“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
“In early 1900s Oklahoma, young Woody Rawls’s (1913–1984) education came from the woods, fields, and riverbanks he roamed with his loyal hound dog. His mother often read aloud to him, though nothing resonated with him until a copy of Jack London’s The Call of the Wild arrived at the family’s farm. In a testament to the power of connecting readers with just the right book, the classic dog story deeply motivated Rawls: ‘I don’t care how long it takes me or what I have to do. Some day in my life I will write a book, and it will be a dog story.’ Though Rawls faced struggle and hardship throughout his life, his perseverance and the support of his wife led to the publication of the timeless best-selling children’s classic Where the Red Fern Grows. Rogers’s (most recently Joan Mitchell Paints a Symphony, rev. 5/25) picture-book biography seamlessly weaves quotes from Rawls throughout the narrative. In earthy greens and browns, Reagan (recently The Fabulous Fannie Farmer, rev. 1/24) renders fluid watercolor and digitally drawn illustrations in an old-fashioned style, well suited for the subject. Back matter contains an author’s note, including more on Rawls’s maternal lineage as Cherokee Nation citizens, and a detailed bibliography. A rare account of Rawls’s life, this will inspire young readers to persevere in pursuit of their goals.”—The Horn Book
“This picture book biography contains an exemplary text that conveys both the facts about Rawls’s life of poverty on Cherokee land along with his emotional experience as a writer and his need to tell stories. Quotes from Rawls are gracefully woven into the text, adding authenticity and emotion. The dramatic watercolor illustrations offer further details, showing the Depression-era rural environment that Rawls grew up in, as well as his later years, where he often visited classrooms to speak to children about his books. Back matter includes a few photos of Rawls and his wife, an author’s note with more information and comments from his nephew and nieces, and a detailed bibliography.”—ACL Bayviews (Outstanding rating)
“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.
“In Woody’s Words: Woodrow Wilson Rawls and Where the Red Fern Grows, I was mesmerized by the combination of Lisa Rogers’ words, her style of writing, and the strong message to hold onto my dreams. Paired with the art of Susan Reagan– OMG what a perfect color pallet and way t immerse the reader into Woody’s world. I imagined myself sitting beside Rawls and his hound hoping his dreams might come true! I loved learning of his inspiration and how his marriage factored into him being an author. What an amazing book for all ages! Highly recommend for home, school, and library use.” —Laura Roettiger, writer
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