Behind the Book
The idea for Grayson the Giraffe Climbs a Mountain began one quiet evening while I was reading a bedtime story with my wonderful step-daughter. As we turned the pages, she asked me about the time I climbed a mountain in Africa. I showed her photos from my trip to Tanzania — the sweeping views, the whispering clouds, and the amazing animals along the way. Mount Meru. Mount Kilimanjaro. And a little safari action.
When she spotted the giraffes, her face lit up.
“Did the giraffes climb the mountain with you?” she asked.
I laughed — giraffes can’t climb mountains... or could they?
That single moment of wonder stuck with me. It reminded me how children see the world — not through limits, but through imagination. That spark became the seed for this story: the tale of a gentle giraffe who dares to dream bigger than anyone thought possible.
Behind the Story
Grayson the Giraffe Climbs a Mountain is more than a bedtime story: it’s a message about courage, curiosity, and enjoying the journey (not just the destination!).
The story was based on my own adventure to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro — a climb filled with challenge, humility, and absolute awe. Each step on that journey became a quiet reminder that real strength isn’t about size or speed; it’s about perseverance and belief.
Through Grayson’s eyes, I wanted to capture that feeling for young readers: the excitement of adventure, the importance of trying again after setbacks, and the magic of learning something new every day.
My hope is that Grayson the Giraffe ignites a lifelong love of learning — encouraging children to ask questions, explore new paths, and discover the incredible things they can do one small step at a time.
About the Author
Stuart King is a multi-award-winning engineer, problem solver, and storyteller who believes that courage, curiosity, and compassion can change the world — one small step at a time.
By day, Stuart works in solid waste management engineering, tackling complex environmental projects that help build cleaner, more sustainable communities. By night, he’s a dreamer and creator — inspired by real adventures, meaningful challenges, and the people (and animals) who remind him why every step counts.
A lifelong learner, adventurer and animal lover, Stuart has chased horizons across the world — from the peaks of Mount Meru and Mount Kilimanjaro to the high trails of the Salkantay Pass trek to Machu Picchu. Each climb reminds him to slow down in the moment, stay curious, and find joy in the simple things: a great cup of coffee, a challenging hike, a thoughtful conversation, and the endless adventure of learning something new.
Home is Nova Scotia, where he lives with his incredible partner, Brittany, his bright and imaginative step-daughter, their newborn daughter (already proving to be his tiniest and most inspiring motivator!), and three cats who supervise every creative project. When he’s not reading, writing or with his family, you’ll find him on his motorcycle, at the gym, watching or playing sports, or experimenting with a new vegan recipe in the kitchen — always chasing good vibes and the next great adventure.
Through his work — both as an engineer and now as an author — Stuart hopes to inspire others to dream big, learn endlessly, and take that first step toward the things that scare them most. Because, as Grayson teaches us, every big climb begins the same way: one step at a time.
Contact
Have a question, a kind word, or a story about how Grayson inspired you? I’d love to hear from you.
Whether you’re reaching out about your order, a collaboration, or just to share your child’s favorite part of the book, please use this form or send me a note directly — I read and respond to every message myself.
📧 stuart@graysonthegiraffe.ca
(For media or partnership inquiries, please include “Press” or “Partnership” in your subject line.)
Your message means a lot — thanks for helping Grayson’s journey grow one step at a time. 🦒