Because I’ve written many books based in space, kids often ask if I’d like to go there. Big no! I love observing and learning about the moon and stars, but no way you’d get me up there. My favorite planet is Earth! I love hiking, cycling, camping, birdwatching; the list goes on. And though I haven’t written about it myself, I was excited to learn that author-illustrator Tiffany Everett has a new graphic novel out for kids about kids exploring the great outdoors. I caught up with Tiffany to learn more:
Me: Congratulations on your outdoor adventurous new graphic novel, DIARY OF A NATURE NERD (Scholastic Graphix August 2025)! With kids spending so much time less in nature these days, they could use more role models like Brooke and Jayla. What inspired you to create this book?
Tiffany: Thank you so much! I didn’t really discover how much I loved the outdoors until I was in my twenties, and I wish I had found that connection much earlier. With Diary of a Nature Nerd, I wanted to share some of that sense of wonder with kids. The simple thrill of wondering what’s around the next bend on the trail, the excitement of spotting a wild animal, and the joy of learning its name and story. My hope is that Brooke and Jayla will inspire young readers to embrace curiosity and get excited about the natural world.
Me: My wife and I just got our first camper van (a 1997 Leisure Travel Wide Body), mostly for weekends trips for now. Any tips about RV life?
Tiffany: That is a really cool van! I hope you guys are loving it so far.
My partner and I have spent months on end living and travelling in various adventure rigs and one of the biggest things we’ve learned is that where you stay really shapes the experience. If you enjoy campgrounds with amenities, I recommend state parks over RV parks. RV parks often feel more like parking lots, while state parks tend to be more affordable, still typically have nice facilities, and give you that feeling of being immersed in nature, rather than surrounded by neighbors. And, if you’re set up to camp off-grid, camping on BLM land often offers the most peaceful experience with real solitude and panoramic views. Most of my favorite campsites are on free BLM land.
Me: Graphic novels (I know) are a lot of work! What’s your process like? Any steps that are particularly enjoyable or challenging for you?
Tiffany: They really are so much work! On the writing side, I love the plotting stage. It’s like a puzzle, figuring out the structure, emotional beats, and how everything fits together. One of my biggest struggles comes from the fact that I am pretty slow and detail-oriented when it comes to drawing. I have to constantly remind myself not to over-polish a single panel when there are hundreds more waiting to be drawn. I have to keep moving forward or else the book would never be finished.
Me: How did you get into writing books for kids?
Tiffany: I have always been an artist. I love illustrating and have wanted to illustrate children’s books since I was a teenager. Never in a million years did I think I would become a writer. But after diving into reading graphic novels, I fell in love with the format. I liked how it is just as much about the pictures as it is about the words. As a very visual person, this made the idea of writing my own story feel less intimidating. When I wrote Diary of a Nature Nerd, I got the opportunity to write exactly the kind of story that I would love to illustrate. Now I’m hooked on writing.
Me: Can you share what you’re working on next?
Tiffany: Yes! I am working on an illustrated middle grade chapter book series called The Bestie Book. It will be published by Farrar, Straus, and Giroux Book for Young Readers. I am having so much fun writing it and can’t wait for it to find its readers!
The Bestie Book follows three best friends, Tally, Fia, and Skye who get split up, two zoned to different middle schools, and one moving an hour away. They come up with a plan to stay close: mail a diary back and forth. One at a time, they will take turns writing entries, updating each other on everything: school drama, crushes, embarrassing stories, and all the stuff that’s too big or too weird for a text.
As the girls grow and change, so does their friendship. But the diary, and the awkward, honest, and hilarious moments they share in it, keeps them tethered. Even when life pulls them in different directions, the diary reminds them that even if they aren’t in the same school, they’re all on the same page.
Me: Sounds great! Thank you so much for chatting, Tiffany. Wishing your book much success!
To learn more, please go to Tiffany Everett Illustration.
