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Woody's Words

Woodrow Wilson Rawls and Where the Red Fern Grows

Author Lisa Rogers
Illustrated by Susan Reagan
Hardcover
$18.99 US
Astra Publishing House | Calkins Creek
9"W x 11"H
On sale Sep 09, 2025 | 32 Pages | 9781662680298
Grades 2-5
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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.
Lisa Rogers is the author of several celebrated children’s books, including Hound Won’t Go and 16 Words: William Carlos Williams and “The Red Wheelbarrow.” Her most recent book, Beautiful Noise: The Music of John Cage, won the Golden Kite Honor Award. A former elementary school librarian, she lives in Wellesley, Massachusetts. Visit lisarogerswrites.com. View titles by Lisa Rogers
Susan Reagan earned her degree from the Columbus College of Art and Design. With previous experience in greeting cards, surface designs, and picture books, Susan's titles include YOU AND ME and LIGHTS OUT! She lives in Cleveland, Ohio. Visit susanreaganart.com View titles by Susan Reagan
"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

About

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.

Author

Lisa Rogers is the author of several celebrated children’s books, including Hound Won’t Go and 16 Words: William Carlos Williams and “The Red Wheelbarrow.” Her most recent book, Beautiful Noise: The Music of John Cage, won the Golden Kite Honor Award. A former elementary school librarian, she lives in Wellesley, Massachusetts. Visit lisarogerswrites.com. View titles by Lisa Rogers
Susan Reagan earned her degree from the Columbus College of Art and Design. With previous experience in greeting cards, surface designs, and picture books, Susan's titles include YOU AND ME and LIGHTS OUT! She lives in Cleveland, Ohio. Visit susanreaganart.com View titles by Susan Reagan

Praise

"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

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