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Weslandia
"This fantastical picture book, like its hero, is bursting at the seams with creativity. . . . a vigorous shot in the arm to nonconformists everywhere" â€� ÌýPublishers Weekly Ìý(starred review)
Enter the witty, intriguing world of Weslandia! Now that school is over, Wesley needs a summer project. He’s learned that each civilization needs a staple food crop, so he decides to sow a garden and start his own � civilization, that is. He turns over a plot of earth, and plants begin to grow. They soon tower above him and bear a curious-looking fruit. As Wesley experiments, he finds that the plant will provide food, clothing, shelter, and even recreation. It isn’t long before his neighbors and classmates develop more than an idle curiosity about Wesley � and exactly how he is spending his summer vacation.
Enter the witty, intriguing world of Weslandia! Now that school is over, Wesley needs a summer project. He’s learned that each civilization needs a staple food crop, so he decides to sow a garden and start his own � civilization, that is. He turns over a plot of earth, and plants begin to grow. They soon tower above him and bear a curious-looking fruit. As Wesley experiments, he finds that the plant will provide food, clothing, shelter, and even recreation. It isn’t long before his neighbors and classmates develop more than an idle curiosity about Wesley � and exactly how he is spending his summer vacation.
40 pages, Paperback
First published June 2, 1999
30 people are currently reading
1,252 people want to read
About the author
Paul Fleischman
62Ìýbooks193Ìýfollowers Paul Fleischman grew up in Santa Monica, California. The son of well-known children's novelist Sid Fleischman, Paul was in the unique position of having his famous father's books read out loud to him by the author as they were being written. This experience continued throughout his childhood.
Paul followed in his father's footsteps as an author of books for young readers, and in 1982 he released the book "Graven Images", which was awarded a Newbery Honor citation.
In 1988, Paul Fleischman came out with "Joyful Noise: Poems for Two Voices", an unusually unique collection of poetry from the perspective of insects. This book was awarded the 1989 John Newbery Medal. Factoring in Sid Fleischman's win of the John Newbery Medal in 1987 for his book "The Whipping Boy", Paul and Sid Fleischman became to this day the only father and son authors to both win the John Newbery Medal.
Paul followed in his father's footsteps as an author of books for young readers, and in 1982 he released the book "Graven Images", which was awarded a Newbery Honor citation.
In 1988, Paul Fleischman came out with "Joyful Noise: Poems for Two Voices", an unusually unique collection of poetry from the perspective of insects. This book was awarded the 1989 John Newbery Medal. Factoring in Sid Fleischman's win of the John Newbery Medal in 1987 for his book "The Whipping Boy", Paul and Sid Fleischman became to this day the only father and son authors to both win the John Newbery Medal.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 359 reviews
July 21, 2019
This is a book the kids picked out from the library. It has a great message. Wes is extremely smart and he doesn’t like doing things simply because everyone else does. One summer on break, he decides to grow his very own plants. It is extraordinary and it becomes this whole world. Wes is able to make all these discoveries and the kids around the block get interested and start to think it’s cool. They start becoming more like Wes.
I love that this is a recommendation from my niece and nephew. I thought it was a wonderfully clever story with lots of big imagination. I love the artwork and all the things Wes can do with these plants and fruits.
The niece told me it was a great story and I would like it. She was correct. She also gave this 4 stars. The nephew thought the fort garden was an awesome idea. We talked about planting our sunflowers in a circle like this, but we really don’t have the room. He gave this 4 stars too. 4 stars all around.
April 2, 2009
I remember this book coming out when I was still in primary school. I remember pawing through the pages and--for the first time--being impressed by the art. I remember marvelling at Wesley's great ideas and the creation of his own civilisation. I remember, hoping against hope, that the little pot of dirt I left on the verandah would catch some of the seeds that Wesley had. I remember wondering what I would do if I ever got my hands on a piece of Weslandia.
When I was younger, I was a geek like Wesley and summer holidays were usually as fun-filled as watching paint dry. I had always hoped I could create my own wonderful and exciting project à la Wesley. I think I did try and create my own language. I stained paper with Dad's coffee and wrote with fountain pen ink with a quill that I had fashioned from a seagull's feather. Such were the exploits of my youthful imagination.
