Happy Perfect Picture Book Friday, dear friends! Today’s author is a longtime kidlit friend of mine…we both debuted in 2019 and have been friends ever since! She has graciously offered a giveaway for a Picture Book Critique (nonrhyming under 600 words). So, please make sure you leave a comment.
WOODY’S WORDS: WOODROW WILSON RAWLS AND WHERE THE RED FERN GROWS
Written by Lisa Rogers
Illustrated by Susan Reagan
Published by Calkins Creek/Astra (September 9, 2025)
Ages: 7-10
Themes: Perseverance, accepting help, the power of words
From Astra: 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.
Why I Love This Book
1. I love books about authors of classic books!
2. I love books that take me to a different place and time!
3. I love books filled with heart – Wilson Rawls’ struggle to realize his dream of becoming an author is relatable and makes his achievement one to celebrate!
ME:I was chatting with Lisa and mentioned that we all love to hear about the path to publication for our Perfect Picture Book Friday books…and she graciously stopped by.
Welcome, Lisa! Can you share a bit about why you wrote this story and how it came about?
Lisa: Thanks for sharing WOODY’S WORDS today, Vivian! I have a special story about the impetus for writing this book.
During my career as an elementary library teacher, I read thousands of books. But I had never read Where the Red Fern Grows, the classic story of a boy and his hounds, until one of my students told me how much it moved him.
That afternoon, I brought home the book and could not put it down. The story held my attention from its start to its heart-rending finish. But I gasped aloud as I read the note about its author: “Though he didn’t have access to real books until he was of high-school age…”
I had to know more. I instantly was captivated as I listened to Rawls telling his life story—a priceless treasure, made available online, thanks to Woody’s wife, Sophie Rawls, and read-aloud champion Jim Trelease. I was drawn to Rawls’ world just as I was drawn into Where the Red Fern Grows.
There was more to Woody’s story, though, which I discovered during extensive research, including interviews with family members. That research made Rawls’ achievement even more impressive than I could have imagined.
What struck me, though, was not just his achievement. It was that he gave up—completely abandoned his dream–until he found encouragement from Sophie.
That struggle resonated with me. Growing up, I shared Woody’s dream of becoming a published author. I had advantages that Woody did not have, but I didn’t try writing until I was in my second career as a librarian. I almost gave up, but our wonderful kidlit writing community encouraged me.
I think Woody’s story is a wonderful example for anyone — child or adult — with a dream. Almost no one reaches a goal without some kind of help. If Woody hadn’t trusted his wife to help and encourage him, we would not have Where the Red Fern grows to cherish and read over and over again. Look for his acknowledgement of that help in the dedication to Where the Red Fern Grows.
Woody’s Words is beautifully and tenderly illustrated by Susan Reagan. Susan’s art is gorgeous and so evocative!!
I’m sharing an activity for practicing writing like Woody did. It’s from my Woody’s Words Activity Kit, which anyone can obtain by signing up for my newsletter at lisarogerswrites.com.
ME: WOW…thank you so much, Lisa. I loved hearing your path to publication for this book. And thank you for providing the writing activity! What could be better than encouraging readers to write?
RELATED ACTIVITY:
Write like Wilson Rawls!
Woody learned to write as a child in the Ozarks of Oklahoma by noticing what was around him. Find a spot that is special to you or imagine that you are there. What do you see, hear, touch, taste, smell? Use as many senses as you can.
Write down one or two words for each sense. Then, choose more specific, “juicy” words to describe what you imagine. For example, you might “see” a bird flying. How does it move? Does it soar, swoop, circle, dive?
Then, use your beautiful words to write a poem or description of your special place.
Keep all of your work, even if you don’t think it’s your best. As Caldecott Honor-winning author-illustrator Brian Lies says, “Practice makes better.” Keep writing. Keep noticing. With practice, maybe you will become a cherished author, just like Wilson Rawls!
ME: I’m so excited to add this beautiful book to my special shelf of books by dear friends. And honestly, I am also going to get a copy of WHERE THE RED FERN GROWS…I’m sure I read it years ago…but it feels like a story that will become a faithful friend…there when you need inspiration or encouragement…the perfect book for these difficult days.
