"Up, Up, Ever Up!" by Anita Yasuda: Inspiring Young Readers to Dream Big and Protect the World Around Them

There is something special about the way nature encourages children to ask questions, solve problems, and dream a little bigger. Whether they are exploring a local hiking trail, wondering how mountains are formed, or imagining themselves on an adventure, the outdoors has a remarkable way of inspiring curiosity, resilience, and confidence. Canadian children's books like Up, Up, Ever Up! Junko Tabei: A Life in the Mountains remind young readers that the greatest journeys often begin with a single step. Written by Canadian author Anita Yasuda, this inspiring picture book is a 2026 Yellow Cedar Award nominee in the Forest of Reading program for Grades 4 to 8 nonfiction. Keep reading for our exclusive interview with Anita Yasuda, where she shares the inspiration behind telling Junko Tabei's remarkable story and why she hopes it encourages young readers to dream big while protecting the natural world.

The science tutoring team at Teachers on Call recommend books like this because they beautifully connect literacy with STEM learning, encouraging young readers to explore geography, environmental science, history, and the natural world through an inspiring real-life story. Along the way, readers are invited to ask questions, think critically, and discover how determination, curiosity, and teamwork can help create meaningful change. It is a wonderful choice for families and classrooms looking to spark conversations about perseverance, equality, and caring for the environment. Families and educators can continue these conversations with additional activities and learning resources on pollution and environmental stewardship.

Why the Forest of Reading Continues to Inspire Young Readers

The Forest of Reading, organized by the Ontario Library Association, is Canada's largest recreational reading program, celebrating outstanding Canadian authors and illustrators while encouraging students across the country to read, discuss, and vote for their favourite books in both English and French. The program culminates at the annual Forest of Reading Festival at Harbourfront Centre (235 Queens Quay West, Toronto, ON M5J 2G8), where students, educators, librarians, and authors come together to celebrate a shared love of reading. At Teachers on Call, we are proud to support initiatives like the Forest of Reading that inspire literacy, meaningful discussion, and a lifelong appreciation for Canadian books. Check out our recap blog where we share all the winners and Honour Books from the 2026 Forest of Reading Festival!

About the Author: Anita Yasuda

Canadian author Anita Yasuda is an award-winning writer whose books celebrate remarkable individuals, diverse cultures, history, and the natural world. A graduate of the University of Toronto and trained in Montessori and Early Childhood Education, she has spent her career inspiring young readers through engaging nonfiction and picture books. Anita lives with her family in the rolling hills of Ontario, where nearby forests and trails continue to inspire her writing. Her passion for nature shines throughout Up, Up, Ever Up!, blending an inspiring true story with a message of environmental responsibility that resonates with today's young readers.

About the Illustrator: Yuko Shimizu

Award-winning illustrator Yuko Shimizu brings Junko Tabei's incredible journey vividly to life through expressive artwork that captures both the grandeur of towering mountain landscapes and the emotion behind every milestone. Her dynamic illustrations help readers appreciate the scale of Junko's accomplishments while drawing them into the adventure with warmth, movement, and remarkable attention to detail, making every page feel as inspiring as the story itself.

About the Book

Up, Up, Ever Up! Junko Tabei: A Life in the Mountains tells the inspiring true story of Junko Tabei, the first woman to summit Mount Everest. Faced with barriers that told her women did not belong in the climbing world, Junko refused to give up on her dream. Instead, she persevered through determination, teamwork, and resilience, proving that every small step can lead to extraordinary achievements.

More than a biography, Up, Up, Ever Up! celebrates perseverance, environmental stewardship, and the courage to challenge expectations. Junko's lifelong commitment to protecting the mountains she loved creates natural opportunities for conversations about environmental science, geography, responsible citizenship, and the importance of caring for our planet. Recognized with the Blueberry Award for promoting a love of nature, climate stewardship, and environmental action, the book encourages children to think not only about reaching new heights, but also about protecting the wild places that make those adventures possible. It is a powerful biography that seamlessly blends history, science, and environmental stewardship into an unforgettable reading experience for children, families, and classrooms.