Somehow all the colour in life remained in my childhood and the present is as bleak and dull as descriptions of life under Communist rule in the old CCCP. Now it's all laptop this and internet that. Even in children's books. Nothing seems like so much fun anymore and time runs away from me faster and the once endless days pass in the twinkling of an eye.
I hope, one day, I buy my own copy of this book so that I can paw through its pages once again and relive the wonder I felt when I was once so young. It is definitely the best children's book I have ever had the pleasure to meet.
When I was younger, I was a geek like Wesley and summer holidays were usually as fun-filled as watching paint dry. I had always hoped I could create my own wonderful and exciting project à la Wesley. I think I did try and create my own language. I stained paper with Dad's coffee and wrote with fountain pen ink with a quill that I had fashioned from a seagull's feather. Such were the exploits of my youthful imagination.
Somehow all the colour in life remained in my childhood and the present is as bleak and dull as descriptions of life under Communist rule in the old CCCP. Now it's all laptop this and internet that. Even in children's books. Nothing seems like so much fun anymore and time runs away from me faster and the once endless days pass in the twinkling of an eye.
I hope, one day, I buy my own copy of this book so that I can paw through its pages once again and relive the wonder I felt when I was once so young. It is definitely the best children's book I have ever had the pleasure to meet.
January 31, 2015
At the beginning of this school year, a teacher told me she was planning on using this book when she started teaching ancient civilizations. So, I went to the library and checked it out.
Inside the book, I found this note:
Now, being from a rather small town, I recognized both the names on the note, and I know that this person also teaches ancient civilizations in a different school district. (I'll have to ask if the school ever coughed up the money to buy the books themselves... I hope so, but quite often administrators purchase what they think we'll use rather than what we will use... And more often than not, we're told to "work with what we have...")
The point is, 2 separate teachers, from two separate school districts used this book. And being that they teach the same thing I teach, it's probably worth checking out. I'm not trying to be a band-wagoner, but if something seems to be working, why not at least give it a try?
One notable difference in the way we read the book, and the way most other reviewers on here read the book is that Wesley being somewhat of an outcast is only a minor subplot. It's a device used to keep the story going.
The story is about the development of agriculture which led to the division of labor, system of writing, and ultimately civilization. The book introduces all of these, along with culture as a whole, and economics.
While it's intended for younger audiences, like many good children's books/ picture books, older kids can pick up on the topics the younger ones missed. And adults can appreciate the art and story in ways that most 7th graders can't.
Of course, for some people, the story is way over their head, and they can only focus on "" (I thought maybe Poppy would help with her first review. ...Maybe next time.)
Inside the book, I found this note:
Now, being from a rather small town, I recognized both the names on the note, and I know that this person also teaches ancient civilizations in a different school district. (I'll have to ask if the school ever coughed up the money to buy the books themselves... I hope so, but quite often administrators purchase what they think we'll use rather than what we will use... And more often than not, we're told to "work with what we have...")
The point is, 2 separate teachers, from two separate school districts used this book. And being that they teach the same thing I teach, it's probably worth checking out. I'm not trying to be a band-wagoner, but if something seems to be working, why not at least give it a try?
One notable difference in the way we read the book, and the way most other reviewers on here read the book is that Wesley being somewhat of an outcast is only a minor subplot. It's a device used to keep the story going.
The story is about the development of agriculture which led to the division of labor, system of writing, and ultimately civilization. The book introduces all of these, along with culture as a whole, and economics.
While it's intended for younger audiences, like many good children's books/ picture books, older kids can pick up on the topics the younger ones missed. And adults can appreciate the art and story in ways that most 7th graders can't.
Of course, for some people, the story is way over their head, and they can only focus on "" (I thought maybe Poppy would help with her first review. ...Maybe next time.)
June 9, 2021
4.5 to 5 stars, a timeless picture book for all ages. What will you do with your summer vacation? Wesley grows and invents a new civilization. Perfect for fans of or older picture book fans who enjoyed .
June 18, 2012
Pretty brilliant book; stands the test of time. I loved it.
A bullied, ingenious boy.
What did he do on his summer vacation? Oh, built a backyard civilization based on one staple crop.
A bullied, ingenious boy.