To order your OWN copy from Lisa’s local indie bookstore:
Buy link: https://www.wellesleybooks.com/book/9781662680298
Website: https://lisarogerswrites.com
And here’s a little bit more about Lisa:
Lisa Rogers’ career as an elementary library teacher inspired her to write for children. She’s the award-winning author of Beautiful Noise: The Music of John Cage, 16 Words: William Carlos Williams and “The Red Wheelbarrow,” Joan Mitchell Paints a Symphony, and the brand-new Woody’s Words: Woodrow Wilson Rawls and Where the Red Fern Grows. A former news reporter and editor, Lisa received degrees in English Literature from William & Mary and Boston College and a master’s in Library Science from Southern Connecticut State University. In 2024, she served as a PB Rising Stars mentor. A four-time runner of the Boston Marathon, she daydreams, runs, paints, and has adventures with her hound near Boston.
Thank you, dear friends, for spending your precious time with us. Please don’t forget to leave a comment for a chance to WIN the fabulous giveaway: A Picture Book Critique (nonrhyming, under 600 words) from the lovely and talented Lisa. If you have read it, maybe you can share your thoughts about Where the Red Fern Grows…and if you haven’t, perhaps you can share the title of another childhood favorite that inspired and encouraged you.
Have a wonderful weekend!
VIVIAN KIRKFIELD - Writer for Children 
Thank you for sharing about how this wonderful book came to be, Lisa! I really enjoyed reading about its background. A childhood favorite that inspired my interest in writing is Catherine, Called Birdy by Karen Cushman. ~Lauren Simmons
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Thank you, Lauren! How wonderful that a book sparked your interest in writing–the power of books is amazing! I need to read Karen Cushman’s latest, which received fabulous reviews!
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Lisa-thank you for sharing this book with us. Hearing part of Woodrow’s life makes me want to learn more, too! And I hate to admit it, but I’ve never read Where the Red Fern Grows. I’ll have to this weekend!
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Erik, I hadn’t read it until my student did! And it was so cool today at a storytime when he showed up–he’s a college freshman now! I predict that you will tear up at the end. LMK!
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I remember reading Where the Red Fern Grows to my kids one summer. It’s such a heartwarming story and your book is beautiful. Thanks for bringing Rawls’ words to life in a new way.
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That is awesome that you read Woody’s book to your children! Thanks for your kind words about Woody’s Words. I am grateful to be able to share it with readers!
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This sounds like an interesting book! I’ve never read Where the Red Fern Grows, but it’s a classic and so I’m sure once I read your picture book, I’ll want to read Woody’s book, too!
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Thanks. Stef! Woody’s writing is beautiful, filled with similes and descriptive language that takes hold right away and keeps you reading! Hope you love Woody’s Words.
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So many of Lisa’s books introduce children (and adults!) to creative souls like herself. Can’t wait to read Lisa’s latest and the book that inspired her.
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Thank you, Liz! I’m always seeking to learn about inspiration for creative works. I hope you love Woody’s book and this book about his life.
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I have always loved Where the Red Fern Grows. It makes me tear up to think about it! I love Lisa’s story about not having read it and now she’s introducing it to so many new readers! Plus the hounds and Lisa’s Rory! This is a special book. Congrats, Lisa, and kudos to you, Vivian, for always sharing the best books and lifting up authors and kidlit follks!
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Thanks for these beautiful comments and the congrats, Kathy! Rawls truly knew hounds. He writes about them so specifically and with so much love. And Vivian is such a positive force in children’s lit!
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An important story for kids to see how others struggle and make it through to do more than they ever thought they could! Beautiful book in every way! Congrats Lisa and Susan!
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Thanks so much for your beautiful comments, Beth. It’s amazing that Woody achieved what he did. We have the kidlit community to lift us up, which he didn’t have. I am so glad that Woody achieved what he did, and grateful that he had Sophie to help him realize his dream.
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Great inspirational bacl story. Thank you Lisa and Vivian!
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Thank you, Arlene! I hope it inspires readers!
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I love reading the story behind the story! So inspiring! Congratulations!
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Thanks so much, Doreen! I really had to know how Woody achieved what he did, and his story is truly amazing. It’s so powerful that I choked up during today’s storytime at a bookstore.
