Debut author Natasha Zimmers has written a sweet, rhyming picture book that encourages young readers to explore the outdoors. The titular tiny hiker is excited for her first backpacking trip to camp on the beach, but when the trail is much more difficult than she expected, she has to find a way to keep going—even when she wants to give up. Read on to hear from the author!
What inspired you to write Tiny Hiker?
I’ve always loved hiking, but it took on new magic when I started hiking with my own kids. It was so fun to see the world through their eyes, and I started really noticing nature in a way I had forgotten once I became a boring adult. I also loved seeing them be so determined and capable in the outdoors, and I wanted a story that showed the type of adventure our family loves best.
While working on this book, what was your process for bringing the lyrical text to life?
Even though descriptions aren’t needed in the words, thanks to Jaimie MacGibbon’s fantastic art, I looked at photos of our backpacking trips to capture all the fun (and not so fun) parts of a big hike. Once I had all the events in the story down, I read it out loud many times to test if the words sounded just right in the pattern I had chosen. I liked how the rhythm made me think of hiking. I used the song, “Do You Know the Muffin Man” to make sure each page had the same rhythm.
What was your favorite part about writing this book? Do you have a favorite illustration?
I loved reliving our adventures on the trail and getting to tell a story that will hopefully encourage other families to try backpacking! My favorite illustration is the scene where the Tiny Hiker is frustrated and exhausted and she just wants to be done with the hike. I love how Jaimie showed the rest of her group just giving her the space she needs. I also love that the squirrel is ready to be done with this adventure too!
Have you been on hikes where you felt like you couldn’t keep going? How did you get through that?
I’m not very good at taking breaks on hikes, especially if there are mosquitos! They tend to leave you alone when you’re moving but come to find you as soon as you stop. I usually need a rest and am too stubborn to take one, so if I’m feeling like I can’t keep going, I put on some bug spray and force myself to stop for a bit. I also like to take pictures when I’m really tired because it gives me a creative reason to slow down and enjoy the moment.
Your parents also took you on outdoor adventures when you were a tiny hiker! What were some of your favorites?
One of the beach hikes that I do often with my kids is actually one my family did when I was a kid! I have lots of memories of exploring the tide pools, climbing the sea stacks and balancing on the driftwood. It’s so fun to see elements of this special place shown in the illustrations of Tiny Hiker.
If you could give aspiring young hikers a word of encouragement or advice, what would that be?
For young hikers, I think making your hike into an adventure is the best thing you can do! Enjoy looking for peekaboo spots, special snack spots and places to climb and play along the way. Don’t forget to look for slugs, monster leaves and maybe a mischievous squirrel as you go. The hike might feel hard, but you’ll be so proud of yourself for pushing through those tough moments.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
I’m so glad I get to spend time in nature with my family and friends. Being outside makes me so happy, and I hope that Tiny Hiker will help other families enjoy the great outdoors as well!
Natasha Zimmers loves being outside in all seasons and weather, but her favorite place to be is on a wild west coast beach, backpacking with her own not-so-tiny hikers. She teaches outdoor education and loves seeing the world through the eyes of her students as they discover the wonders of nature. She lives in Western Washington.