About Wilderness State

Wilderness State is an independent creative studio and publishing brand committed to raising free thinkers. We create thought-provoking illustrated children’s books and bold, original works for adults that challenge conventional thinking and encourage minds of all ages to question, reflect, and grow.

Unlike traditional publishers, we focus on alternative, thought-provoking stories that promote individuality, courage, and responsibility. Our books are not about fitting in - they’re about standing out.

Absolutely. Our books are designed to spark meaningful conversations in non-traditional learning environments. They’re especially suited for worldschooling families, unschoolers, and conscious parents who want more than just entertainment.

You can purchase books from Wildernessstate through our website or through major online retailers like Amazon and Ingram Spark

Yes, Wildernessstate accepts unsolicited manuscripts. Please review our submission guidelines on our website before submitting your manuscript.

We operate globally and work with print-on-demand partners to keep our environmental impact low and our process nimble.

Yes — we believe in nurturing strong, curious, and resilient minds at every age. Our work questions authority, honors independence, and celebrates the wild, untamed nature of the human spirit — whether in a child or a grown-up who never stopped asking why.

It’s a beautifully illustrated story about a dog who desperately wants to fit in with cats. But along the way, he realizes that being true to himself is more powerful than blending in.

What themes does the book explore?

• Self-acceptance
• Identity
• The pressure to conform
• Finding strength in being different

Yes, the book is written and illustrated for children aged 3 to 8, but older kids — and even adults — often find meaning in its message.

Yes. It’s a highly illustrated, full-color picture book in large format slightly smaller than A4, with text that complements the visuals to tell a layered story.

Perfect for:

• Kids who feel like they don’t fit in
• Parents who value emotional intelligence and self-expression
• Educators looking for social-emotional learning material

The book is available via our website and major platforms like Amazon.

We operate globally and work with print-on-demand partners to keep our environmental impact low and our process nimble.

Yes — we believe in nurturing strong, curious, and resilient minds at every age. Our work questions authority, honors independence, and celebrates the wild, untamed nature of the human spirit — whether in a child or a grown-up who never stopped asking why.

Fables from Villa Viva: The Stupid Goose is a modern fable that challenges the pressures of conformity, the danger of groupthink, and the cost of staying silent. Set in the fictional world of Villa Viva, the book follows a goose who sees through the illusion everyone else accepts—but instead of being celebrated for her awareness, she’s called “stupid” by those unwilling to question the world around them.

This story is the first in a powerful series that invites readers of all ages to reflect on personal responsibility, independence, and the courage it takes to think freely—even when it's unpopular.

The Stupid Goose is a misunderstood character who sees what others refuse to acknowledge. While the rest of the community turns a blind eye to obvious problems, she speaks up—and gets labeled as “stupid” for it. But her clarity, insight, and refusal to conform turn her into a quiet hero. She represents anyone who’s ever felt out of place for questioning what others blindly accept.

Unlike traditional fables with tidy morals and safe conclusions, The Stupid Goose doesn’t preach—it provokes. It uses a simple story to explore deep, real-world issues like peer pressure, moral courage, and the loss of individuality in modern society. It’s written for kids, teens, and adults alike—anyone ready to think beyond surface-level narratives.

• Independent thinking
• The dangers of group behavior and mob mentality
• Courage in the face of social pressure
• Personal responsibility
• Authenticity vs. approval
• The value of speaking up—even when it’s unpopular

In a world that often rewards silence over truth, The Stupid Goose reminds us that questioning authority and trusting your instincts isn’t foolish—it’s necessary. The book encourages readers to reflect on the ways modern society pressures people to conform, and how easy it is to dismiss those who see through the noise. It's a timely and important read for anyone tired of surface-level storytelling.

• Parents and educators who want to raise free-thinking kids
• Homeschooling families looking for critical thinking tools
• Teens and adults interested in philosophy and personal development
• Anyone who has ever felt “different” for asking the hard questions

Yes — but not in the traditional sense. They’re not curriculum-based, but they are deeply enriching. They help children learn how to think, not what to think.

This story is the first in a powerful series that invites readers of all ages to reflect on personal responsibility, independence, and the courage it takes to think freely—even when it's unpopular.

What themes does the book explore?

• Self-acceptance
• Identity
• The pressure to conform
• Finding strength in being different

Yes. Our fables and stories use metaphor, humor, and satire to explore important themes like conformity, responsibility, and self-acceptance.

Yes. Our fables and stories use metaphor, humor, and satire to explore important themes like conformity, responsibility, and self-acceptance.

Yes! Wilderness State books are available worldwide through our website and select global retailers.

You can purchase them directly from wildernessstate.com or through Amazon and other major platforms.

Many of our titles are available as ebooks in addition to print editions. You can find both formats on Amazon.

Definitely. Our books are designed to spark thought, conversation, and critical thinking — making them ideal for unschoolers, worldschoolers, and anyone embracing alternative learning paths.

Yes — we’re passionate about helping other authors bring their work into the world. From refining your message to navigating platforms like Amazon KDP, we can help you publish independently and professionally.

We’re building a support system for independent authors, including one-on-one consulting, creative feedback, and step-by-step guidance. Whether you need help formatting, writing your blurb, or understanding the print process, we’re here to help.

Because we believe that powerful stories shouldn't need corporate permission to exist. Independent publishing allows for creative freedom, faster timelines, and a direct connection with your audience.

You can reach out through our contact form or email us directly. Tell us a bit about your book, your goals, and where you’re at in the process — we’d love to hear from you.