Woody's Words: Woodrow Wilson Rawls and Where the Red Fern Grows - Hardcover

by Lisa Rogers (Author), Susan Reagan (Illustrator)

CCBC Choices 2026

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 Biography

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.