Wesley’s distinctive tastes make him an outcast at school and in his neighborhood. Even his parents are worried about his distaste for pizza and football. After studying ancient civilizations in school, Wesley gets a brilliant idea: he’ll create his own civilization and live off the land in his own backyard. Throughout the summer his civilization, called Weslandia, thrives: he grows his own food, makes his own clothes, builds a house, and even invents his own sport. Before long, all the other neighborhood kids want to join him. This original story, effectively illustrated in a realistic style, is the ultimate child’s fantasy: to live independently, to make your own rules, to be wildly successful, and to win the respect and admiration of those who had made fun of you. (Ages 6-9)

"This fantastical picture book, like its hero, is bursting at the seams with creativity. . . . a vigorous shot in the arm to nonconformists everywhere" — Publishers Weekly (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.