We live in interesting times: spurred by technological advances, our human culture is going through rapid changes that are only set to accelerate. Periods of exponential change are hallmarks of human history. It challenges us to grapple and come to terms with existential questions around the purpose, meaning and value of human life.
Through millennia, human societies have relied on stories to make sense of change. Whether it was the marks the earliest men left on cave walls or myths, legends and fables told around the campfires, stories are the way knowledge, wisdom and culture has been passed down through time.
Wise As is an independent media and publishing house creating stories for changing times. These are stories that nurture minds, inspire wonder and broaden horizons. It is our absolute pleasure to welcome you to explore these stories with us.
Discover Our Collection
Books
Willow the Wonderer
Modern Fables with Wisdom for all Ages
Stories we grow up with, matter. They leave indelible impressions on our mind, influencing our ambitions and desires, hopes and dreams. Reflecting on the stories we grew up with, we realised how few referenced any wisdom on life and living. Indeed, most led us astray ...
This inspired us to create Willow the Wonderer, our bestselling new picture books series that plant seeds of wisdom and knowledge – its philosophy for kids. Written in rhyme, the melodious stanzas sweep young readers away on adventures through the natural world, whilst exquisitely crafted illustrations beckons them to uncover hidden marvels in Willow's world. These are stories we wish, we'd grown up with.
Magazine
Vitalis
A Life Well Lived
Our lives have become dominated by click baits, shorts and insidious algorithmic feeds that keep directing us down ever narrower and darker alleys. This wasn't always the way we lived, shared our stories nor how the best parts of human culture evolved.
Vitalis is a new literary, lifestyle, culture & current affairs magazine born out of nostalgia. We are reviving the tradition of publishing serialised novels, short stories, long form editorial essays and illustrated magazine covers. We designed Vitalis to be an interactive, multimedia experience, free from algorithmic feeds – you choose what you want to read, listen or view. From profiling wholesome local eateries to sharing thoughtful travelogues, we cover the topics that add to the joie de vivre, whilst refusing to shy away from critiquing culture, business and politics. An examined life is a well-lived life. Join us in the exploration.
Art
Gliitch
Contemporary Art Gallery
Across cultures and throughout history, humans have made images, objects, sounds and gestures in an attempt to understand themselves and the world around them. Art is this impulse: to explore what we experience, what we imagine, and what we cannot yet explain. Every generation of artists has pushed against the boundaries of what art can be, yet art itself remains difficult to contain.
Glitch is our experimental art space, featuring the work of Australian artist Darren Pryce. His practice explores the tension and resolution between established artistic traditions and emerging digital technologies. His work is driven by a fascination with transformation: what happens when familiar forms, images and ideas are disrupted, reassembled or pushed beyond recognition. It's a practice in continual evolution, where experimentation becomes a way of exploring perception and possibility.
Meet the Founders
Wise As is an independent media and publishing house,
founded, owned and operated by an author and artist.
Reeta Dhar
Reeta grew up surrounded by stories.Stories became her doorway into a world of imagination that enthralled, enticed and enchanted in equal measure. They inspired her to just pack up her bags and go travel, hike, do yoga, meditate and seek out the magic in life.
In 2020, she finally found the time and space to write and publish her own stories.
Prior to this, Reeta had an accomplished career in business, working in the domain of strategy, technology, banking and finance. She draws upon her business experience to steer the strategic direction of Wise As Stories.
Darren Pryce
Darren started drawing before he started walking, or so the story goes. He studied design and enjoyed a highly acclaimed career as an illustrator, winning major national and international illustration awards, including Gold at the Melbourne Art Directors Awards and London International Award.
His works have been featured in the Communication Arts Magazine, American Illustration Annuals and Leuzers Archive, with career highlights including covers for Time and Los Angeles Times Magazines.
Darren draws upon his experience and love of the fine arts to steer the creative direction of Wise As Stories.
Our Story
" The COVID pandemic of 2020 clipped our wings and brought us together. Homebound, we found ourselves reflecting on our lives and discovered a shared dream to create a children's book that we wish, we had grown up with–A beautiful book, filled with tales of high adventure that would not only be a fun read but also impart timeless wisdom. And so, we began to work in earnest on the first Willow the Wonderer picture book.
As we neared the finish line, we began to research the publishing process... It soon dawned on us that if we were to give our book the best chance of finding its readers, we'd need to publish it ourselves. Six years on, this decision has proved providential. Tens of thousands of Willow the Wonderer books have now found their way to readers, young and old, right across Australia, New Zealand, China and other corners of the world!
In 2026, we are excited to embark on another new chapter for Wise As, expanding into territory that our now older selves craved -- Vitalis and Gliitch. We look forward to your company as we bring these two new projects to life."
-- Reeta and Darren
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"Stories we grow up with – Matter."