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If I Had a Gryphon

Author Vikki VanSickle
Illustrated by Cale Atkinson
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Hardcover
$16.99 US
Tundra | Tundra Books
9.27"W x 9.27"H x 0.42"D   | 14 oz | 24 per carton
On sale Feb 09, 2016 | 32 Pages | 9781770498099
Age 3-7 years
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.

© Connie Tsang
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
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
  • 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
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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.”

About

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.

Creators

© Connie Tsang
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
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

Awards

  • 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

Praise

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.”

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