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

"This beautiful picture book biography covers the upbringing of author Woodrow Wilson Rawls and the influences in his life that resulted in the creation of the classic, Where the Red Fern Grows. In stunning verse and illustrations, readers are taken through his childhood with potent glimpses into the man and author he would become. The book extends the story into his adulthood; the inclusion of quotes by Rawls describing different parts of his life offer an intriguing view on how he saw himself and his work. Reagan's illustrations all but steal readers' attention; variously hued watercolors create backgrounds from which the direct action of the story seems to pop off the page. Recommended for all biography collections, this book would work beautifully in lockstep with any classroom unit on Where the Red Fern Grows."--School Library Journal

"A poignant tribute to the power of story." --Kirkus Reviews

"If one book should come with a hanky, it's Where the Red Fern Grows, but this profile of its author packs an emotional punch, too... Appropriately, dogs frequent Reagan's digital-watercolor scenes of a lanky country lad writing on sand or paper scraps and growing up to share his stories with crowds of schoolchildren."--Booklist

"While I had never read the classic Where the Red Fern Grows, I know enough about it to be curious about its author. Lisa Rogers' beautifully written biography of Rawls was the best way to learn more about him. She has a light and concise touch with words that make you feel as though you were right next to Rawls experiencing ups and downs with him while not being bogged down by the weight of life. This is perfectly complimented by Susan Reagan's warm watercolor-based illustrations. This book is a delight to read with a child but, because of its solid backmatter, can also be used as research for writing school reports." --Teresa Robeson, award-winning author of Clear and Bright

"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 a Tree

"'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, niece of Woody Rawls

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.