What did he do on his summer vacation? Oh, built a backyard civilization based on one staple crop.
March 25, 2010
I loved this picture book about a little boy, Wesley, who doesn't fit in. He doesn't eat junk food or hang out with the "cool" boys. He actually learns something in school. When school gets out Wesley decides he needs a summer project. Magically, some unique seeds float in the air overnight and land in his backyard. The plant grows and it is unlike any plant ever seen. Wesley creates Weslandia, his own civilization using this plant and the products he makes from it.
It's a great story for kids to teach them to be industrious and curious and not to settle for what everybody else is doing.
I liked this enough that I will search out more Paul Fleishchman books to see how they compare.
It's a great story for kids to teach them to be industrious and curious and not to settle for what everybody else is doing.
I liked this enough that I will search out more Paul Fleishchman books to see how they compare.
September 20, 2007
Very unique picture book. A boy builds his own world.
December 20, 2014
My son loves this book. And any kids' book that uses the word "myriad" correctly is all right by me.
December 1, 2014
We ADORED this book... it totally honors those of us who don't "fit in" with the rest of the world. It also promotes what I call leadership education.... very, very inspiring and uplifting.
July 12, 2015
An imaginative book with lovely illustrations and great story. If only these kind of problems were solved so easily.
May 2, 2013
Weslandia by Paul Fleischman
This is such a great book! Paul Fleischman tells a story about how being different is not only okay but great things can come from it. Wesley is different from his town and he knows it. The people in the town want everyone to exactly alike; same haircut, interests, hobbies, etc. Wesley does not fit the mold and doesn’t try to. The story line is creative and inviting. The illustrations are filled with bright, vibrant colors and details. The illustrations really paint the story for the reader. I couldn’t help but chuckle when I saw the identical row of houses and children running down the street. This is a great book for students who feel different.
Here is the blurb:
Enter the witty, intriguing world of Weslandia! Now that school is over, Wesley needs a summer project. He’s learned that each civilization needs a staple food crop, so he decides to sow a garden and start his own - civilization, that is. He turns over a plot of earth, and plants begin to grow. They soon tower above him and bear a curious-looking fruit. As Wesley experiments, he finds that the plant will provide food, clothing, shelter, and even recreation. It isn’t long before his neighbors and classmates develop more than an idle curiosity about Wesley - and exactly how he is spending his summer vacation.
This is such a great book! Paul Fleischman tells a story about how being different is not only okay but great things can come from it. Wesley is different from his town and he knows it. The people in the town want everyone to exactly alike; same haircut, interests, hobbies, etc. Wesley does not fit the mold and doesn’t try to. The story line is creative and inviting. The illustrations are filled with bright, vibrant colors and details. The illustrations really paint the story for the reader. I couldn’t help but chuckle when I saw the identical row of houses and children running down the street. This is a great book for students who feel different.
Here is the blurb:
Enter the witty, intriguing world of Weslandia! Now that school is over, Wesley needs a summer project. He’s learned that each civilization needs a staple food crop, so he decides to sow a garden and start his own - civilization, that is. He turns over a plot of earth, and plants begin to grow. They soon tower above him and bear a curious-looking fruit. As Wesley experiments, he finds that the plant will provide food, clothing, shelter, and even recreation. It isn’t long before his neighbors and classmates develop more than an idle curiosity about Wesley - and exactly how he is spending his summer vacation.
October 20, 2010
This book is fantastic simply because it has captured a premise that is unintuitive and overlooked, and yet was as much a part of my childhood daydreams as any over-done stories of fairies, witches, or wizards.
Weslandia tells the story of a young boy, Wesley, who decides to... wait for it... make his own civilization. Starting from a staple crop, and building up slowly through architecture, writing, language, art, and so forth, Wesley builds the civilization of Weslandia. When I read this, I suddenly realized that this was what I dreamed of so often, when as a child I flipped through books about the ancient Egyptians or Romans.
It's tempting for some people to scratch their heads as to why this book is so interesting. No dragons, no elves, no detectives, policemen, or astronauts. Why on earth would a child want to read about something as dull as growing plants and making clothing? Ah, but we WERE interested in these things, and still are. This book hits that spot in your brain that is devoted to making your own treehouse, or hidden cave, or secret language. It's a spot that isn't explored enough, and this book does a great job.
