Letter from the Publisher: Why I Started Rebel Goose Books

Dear Readers,

Welcome to Rebel Goose Books! For as long as I can remember, I’ve been in love with children’s books. I’ve collected them my entire life—not just for their beautiful stories but for the way they made me feel. A truly great children’s book is like a work of art—it stays with you, makes you laugh, cry, and sometimes see the world in a whole new way.

My very first internship was at a children’s book publishing house called Tradewind Books, where I had the chance to work with incredible authors like Paul Yee. I still remember organising my very first author event for him—a reading at Hycroft Manor in Vancouver for The Bone Collector’s Son. The room was packed, standing room only, filled with parents, kids, and teachers eager to hear Paul’s beautiful storytelling. Watching the way his words connected the community was unforgettable.

Original event flyer faxed (yes, faxed!) to local elementary schools in Vancouver.

I never stopped loving children’s books, even as I went on to work at other publishing houses. Then I became a mum, and everything changed. My daughter is still just a baby, but she’s already been the biggest inspiration for Rebel Goose Books. I think about the kinds of messages I want her to grow up with—stories that encourage her to dream boldly, embrace her uniqueness, and see the beauty in others and herself. Rebel Goose is my way of creating books filled with those messages, for her and for every kid who picks them up.

About the name Rebel Goose: I have a not-so-secret love for geese. I know, they’re loud, kind of annoying, and poop everywhere—BUT if you really look at them, they’re fierce, wild, and completely unapologetic. They protect what’s theirs, they know where they’re going, and they don’t care what anyone else thinks. I’ve always admired that, and it felt like the perfect symbol for the bold, heartfelt stories I want to share with the world.

So, what makes Rebel Goose different? I don’t just want to publish books; I want to create stories that feel like treasures—the kind of books kids beg you to read just one more time. Rebel Goose is all about bold and heartfelt storytelling—stories that take risks, tackle meaningful themes, and celebrate being unique. I want to push boundaries with stories that reflect the complexity of the world we live in, offering kids (and their parents) something they can truly see themselves in.

I also believe kids deserve books that spark big feelings—joy, wonder, curiosity, even grief—and leave a lasting impression. Whether it’s a story about a child tackling a big challenge or a whimsical world where anything is possible, our goal is to create books that matter.

At Rebel Goose, we’re here for the rebels, the dreamers, the loud and unapologetically curious kids who feel the world differently. And for the parents who are along for the wild ride, we want to give you stories that feel just as meaningful and special as the little humans you’re raising.

I’m so excited to share this journey with you. Whether you’re a parent, a storyteller, or someone who simply loves the magic of children’s books, I hope Rebel Goose can become a little corner of wonder for you.

Thanks for being here—it means the world.

Warmest regards,
Susan Pi
Founder, Rebel Goose Books