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Congratulations, Lisa! How inspiring to hear that Woody almost gave up if not for his wife’s encouragement. You’re right, we all need that at times. And look at those illustrations of Rowdy! What an adorable hound.
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I just adore Susan Reagan’s illustrations and her tenderness comes through in every line on every page and I completely agree–that hound! He comes to life on these pages.
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The backstory is so inspirational and the book looks beautiful. Thank you for sharing!
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Thank you, Kel! Woody’s life story is amazing and the book indeed is gorgeous! I hope it inspires readers to keep going, whatever their goal.
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This gorgeous book looks and sounds wonderful! Congratulations to Lisa and everyone else involved. Now I’m inspired to reread Where the Red Fern Grows since it’s been many years since I did. I’m not sure which childhood book inspired me most, but I was a fan of the Trixie Belden series. 🙂
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Thanks so much, Marcia! I loved mysteries too! It will be interesting to see what you think when you read Red Fern again. How wonderful that Woody was able to bring this book into the world!
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Trixie Belden…oh my goodness! That series was also one of my favorites, in addition to Ginny Gordon…and Nancy Drew…as well as the Hardy Boys.
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I haven’t read Where the Red Fern Grows or The Call of the Wild but I absolutely adore White Fang!! I remember reading it over and over again in 4th grade, I’ll definitely have to give these two titles and Lisa’s book a try then. Congrats Lisa!
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Meryl, I loved White Fang too! I read dog books, horse books, anything with animals. It’s amazing how those stories we loved stay with us always. Thanks so much for sharing and I hope you love Woody’s Words!
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This sounds like a delightful and inspirational book, Lisa. And what an interesting way to find your inspiration. Thanks for sharing your writing journey with us.
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Thanks for your kind words, Jen! The inspiration for this book definitely was unusual–and thinking about it, the note about the author was unusual. Without that, I wouldn’t have had the spark to want to learn more.
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I must say, my primary memory of Where the Red Fern Grows is the movie — little me SOBBED!! Now I’m inspired to re-read the book. So true — what a difference even a small gesture of belief from another person can make. Lisa, love your highly personal interpretations of these wonderful people’s lives. Can’t wait to read this new one.
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I totally understand, Sue Jean! Everyone cries at the end of the book and it follows that the movie is a tearjerker, too! I love Woody’s narration of the movie–his voice so vividly conveys nostalgia for that time. Thanks so much for the compliment. I really appreciate it!
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Congratulations, Lisa! Your path to this book is fascinating and inspiring. All the best.
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Thank you so much, Mary! It is interesting to trace how and why we write what we do.
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This book sounds so special–and it definitely resonates! I never knew he gave up–I’m glad you wrote this story. Congrats on this book!!
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Thank you, Marci! It is absolutely searing to think of him giving up. So grateful to Sophie for believing in him!
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A story about an impactful book – I can’t wait!
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Thank you, Robin!! Hope you love it!
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This book looks great, Vivian! I didn’t read Where The Red Fern Grows until I was an adult and helping one of my dyslexic students with it as a teacher, but OMG did it hit me in the heart – you know what a dog lover I am! – what a book! I don’t think I could have survived it in middle school or high school! 🙂 So it’s really cool to see a book about the man who wrote it. Thanks for sharing!
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This book totally devastated my daughter, Susanna! She was in elementary school and really fell in love with those dogs! Hope you have a chance to read Woody’s Words–would love to know what you think!
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I had to stop by and comment from my laptop since my WordPress doesn’t recognize me elsewhere. You know I love this beautiful book and I can’t wait to see you, Lisa tomorrow!! and both of you in November!!! I wasn’t sure if I’d read Where the Red Fern Grows but have confirmed now that I hadn’t read it but recently borrowed it from the library. I love the activity you suggested. Thank you for this inspiring post.
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Laura, I have had the same problem, so I understand–that’s why I’m only getting to these posts now! I was so happy to see you at the festival and we will have a great time in November! Thanks for your kind words!!
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Looking forward to seeing you in Denver at NCTE, dear Laura. It will be fun to fly with Lisa. It’s going to be a great conference~
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