Weslandia tells the story of a young boy, Wesley, who decides to... wait for it... make his own civilization. Starting from a staple crop, and building up slowly through architecture, writing, language, art, and so forth, Wesley builds the civilization of Weslandia. When I read this, I suddenly realized that this was what I dreamed of so often, when as a child I flipped through books about the ancient Egyptians or Romans.
It's tempting for some people to scratch their heads as to why this book is so interesting. No dragons, no elves, no detectives, policemen, or astronauts. Why on earth would a child want to read about something as dull as growing plants and making clothing? Ah, but we WERE interested in these things, and still are. This book hits that spot in your brain that is devoted to making your own treehouse, or hidden cave, or secret language. It's a spot that isn't explored enough, and this book does a great job.
January 10, 2011
Wesley is a boy who doesn’t seem to fit in with others. He lives in a boring neighborhood where everyone has the same haircut, grows the same crops, and lives in the same style home. Wesley decides to grow his own crop. When he does so, he ends up creating his own civilization. He names it Weslandia. He has edible food, creates his own clothing, language system, and games. Soon, the children of the neighborhood are less interested in picking on Wesley and more interested in participating in Weslandia. This book is a California Young Reader Medal Winner in the Picture Book for Older Readers category for the year 2002. It is a fantasy story that could be used to teach multiple subjects. It would be excellent to have on hand when learning about other civilizations. The illustrations are also well thought out. They are beautiful, detailed, and brightly colored. I would recommend this book for second and third graders.
January 30, 2015
A 5-6 yr old kid (with stained-blue lips) at the library walked up to us and said "hey guys?..." then handed this book to us. Completely random. He then handed my youngest two tattered board books. The cover art of Weslandia intrigued me, so I added it to our checkout pile without even browsing it and thanked the kid (who my older daughter decided was Weird with a capital W).
Was this kid a book fairy?! To my surprise this is exactly the type of book I'd have hoped to stumble upon. Wesley wonderfully exhibits a "project based learning" lifestyle inside his self created garden-world - something we as homeschoolers gladly embrace. When being yourself means being different, only self acceptance will bring happiness.
Was this kid a book fairy?! To my surprise this is exactly the type of book I'd have hoped to stumble upon. Wesley wonderfully exhibits a "project based learning" lifestyle inside his self created garden-world - something we as homeschoolers gladly embrace. When being yourself means being different, only self acceptance will bring happiness.
June 21, 2016
I read this book as it was being used in a class where I was working. I think it is an intelligent story with interesting illustrations. It lends itself nicely to a variety of subjects / issues covered in primary curriculum.
February 1, 2009
I wish i could give this book 10 stars. it is the best picture book EVER!!! it totally left me wanting to make my own civilization
July 23, 2017
Delightful! I love how Wesley uses things he has learned to make his own summer fun and a lot of friends.
July 9, 2019
Perfect book for use in a middle school.
January 16, 2021
Another JMG book.
July 17, 2024
An extra star for the invented alphabet at the front of the book, which I enjoyed deciphering.
July 20, 2017
Weslandia is a story about an odd ball named Wesley. He is quirky, inventive, and does not readily follow the main stream of people and things around him. He enjoys learning and despite the pressure of others around him, he is true to himself.
I was very very VERY excited to read this book, after reading what the premise of the story was about and seeing other favorable reviews. Before reading it myself, I purchased it, completely confident that this was a book that I wanted in my collection. I will admit, the book was different from what I had anticipated it to be. The very beginning of the story begins midway into a conversation that Wesley's parents are having about him. I couldn't help think of the story of Matilda. Wesley's parents are portrayed as disinterested bullies. They are embarrassed by their son's differences, rather than being proud of him for who he is. It actually says that his father tries to bribe him with money to get him to follow the popular trends to fit in. I was very sad to see this kind of portrayal of his parents and lack of support. That being said, sometimes this does happen, and for children who experience this lack of support in their own home, Wesley's example is a great one to lift their spirits and encourage them to continue being who they were meant to be.
