Build Grit, Passion, and Confidence, One Day at a Time
In our fast-paced world, the mental health of our children is at stake. The relentless drive to “be the best” can leave kids feeling inadequate, isolated, and hopeless. As Jennifer Breheny Wallace writes in Never Enough, “When kids are made to feel that their worth is contingent on their performance, they begin to believe they are only as good as their last success.” Grit Pile Kidz is about changing that narrative, teaching kids to be intrinsically gritty in both body and mind. We help them understand they don’t need to be perfect; they just need to keep trying, learning, and growing. Resilience is a life-saving skill—and it starts with us as parents.
Grit is more than just a word, it’s a way of thinking and acting, a fire that burns inside and fuels perseverance and passion for long-term goals. It’s a philosophy of life. Grit means staying motivated not by rewards or pressure, but by an inner drive to improve and grow. It’s about strengthening both mind and body, showing up daily, embracing discomfort, and learning to thrive through effort and challenge. No matter how difficult the journey may be, find a way.
Get started today, and help your child build a balanced life rooted in strength, character, and heart.
Our Mission
At Grit Kore, we believe in a balanced approach to life, one that nurtures both body and mind. Our mission is to help children grow into independent, resilient, gritty, curious, and passionate individuals who are equipped to face life’s challenges with confidence.
We teach kids that building these qualities starts with daily habits: moving their bodies, engaging their minds, exploring their passions, and learning through every setback. These intrinsic life skills (determination, accountability, and self-motivation), aren’t inherited; they’re developed over time and apply far beyond sports or school. They’re the foundation for a strong, purposeful life.
Our book series, planner, and resources for parents, teachers, and coaches focus on shifting the narrative from external expectations to personal growth. We empower kids to follow their own path, embrace failure as part of learning, and stay curious about what excites them.
Through extensive research with therapists, physical trainers, and NHL athletes, developed an inspiring program which has transformative impact of a well-rounded lifestyle. Our real stories of athletes who’ve overcome adversity, show kids that success is not about perfection—it’s about persistence, passion, and belief in yourself.
Grit Pile Kidz Program & Tools for Growth
Three-Book Illustrated Series:
A captivating collection of illustrated children’s books based on real athlete journeys, designed to help kids develop grit through storytelling.
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Book 1: Komo’s Grit Engine, inspired by Mike Komisarek. A powerful story about discovering your passion and using it as fuel to grow.
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Book 2: MattyMo’s Grit Pile, inspired by Matt Moulson. A journey through rejection, resilience, and rising above doubt.
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Book 3: Coming Soon, inspired by NHL athlete. A journey about accountability, independence, and finding a way.
Each book is paired with our Grittivity Planner (ages 6-10) a daily mind-and-body journal filled with imaginative mind play, fun physical exercise, and creative prompts to build focus, emotional strength, and intrinsic grit. A holistic toolkit designed to train both body and mind.
Inspirational Merchandise:
Gear that reminds kids and teens of their inner strength, featuring motivational messages and designs that celebrate resilience and self-belief.
Short Story Teen Author Program:
A unique opportunity for teens to become published authors by writing short stories about someone who has inspired them, encouraging creativity, empathy, and confidence. Find out more
Lesson Plans for Coaches & Teachers:
Created in collaboration with professional athletes, educators, and child therapists to support character development in young athletes—on and off the field. Not sold online. Contact us for more info.
Best Selling
What's Happening Next
Featured on The Local Mom’s Network
Meet the Dads Behind a New Children’s Book About Grit: Former NHL Star Matt Moulson & Hockey Coach Greg Presseau
Instilling intrinsic grit in children is a high priority for parents but can feel like one of the more elusive goals of parenting. A new parent-founded publisher, Grit Pile Kidz, is sharing stories that instill passion and help kids find and build that all-important grit. Greg Presseau is a longtime hockey coach in addition to this day job in finance, and cofounded Grit Pile Kidz with illustrator Anika Charron who is leading a team in residential Real Estate. Their first subject and athlete contributor? Former NHL star Matt Moulson, who played 650 games in the league, including for the New York Islanders, Los Angeles Kings, Buffalo Sabres and Minnesota Wild. Now a dad of two, Matt is sharing his story with “Coach Greg” in MattyMo’s Grit Pile, now also available in paperback.
Grit Pile Kidz: Third Book in Series Coming This Spring/Summer!
We are thrilled to share that we are in the final stages of planning our third book, set to be published later this spring or early summer. Currently, we are evaluating potential collaborating athletes and their inspiring stories to find the perfect fit for the planned storyline, which focuses on accountability and finding a way.
The first book in our three-book series, Komo’s Grit Engine, highlights the importance of discovering your passion. The second book, MattyMo’s Grit Pile, explores themes of grit, commitment, and overcoming rejection. This upcoming and final addition to the trilogy will continue to inspire young readers with powerful lessons about accountability, owning your actions, overcoming obstacles, and forging a path toward success.
Stay tuned for more updates!
Grit Kidz Community
Join our GPK Club
Join our Grit Pile Kidz Club and receive email updates on book signings, events, new book and merchandise releases, along with access to free resources.
We love to hear about the progress of your Grit Pile! Share your grit pile progress with the GPK Community.
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Grit Pile Kidz LLC
PO BOX 75, 25 Old Kings Highway North, Darien, Connecticut 06880, United States