The Story
★ "Offers a realistic, joyful depiction of a young adventurer and reflects the author's experience as an outdoor educator. A standout debut that will inspire young readers to explore the outdoors." -- School Library Journal (SLJ), starred review
The tiny hiker finishes loading up her pack and excitedly gets on the trail, leading her family through the ancient trees toward their beach campsite.
At first it's fun to explore--she finds a hollow log, wriggles under a fallen tree, and spots a slimy slug! But then the trail starts getting steeper, and when her legs get tired, she trips on a root and takes a hard fall. Now her knee hurts, her elbows hurt...everything hurts! She just wants to give up.
But after a little break, a tasty snack and an exciting glimpse of the beach, the tiny hiker feels better and decides she will make it. With one final scamper over some giant beach logs, she finds the beach. Time to play! And at the end of the long day, after sitting by the campfire, the tiny hiker gets cozy in her sleeping bag and falls fast asleep.
Author: Natasha Zimmers
Publisher: Orca Book Publishers
Published: 03/17/2026
Pages: 32
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.95lbs
Size: 11.00h x 9.00w x 0.40d
ISBN: 9781459842908
Audience: Ages 4-8
Review Citation(s):
School Library Journal 12/12/2025 pg. 1
Booklist 03/01/2026
About the Author
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.
Jaimie MacGibbon is a children's book illustrator living in the mountains of British Columbia, Canada. She has always loved stories and storytelling. When she isn't doing so with art and books, Jaimie enjoys telling stories onstage, participating in community theater. Jaimie loves using expressive line work, playing with light and drawing characters that are full of life.
Description
★ "Offers a realistic, joyful depiction of a young adventurer and reflects the author's experience as an outdoor educator. A standout debut that will inspire young readers to explore the outdoors." -- School Library Journal (SLJ), starred review
The tiny hiker finishes loading up her pack and excitedly gets on the trail, leading her family through the ancient trees toward their beach campsite.
At first it's fun to explore--she finds a hollow log, wriggles under a fallen tree, and spots a slimy slug! But then the trail starts getting steeper, and when her legs get tired, she trips on a root and takes a hard fall. Now her knee hurts, her elbows hurt...everything hurts! She just wants to give up.
But after a little break, a tasty snack and an exciting glimpse of the beach, the tiny hiker feels better and decides she will make it. With one final scamper over some giant beach logs, she finds the beach. Time to play! And at the end of the long day, after sitting by the campfire, the tiny hiker gets cozy in her sleeping bag and falls fast asleep.
Author: Natasha Zimmers
Publisher: Orca Book Publishers
Published: 03/17/2026
Pages: 32
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.95lbs
Size: 11.00h x 9.00w x 0.40d
ISBN: 9781459842908
Audience: Ages 4-8
Review Citation(s):
School Library Journal 12/12/2025 pg. 1
Booklist 03/01/2026
About the Author
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.
Jaimie MacGibbon is a children's book illustrator living in the mountains of British Columbia, Canada. She has always loved stories and storytelling. When she isn't doing so with art and books, Jaimie enjoys telling stories onstage, participating in community theater. Jaimie loves using expressive line work, playing with light and drawing characters that are full of life.