Read our Exclusive Interview with Author Anita Yasuda

Up, Up, Ever Up! tells the inspiring story of Junko Tabei, the first woman to summit Mount Everest. What drew you to Junko’s story, and what made you feel it was especially important to share her journey with young readers today?

We live in a time when many young people are concerned about the environment. Junko Tabei's story demonstrates how we can make the future better by working together and taking action. One step at a time, up, up, ever up, we can make a difference.

Junko faced many barriers. What do you hope children learn from the way she responded to those challenges with determination and courage?

I hope children learn the importance of not giving up on their dreams, and that they are not alone. Other people share their concerns about the environment. Children will find people who will encourage them on their journey, as Junko discovered, women like herself seeking opportunities in the mountains.

How can teachers use your book in the classroom to spark conversations about environmental stewardship and caring for wild spaces?

Teachers can engage students by discussing their experiences in nature. Students could interview elders about the changes they have observed in the land, such as development. These classroom discussions can focus on small actions that can lead to a big impact. For example, how can they help keep playgrounds clean? Could the class organize a park cleanup, for example, inspired by Junko Tabei? In the Upper Grand District, for example, there are outdoor educational programs for elementary students at local conservation areas that foster an appreciation for nature.

Yuko Shimizu’s illustrations bring such energy and scale to Junko’s mountain-climbing adventures. How do you think the artwork helps young readers connect emotionally with Junko’s experiences?

Yuko's artwork is brilliant. I think it draws readers in and enhances the story's action and emotional moments from the first spread, where we see Junko Tabei's dream superimposed on young Junko's mind. The texture of the kimonos, the landscape, the unique expressions on each Nepalese child, the drama of the avalanche, and the image of Junko Tabei's husband and child cannot help but pull readers deeper into the story.

Your background in Montessori and Early Childhood education shines through in the way you write for young audiences. How does your experience working with children shape the stories you choose to tell and the lessons you hope readers discover?

When I taught, I loved sharing a wide range of nonfiction books with students that focused on lesser-known historical figures, especially BIPOC people and women who have traditionally been left out of history books. I love writing stories about ecofeminism and friendship, stories that build bridges across cultures and inspire children to believe in their dreams. I hope readers take my stories with them long after the last page. Teachers can visit my website for teaching guides and lesson plan ideas.

Since nature and hiking are part of your own creative life, is there a favourite place in Ontario where you go walking, writing, or exploring when you need inspiration?

I am lucky to live in an area with access to many trails and conservation areas. During the summer, I love exploring Algonquin Park. The walk along the Whiskey Rapids Trail is gorgeous and is easy enough for my King Charles spaniel, Lenny, to tackle. Closer to home, you will often find me on the Bruce Trail through the Hockley Valley.

What’s next for Anita Yasuda?

I have two more picture books coming out with HarperCollins in 2028 and 2029. I cannot wait for students to read Where Bridges Are Born, illustrated by Tara Anand, about incredible living root bridges in Meghalaya, India, and a picture book biography which has not yet been announced. I have another picture book coming out next year, My Thali’s Song, about my father’s immigration story to Canada, with Kids Can Press.

~

At its heart, Up, Up, Ever Up! Junko Tabei: A Life in the Mountains is about far more than climbing the world's tallest peak. It is a celebration of perseverance, curiosity, and the belief that even the smallest steps can lead to extraordinary achievements. Junko Tabei's story reminds young readers that courage is not only about reaching new heights, but also about caring for the world around us and inspiring others to do the same. We extend our sincere thanks to Canadian author Anita Yasuda for sharing the inspiration behind Up, Up, Ever Up! and for offering thoughtful insights into Junko's remarkable legacy of resilience, environmental stewardship, and empowering children to believe in the power of their own dreams.

Whether you're a parent looking for a meaningful read, an educator exploring STEM and environmental learning, or a young reader searching for an inspiring true story, Up, Up, Ever Up! reminds us that meaningful change begins one step at a time. Looking for more recommendations for the young nature lovers in your life? Check out our interview with Elizabeth Davaze about her Forest of Reading nominated book, The Weedflower, or Erin Silver on her Silver Birch Express Honour Book, Plant Attack!: The Fascinating Ways Flora Defends Itself.