Author Wilson Rawls spent his boyhood much like the character of this book, Billy Colman, roaming the Ozarks of northeastern Oklahoma with his bluetick hound. A straightforward, shoot-from-the-hip storyteller with a searingly honest voice, Rawls is well-loved for this powerful 1961 classic and the award-winning novel Summer of the Monkeys. In Where the Red Fern Grows, Billy and his precious coonhound pups romp relentlessly through the Ozarks, trying to "tree" the elusive raccoon. In time, the inseparable trio wins the coveted gold cup in the annual coon-hunt contest, captures the wily ghost coon, and bravely fights with a mountain lion. When the victory over the mountain lion turns to tragedy, Billy grieves, but learns the beautiful old Native American legend of the sacred red fern that grows over the graves of his dogs. This unforgettable classic belongs on every child's bookshelf. (Ages 9 and up)
From AudioFile
In spite of being written during the Depression, there is a timelessness to this simple story. Young Billy works two long, hard years to earn the money to realize his dream-to own a pair of dogs for hunting raccoons. Rawls instills this autobiographical piece with a strong sense of right and wrong, as well as innocence and integrity. Anthony Heald is wonderful with this action and emotion-laden story. He aptly delivers a tone and sense appropriate to the text. He also does a particularly good representation of young and old voices and a variety of Southern accents. This title is an excellent selection for family listening or for anyone desiring an uplifting, but realistic tale. S.G.B. An AUDIOFILE Earphones Award winner. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine
Review
*AudioFile Earphones Award
*Golden Headset Award
"Heald is wonderful with this action and emotion-laden story. An excellent selection for family listening."
Where the Red Fern Grows ANNOTATION
A young boy living in the Ozarks achieves his heart's desire when he becomes the owner of two redbone hounds and teaches them to be champion hunters.
FROM THE PUBLISHER
This classic about a ten-year-old boy growing up in the Ozark mountains with his inseparable pair of coonhounds — will warm the hearts of young and old alike. Winner of the Great Stone Face Award.
FROM THE CRITICS
AudioFile - Susan G. Baird
In spite of being written during the Depression, there is a timelessness to this simple story. Young Billy works two long, hard years to earn the money to realize his dream_to own a pair of dogs for hunting raccoons. Rawls instills this autobiographical piece with a strong sense of right and wrong, as well as innocence and integrity. Anthony Heald is wonderful with this action and emotion-laden story. He aptly delivers a tone and sense appropriate to the text. He also does a particularly good representation of young and old voices and a variety of Southern accents. This title is an excellent selection for family listening or for anyone desiring an uplifting, but realistic tale. S.G.B. An AUDIOFILE Earphones Award winner. ﾽAudioFile, Portland, Maine
AudioFile - Bonnie L. Worcester
Frank Muller narrates this poignant classic with sensitivity, giving voice to Billy in the story of his first true love. Set in the Ozarks, Rawlsﾽ unforgettable tale takes us to a simpler place and time and speaks to the values of hard work, honesty and loyalty. Muller clearly expresses the deep emotions of a young boy as he pursues his dream to own two dogs. Unencumbered by the use of special effects, Muller and Rawls take the listener on adventures through the breathtaking countryside. This is a story for the whole family, especially children aged 10 and above. B.L.W. ﾽAudioFile, Portland, Maine
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