Woody's Words - by Lisa Rogers (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

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.

Review Quotes

"Rogers' appended note acknowledges that Rawls would fictionalize parts of his own autobiography, a fact that places both author and illustrator in a position of telling the story of an unreliable narrator. What is reliable is the book's dedication to the idea of writing from the heart. A poignant tribute to the power of story." -- Kirkus Reviews

"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 Woody's 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 Grandma's 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

The fear that many creatives feel when it comes to sharing their work--and exposing their own imperfections--is deeply, deeply relatable... Just such a beautiful picture of love triumphing over fear... I love Where the Red Fern Grows, and I love Rogers's book about the man who wrote it. I give my HEARTFELT recommendation of this commendable work of children's non-fiction, and hope that many parents, children, and educators will read it." -- Victoria M, Essa Public Library, Canada.

About the Author

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.