As far as the actual "Weslandia" part of the story, it was amazing. I was very intrigued to see how Wesley grows and maintains his wonderful civilization. I loved the creativity and ingenuity of how Wesley uses everything that he can to its full potential. He creates clothing, food, even names new plants and creates a new alphabet. Yes, realistically it was far fetched but so imaginative. It had the magical aspect of Peter Pan while adding the science found in The Magic School Bus. All in all, though not quite what I expected, (the text read differently than in my mind and the illustrations were different too) I greatly enjoyed this story and would encourage it to be read by parents and children 8 AND UP.
I was very very VERY excited to read this book, after reading what the premise of the story was about and seeing other favorable reviews. Before reading it myself, I purchased it, completely confident that this was a book that I wanted in my collection. I will admit, the book was different from what I had anticipated it to be. The very beginning of the story begins midway into a conversation that Wesley's parents are having about him. I couldn't help think of the story of Matilda. Wesley's parents are portrayed as disinterested bullies. They are embarrassed by their son's differences, rather than being proud of him for who he is. It actually says that his father tries to bribe him with money to get him to follow the popular trends to fit in. I was very sad to see this kind of portrayal of his parents and lack of support. That being said, sometimes this does happen, and for children who experience this lack of support in their own home, Wesley's example is a great one to lift their spirits and encourage them to continue being who they were meant to be.
As far as the actual "Weslandia" part of the story, it was amazing. I was very intrigued to see how Wesley grows and maintains his wonderful civilization. I loved the creativity and ingenuity of how Wesley uses everything that he can to its full potential. He creates clothing, food, even names new plants and creates a new alphabet. Yes, realistically it was far fetched but so imaginative. It had the magical aspect of Peter Pan while adding the science found in The Magic School Bus. All in all, though not quite what I expected, (the text read differently than in my mind and the illustrations were different too) I greatly enjoyed this story and would encourage it to be read by parents and children 8 AND UP.
April 6, 2015
Weslandia by Paul Fleischman is an enchanting tale of a boy who didn't fit in with those around him in his community or even at school. He was bullied and misunderstood by his parents and other adults for his "unnormal" behavior. When given the opportunity to create a summer project Wesley took his opportunities to its fullest. He used his knowledge from school to create a land of his own creation; a place where he could fit in. His land grew and grew to the point where Wesley could create everything a stable society needs. He enjoyed his land and was the happiest he had been in a very long time; he even earned the envy of his peers as well as some friends along the way.
I very much enjoyed this book and how it was played out. I loved the character Wesley and could connect with him very well given that he was an outcast in his town. It was as if he didn't belong. I really enjoyed how the puzzle of his land fit in place with all of the new creations Wesley did, the art of this book was very vivid in color and well executed. My only question left unanswered was: What grade did Wesley get on his project? It may not be important or even relative to the theme of the story but I would still like to know. I would recommend this book to really anyone from grades two-three and up. It was a great read!
I very much enjoyed this book and how it was played out. I loved the character Wesley and could connect with him very well given that he was an outcast in his town. It was as if he didn't belong. I really enjoyed how the puzzle of his land fit in place with all of the new creations Wesley did, the art of this book was very vivid in color and well executed. My only question left unanswered was: What grade did Wesley get on his project? It may not be important or even relative to the theme of the story but I would still like to know. I would recommend this book to really anyone from grades two-three and up. It was a great read!
April 21, 2019
Wes is not what his parents or other children expect. When a long summer looms and school is out, Wes decides to experiment in farming. He opens a patch of earth knowing that seeds are carried on the wind. A totally new species of versatile flowering plant takes root in his yard. He discovers that the fruit is edible and produces oil that can be used for bug repelling sun screen. Soon he is selling the juices, weaving clothing, and creating games. He has become completely self sufficient and names his experiment, Weslandia. When school begins again in the fall Wes has discovered many new things—especially new friends.
This is a perfect book to begin a science section. Teachers can demonstrate topics ranging from green farming to anthropology. For a picture book this story covers a lot of science in a few words accompanied by creative and enticing illustrations. Wes creates his own culture and the story does a fantastic job of showing how one small effort can lead to multiple discoveries and many new experiences. It is likely to create a desire for experimentation and discovery in the scientifically inclined. It is an enjoyable read that presents a green message about the joys of learning in entertaining way without overtly preaching its theme.
