Woody's Words: Woodrow Wilson Rawls and Where the Red Fern Grows
By (Author) Lisa Rogers
Illustrated by Susan Reagan
Astra Publishing House
Minedition (imprint of Penguin Group (USA) Inc)
7th October 2025
United States
Children
Non Fiction
Childrens / Teenage general interest: History and the past
Childrens / Teenage fiction: General, modern and contemporary fiction
Hardback
32
Width 229mm, Height 279mm
567g
The life of Woodrow "Woody" Wilson Rawls, the author of the children's classic Where the Red Fern Grows, is revealed in this nonfiction picture book for ages 7 - 10 that celebrates persistence, creativity, and chasing dreams. The life of Woodrow "Woody" Wilson Rawls, the author of the children's classic Where the Red Fern Grows, is revealed in this nonfiction picture book for ages 7 - 10 that celebrates persistence, creativity, and chasing dreams. When Woody Rawls read The Call of the Wild, a classic novel about a stolen mistreated dog and a kindly man, his life was forever changed. Maybe it was because he loved his own dog, or maybe it was because the story reached deep into his heart and stayed there. From then on, Woody was determined to learn to write and become a teller of tales. Woody didn't care that he couldn't afford pen and paper. He would use a stick in the sand if he had to. Woody trusted his heart and used his imagination to create his stories, which he shared with Rowdy, his trusty hound. Woody never stopped writing even when it was hard to and when life got in the way. He went on to write several novels and publish two books for children- including the timeless classic Where the Red Fern Grows. This story of hard work creatively presented by author Lisa Rogers and illustrator Susan Reagan will resonate with young readers and adults alike.
"Woody's Words is an inspiring story of chasing your dreams, perseverance, grit, and love. I enjoyed every bit of it. Highly recommended!" Lynda Mullaly Hunt, New York Times bestselling author of Fish in aTree
"'Dreams can come true' is one of Woodys messages to young people --and to everyone. Through Woody and Sophie's determination, dreams did come true. We wish, through this beautiful book and story of his life, that children will continue to be inspired by Woody and his stories." Mary Wedig and Jane Zwiefelhofer, nieces of Sophie Rawls
"My uncle, Woodrow Wilson Rawls, was a tall, thin, mild-mannered man, larger than life to me as a child. He always had a story of his adventures to tell, whether in my Grandmas living room, around a hunting campfire, or waiting patiently for fish to bite. I am very proud to be a member of his family and carry fondly his stories and memories with me today. I hope readers of this book come to admire him and his stories as much as I do." Patti Rawls, Woody's niece
Lisa Rogers is a former elementary school librarian, reporter, and editor. She is the author of several well-known children's books, including 16 Words- William Carlos Williams and "The Red Wheelbarrow" and Beautiful Noise- The Music of John Cage, which won the Golden Kite Honor Award. She lives in Wellesley, Massachusetts, with her family and rescue dog, Rory. Susan Reagan is the celebrated illustrator of several books, including The Fabulous Fannie Farmer, Revolutionary Prudence Wright, The Brilliant Calculator, Shining Star, which won the 2024 NSTA-CBC Outstanding Science Trade Book award. Susan received her BFA in illustration from the Columbus School of Art & Design. She lives in the historical neighborhood of Tremont in Cleveland, Ohio, with her family.