwartz Children’s Book Awards
FINALIST | 2017
Shining Willow Award
NOMINEE | 2017
Chocolate Lily Award
SELECTION | 2016
New York Public Library 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing
NOMINEE | 2016
Blue Spruce Award

One of Book Riot's 50 Must-Read Fantasy Books for Kids, 2018
One of Book Riot's 38 Children’s Book Gift Ideas for Clueless Grown-Ups, 2018
One of CCBC’S Best Books for Kids & Teens (Spring 2019)

PRAISE FOR If I Had a Gryphon:

"Just right after all. VanSickle delivers lean, bouncy verse and an impressive array of offbeat creatures, while Atkinson's illustrations are bold and hint at dynamic motion." --Kirkus Reviews

“VanSickle’s rhymes are unflaggingly exuberant as the girl puts up with noisy harpies, biting chupacabras, and mischievous fairies, and Atkinson fills the pages with visual comedy.” --Publishers Weekly

“[T]he whimsical, rhyming story of a girl’s desire for the perfect pet is a fun and fabulous examination of being careful what you wish for and happy with what you have.” --Quill & Quire

"The humorous storyline, the strong rhyming scheme, and the bold illustrations by Cale Atkinson make If I Had a Gryphon a marvellous addition to the picture book genre. Sure to be a favourite among fantasy fans and those contemplating what their perfect pet might be—mythical or otherwise!” --CM Magazine

“[P]rovides a unique intro to the differences between myths and reality for little learners.” --Teacher Librarian

“[P]rovides a unique intro to the differences between myths and reality for little learners.”

VIKKI VANSICKLE is the author of a number of acclaimed novels for children including The Lightning Circle, Words That Start With B; Summer Days, Starry Nights; the award-winning The Winnowing; and picture books How to Decorate a Christmas Tree, If I Had a Gryphon; Teddy Bear of the Year; and Anonymouse. Vikki started her career as an independent bookseller and worked in children's publishing for twelve years. In addition to writing, she curates and presents regular book segments for CTV Your Morning. Currently, she lives and writes in Toronto. View titles by Vikki VanSickle

CALE ATKINSON is an illustrator, writer and animator living lakeside in Kelowna, British Columbia, whose books include Sir Simon: Super Scarer, Where Oliver Fits, Monsters 101, Unicorns 101, and the Simon and Chester graphic novel series to name a few. Cale is assisted in his artistic endeavors by Charlie, a wise and noble floof. View titles by Cale Atkinson