Since 2018, author D.L. Miller has been helping his friend BigFoot explore some of the world's most incredible places and historical periods and share what he learns in an amazing illustrated series from Happy Fox Books. Featuring BigFoot seek-and-finds, part travel guide, and part illustrated encyclopedia, each of the eight titles in the series is packed with knowledge, wisdom, and fun for adventuresome kids. The newest books in the series are BigFoot Goes on Big City Adventures (April), BigFoot Activity Book (June), and BigFoot Goes on Great Adventures, coming in July. We got a chance to talk to BigFoot about his adventures.
BigFoot, why do you like traveling so much?
When I was just a little BigFoot, I spent most of my time in the forest. I was shy and afraid of what people would say when they saw me. I guess the biggest thing that convinced me it was time to explore was hearing wonderful stories from the birds who migrated through the forest—stories about great lands far, far away, some places full of big buildings with lights that could be seen from space at night, great canyons that will take your breath away, and mountains so high that snow is on them year-round. It was clear that I needed to take a chance and start traveling.
What are some of the best things you've seen on your adventures?
Every city I visit is full of amazing people, food, buildings, history, and so much more. But if I had to pick a couple things, seeing Hong Kong's harbor at night was unbelievable, with the millions of lights from the city's huge skyscrapers reflecting off the shimmering bay water. Very high on my list would also be seeing the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia, Pa., and learning what an important symbol it is. It represents such a momentous time of change for the United States of America. I highly recommend learning the history of any place you visit in the world.
How do you choose which big cities to visit?
It's pretty simple: I always ask people where they would go if they could go anywhere in the world. And then I go! Then I share what I find in my books for everyone who may not have the opportunities I do to visit these great cities.
What's the first thing you do in a new city?
Most of what I learn comes from simply asking people questions. It's become one of the first things I do when I arrive somewhere. You can learn a lot that way! What's your favorite food? What do you do for fun? Did you always live here, or did you travel from another land?
Why is this kind of exploration important for kids?
I've dedicated my life to sharing what I see and learn with kids for one very important reason. I know I'm different. Once I left the forest, I realized that we're all different in so many ways! It's important for people of all ages, especially kids, to understand that we should all be proud of who we are, that we're all different, and that we should never let that hold us back or make us afraid to leave the forest.
Will you ever visit my town?
Well, it's possible I already have, but you simply didn't see me, which happens a lot despite my size. But yes, my plan is to visit every city in the world. It's a big goal, but I'm up for it!
Can I meet you at BEA?
Yes! I'll be there on Friday, May 31. From 11–noon, I'll be hanging out at the Fox Chapel Publishing Booth (438), and I'll be at table 4 in the autographing area from 1–1:30 p.m.
Are you real?
I'm not really sure why people keep asking that question, but I'm glad you did. Yes, I'm real. Although I try to keep a low profile, people do spot me occasionally, and goodness knows my footprints aren't easy to hide.
