The Everything Trail

by Meg Fleming, Chuck Groenink (illustrator)

Come along on an eye-popping journey through the forest with a group of young explorers ready to discover everything nature has to offer in this lyrical, awe-inspiring picture book.

The wind waves its hand.
The trees take a bow.
Everything’s big.
And everything’s small…

From giant redwoods to tiny saplings, steep canyons to shallow creeks, and soaring eagles to crawling critters, there are endless wonders to discover along a trail through the forest. This sweeping story of a day spent in nature will inspire young readers to soak in all the marvels, big and small, that surround them.

Genres: Picture Books, Nature, Childrens, Adventure, Storytime, Juvenile, Animals

32 pages, Hardcover

Published August 26, 2025

About the author

Meg Fleming is an award-winning children’s book author, a fan of all dogs and a big-time laugher. Also, a voice teacher, Meg draws on her love of rhythm, rhyme, and lyricism to create and imagine stories.

Meg is the author of Sounds Like School Spirit (illus. Lucy Ruth Cummins), which landed the #1 spot of The Today Show’s list of Best Back-to-School books, Sometimes Rain (illus. Diana Sudyka), an ALA Top 10 Picture Book for Sustainability, I Heart You (illus. Sarah Jane Wright), a Children’s Fiction Honoree Winner from the Society of Midland Authors, Ready, Set, Sail! (illus. Luke Flowers), an Illinois Good Reads selection, Here Comes Ocean (illus. Paola Zakimi) and Ready, Set, Build! (illus. Jarvis)—all of which have received critical acclaim from Kirkus, Publishers Weekly, School Library Journal, The Washington Post and the like… but most importantly, Meg’s books have become beloved treasures to children of all ages.

Be on the lookout for Meg’s forthcoming books, I Was Born A Baby (illus. Brandon James Scott), Wondering Around (illus. Richard Jones), Rock That Vote (illus. Lucy Ruth Cummins) and I Live In A Tree Trunk (illus. Brandon James Scott).

Meg lives outside of San Francisco with her husband, three kids and their ridiculous and adorable golden retriever named Opal.

Reviews

[Sierra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review:

This was a quick, fun, and rhyming book! And it was interesting because for most of the book, the illustrations and writing are landscape on the page instead of the normal portrait orientation. I loved the illustrations! They had a slight fall feel to them/the story.

There were some bigger words that some kids might not understand, but I think they’d like the way those words sound!

Summary:

What could be in the woods? There’s trees and leaves and all sorts of fun things to be found if only you look!

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my three year old granddaughters' happiest activities is hiking through the woods. They are fascinated by every rock, tree, stick, plant, smell and animal they encounter, just as the characters are in this darling story. Much of the story is in two page vertical format, helping the wonders of the redwood forest become even more real. The characters' joy shines from their happy faces, as they make each new discovery with every step along the trail. You will find yourself yearning for a walk in the forest and even better, a trip to discover the soaring redwoods with your little ones.

I know my girls will love this book and will point out new discoveries in the detailed illustrations each time we read it together. This is definitely going on my forever bookshelf!

[Roben · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book opens with a spin on the finger rhyme "Here is the church, here is the steeple..." Only the people found when you open your hands are children going for a walk through a forest of redwoods.
The Redwoods themselves are the steeples. And nature is the sacred space.

The illustrations are lovely and it is a fun book to read. You have to turn it this way and that as you go along - just like a walk in the woods.

I thought the part about the creek eating socks was very cute along with the recovery of the bright red sock at the end of the book.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Meg Fleming leads readers on a wonderful adventure through nature, while illustrator Chuck Groenink brings the story to life. While Fleming's text could use a hint more polish, the rhymes evoke an enchanting exploration of a forest of redwoods.

Working alongside the text are Groenink's Procreate and Photoshop rendered illustrations, which are a delight to the eyes. They wonderfully depict each scene, and will draw in readers from beginning to end.

Fleming and Groenink have a created a work that will have young readers wanting to embark on a nature experience of their own.

[Nicole Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book for my honest opinion.

This beautiful book is all about the curiosity of nature. I love the gorgeous illustrations that both show nature’s wonder and how we can have fun within it. I also really appreciate that the book starts vertically before moving toward the horizontal and the connection with nature as a church is both moving and fitting. A wonderful book for anyone who loves nature or wants the next generation to love it as well.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nature ST. Hiking. A flowing poem about nature and the things you can find on a hike. The book is read sideways to show the height of the trees and expanse of the nature world. It was pretty and bouncy.

[Holly Wagner · Rating 3 out of 5]

A rhyming book where children explored the Redwood Forest. Cleverly illustrated to accentuate the tall trees. Reads will have fun turning the book to fall the adventure. Adorable illustrations, well rhymed poetry. Much to like.

[୨୧Fairy୨୧ · Rating 5 out of 5]

the cover of this book really reminded me of books I read when I was younger which lead me to pick it up 🧚‍♀️ the story is adorable I. I love that fact that the author uses the word "steeple" so adorable

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute. I like turning the book on its side to make the trees even taller. I'm not from this area so didn't connect with the nature that was on the pages but appreciate when books are more specific to an area.

[Sarah Threlkeld · Rating 4 out of 5]

F&G: joyous ode in rhyme to the delights of a forest as seen through children’s eyes. Love how the orientation of the pages changes halfway through.

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahhhhh! Gorgeous! Those redwoods get me everytime, and so do Meg's words and Chuck's illustrations.
LOVE this one! =)

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A group of kids adventuring into the deep woods to discovers streams and waterfalls, trees and animals. The perspective shifting of this picture book (and color palette) make it a special one.

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute and easy to read story about a group of kids enjoying nature around the redwoods. The illustrations are beautiful!

[Peacegal · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful celebration of the power of spending time in and observing nature--leaving nothing but footprints and taking nothing but memories!

[Dylan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful picture book that makes me long for a hike through the lush green forests of the north west!

[K · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think the artwork is gorgeous

[Kristen Gagnon · Rating 4 out of 5]

great message, loved the illustrations, fun way to introduce to kids

[Kirsten Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely beautiful book that focuses on the beauty of trees and nature through the illustrations and rhyming text. Kids will also love the fun format of how you turn the book to read it.

[Frank McGirk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful woods.

[Rhiannon Sallie · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Everything Trail was a fun little story about following a trail through a forest. It opens up conversations on why different things matter and how they make up a whole.

[Angie Quantrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful adventure story of exploring the forest with friends! I loved the intro to turning the book up and down to read it, and then going back to normal at the end. Fun!

[Alyssa Gudenburr · Rating 2 out of 5]

ok

[S46354595 · Rating 5 out of 5]

So cute

[Terresa Wellborn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Themes: nature, wonder, stories that rhyme
Vibes: beautiful nature from the POV of littles
Ages: preK-1st grade+
Pub year: 2025

[Meghan Bohn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the vertical format.

[Rébecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute