Check Out Meredith Wise’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Meredith Wise.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’ve always loved working with children. As a teenager, I was the neighborhood’s go-to babysitter, which eventually led me to a career in elementary education. For more than 20 years, I’ve enjoyed creating engaging lessons and curriculum that spark curiosity, and I’ve always had a love for children’s books.

A major turning point came when I experienced a stroke at 31. It changed my perspective and reminded me to live life to the fullest. Years later, my dad encouraged me to finally write a book after remembering the creative stories I wrote as a child. As my mom and I brainstormed ideas, we kept coming back to the wonderful family vacations we had taken to our national parks. Those memories inspired me to create the Wild Wonders Series.

Today, I combine my passion for education, storytelling, and travel through the Wild Wonders series, inspiring children and families to explore America’s national parks through mystery and adventure.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road and I soon found out writing the book was just the beginning. Like many aspiring authors, I first pursued traditional publishing and received my share of rejections from literary agents. Instead of giving up, I decided to take control of the process and self-publish. I had to learn every aspect of publishing—from editing and formatting, to ISBNs, printing, marketing, and distribution. I spent countless hours researching, reading blogs, watching tutorials, and exploring publishing websites to figure out each step along the way. There was a steep learning curve, but as a teacher, I’m always learning and solving problems. I approached publishing the same way I approach teaching: one step at a time. Looking back, every challenge helped me grow not only as an author, but also as a small business owner.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As both an educator and an author, I specialize in creating stories that combine adventure with real-world learning. Through the Wild Wonders series, I weave history, science, geography, wildlife, and conservation into mysteries that inspire children and families to explore America’s national parks together. Every adventure is carefully researched, and I’ve even created free educator resources to accompany the books so fellow teachers can easily bring these adventures into their classrooms. My goal is for every child to finish a Wild Wonders book not only entertained, but inspired to read, learn, and explore.

I’m most proud of the impact Wild Wonders: Yellowstone has had. During its debut week, the book became a #1 New Release in multiple Amazon Children’s categories and has since found its way into the homes of hundreds of readers, bookstores, libraries, and even Yellowstone National Park’s 2026 Xanterra gift shop collection. Knowing the book is now sold in the very park that inspired the story is a true full-circle moment

Any big plans?
I’m excited to continue growing the Wild Wonders series by exploring more of America’s incredible national parks and inspiring children to become curious readers and explorers. Wild Wonders: Yosemite will be released this fall, and I already have ideas for future adventures in other national parks.

Beyond writing, I look forward to expanding my school & library visits, connecting with more young readers, and developing educational resources that teachers and families can use alongside the books. My goal is to create experiences that encourage children to discover the beauty of our national parks while fostering a lifelong love of reading and learning.

It’s exciting to think about where this journey might lead, but no matter what comes next, I hope Wild Wonders continues to inspire families to explore, learn, and make memories together.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://wildwonders.weblium.site/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildwonders_adventures/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61584263671693
• Other: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Wild-Wonders-Yellowstone-Teaching-Companion-14682410