This is a perfect book to begin a science section. Teachers can demonstrate topics ranging from green farming to anthropology. For a picture book this story covers a lot of science in a few words accompanied by creative and enticing illustrations. Wes creates his own culture and the story does a fantastic job of showing how one small effort can lead to multiple discoveries and many new experiences. It is likely to create a desire for experimentation and discovery in the scientifically inclined. It is an enjoyable read that presents a green message about the joys of learning in entertaining way without overtly preaching its theme.
June 24, 2022
Curious, but ultimately unsatisfying. Maybe this would work better in a longer-form book where there would be room for development.
October 23, 2014
Wesley is a young boy that isn't afraid to stray from the status quo. Even his parents think he is a little bit odd. So what does Wesley do over his summer vacation? He builds his own civilization, complete with his own language. Everyone is completely blown away when he begins to grow plants in his own backyard that are unknown to man. It soon turns into a business and place for children of all ages to play. Soon, the summer comes to an end and Wesley has to go back to school, where he was previously bullied constantly. But does everyone still feel the same way about him?
Weslandia is an interesting book that shows young readers that it is okay to be different from everyone else. Nobody expected Wesley to be a complete genius capable of designing and running his own civilization. With this story line, extremely detailed and descriptive illustrations are necessary. Hawkes perfectly depicts the story in his pictures and uses an immense amount of color throughout the book, really drawing readers of all ages into the story.
Weslandia is an interesting book that shows young readers that it is okay to be different from everyone else. Nobody expected Wesley to be a complete genius capable of designing and running his own civilization. With this story line, extremely detailed and descriptive illustrations are necessary. Hawkes perfectly depicts the story in his pictures and uses an immense amount of color throughout the book, really drawing readers of all ages into the story.
February 7, 2022
Text-to-Self Connection:
This story was about a boy name Wesley, who didn’t fit in at school or at home. Wesley felt that he did not fit into his own culture. He embarks on a new journey of planting food crop. So he spends his summer creating food, and things he loves. Wesley plants fruits and vegetable seeds. Also, he took natural ingredients from in his garden, Wesley created unique, and comfortable clothing that were very different from other clothing worn in his culture. Wesley invites his culture-mates in because he believed the things he created were useful. Children teased Wesley in the beginning of his new creations, but eventually appreciated Wesley and celebrated him for his talent and unique ideas.
I can relate to this story, as many kids may be able to as well. Being an outcast as a kid, I found appreciation in the things that I loved. I made clothing, wrote music, and sold things to make money. Being an outcast for me, was one of the greatest gifts because I spent a lot of time learning to love myself, and learn myself.
This story was about a boy name Wesley, who didn’t fit in at school or at home. Wesley felt that he did not fit into his own culture. He embarks on a new journey of planting food crop. So he spends his summer creating food, and things he loves. Wesley plants fruits and vegetable seeds. Also, he took natural ingredients from in his garden, Wesley created unique, and comfortable clothing that were very different from other clothing worn in his culture. Wesley invites his culture-mates in because he believed the things he created were useful. Children teased Wesley in the beginning of his new creations, but eventually appreciated Wesley and celebrated him for his talent and unique ideas.
I can relate to this story, as many kids may be able to as well. Being an outcast as a kid, I found appreciation in the things that I loved. I made clothing, wrote music, and sold things to make money. Being an outcast for me, was one of the greatest gifts because I spent a lot of time learning to love myself, and learn myself.
July 6, 2021
This is such a good book about thinking outside the box and "challenging the unknown". Marching to the beat of his own drum he finds non-traditional beauty in the world around him. We should all be taking a page out of his book.
February 16, 2022
I thought it was clever how this book used Wesley's garden plot to explain the development of agriculture, that led to industry and writing and so many other parts of culture. This would be great to use with my 6th graders when teaching ancient history.
November 2, 2017
Best children’s book EVER!
January 9, 2019
I like that he made Swist and all of his own stuff and lived on fruits and other things. - G, age 6
It was so nice! He made a hammock. I didn't like them chasing the dog. He was scared. - age 3
It was so nice! He made a hammock. I didn't like them chasing the dog. He was scared. - age 3
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