Meg Fleming is the author of the new children's picture book The Everything Trail. Her many other books include Wondering Around. She lives in the San Francisco Bay area.
Q: What inspired you to write The Everything Trail, and how was the book’s title chosen?
A: The seed of the idea for The Everything Trail came to me while I was hiking through the redwoods in the Santa Cruz mountains a few months after much of the forest was destroyed by wildfires. My sister’s family and community lives there, and so many homes and habitats were destroyed in that fire – including significant portions of Henry Cowell Redwoods and Big Basin Redwoods State Park.
It was the following spring when the trail reopened and I went for this hike. My mom has always said “the earth reclaims itself.” When I returned to these woods and saw the ferns unfurling over the ash and under the watchful eye of the giant, protective redwoods, I was struck with gratitude and wanted to save the entirety of the moment. The earth did its thing and reclaimed itself, and I was inspired to appreciate every bit of it.
The title of this book was the last thing to happen. Usually my titles come early in the creative process, but since the final manuscript underwent so much revision and I didn’t have a title for much of the time.
After the ink was dry, I had to take a long step away from my previous title and decide what this story truly meant. I knew how I wanted the title to sound syllabically, but I obviously needed the right words! I tested out many before I finally asked, “What do all these special places, critters, plants and rocks mean to me?” And then it was clear. The answer is Everything.
Q: What do you think Chuck Groenink’s illustrations add to the book?
A: Can I use my above answer again?!
Chuck Groenink’s illustrations in this book are exquisite. (And everything.) He not only captured the entirety of the forest in both magical and educational ways, but he captured the feelings you feel when you step on a trail to explore – be it wonder, curiosity, delight or deep contentment.
And it’s so playful and fun! Chuck has given readers a needed experience.
If you’d like to see awe in action, make a cup of tea and pore over Chuck’s illustrations in this book.
Q: The Booklist review of the book says, “Delightful shifts in perspective and panoramic scenes . . . should captivate story time audiences and immerse lap listeners. The sort of read-aloud one closes with a smile; readers will long to revisit these woods.” What do you think of that description?
A: This description is heart-food. There’s nothing more meaningful than when someone reads your story and you can tell right away that they truly get it.
I love the mention of the perspective shifts in this book; it’s an interactive component that involves the reader and truly captures the awe and wonder found in nature. That last line about longing and revisiting the woods is deeply complimentary. I’m truly honored by these words.
Q: What do you hope kids take away from the book?
A: Interestingly, it’s been summed up above so well by Booklist! I hope for a return to the woods and the great outside. Getting outside is an essential move for both humanity and the wild world. It’s good out there. Appreciate it, revel in it, and be amazed. Outside best way to restore, to connect and to be inspired.
I hope that kids and their grownups will read this book and then say, “Where would you like to walk? What would you like to see? Let’s go find what we find!”
Q: What are you working on now?
A: Oooh! Good question! I am wrapping up the final touches on my next book with Beach Lane Books. It’s funny, it’s true and it’s called Pretty Close, but Not the Same: A Side-by-side Look at Confusable Critters.
The illustrations by Steph Stilwell are informative and hilarious – complete with both serious and sideways glances by animals who would prefer to be correctly identified. It’s gonna be a hoot!
Pretty Close, but Not the Same comes out in June 2026, so keep an eye out! (Or two.)
I’m also working on a couple projects that I hope will see their way into the world. I can’t share much about those because they’re in development – but I sure do love them!
Q: Anything else we should know?
A: Yes! In a few weeks I’ll be traveling with the Children’s Book Creators for Conservation to South Africa to research and explore ways of rewilding our much needed habitats, providing resources to take care of our growing list of endangered species and taking steps to educate people on strengthening our natural world.
I am so excited to be joining this team founded by Hayley and John Rocco. You can learn more about it here.
Thanks so much for having me, it's a pleasure to chat!
--Interview with Deborah Kalb
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