Listen free for 30 days

  • Where the Red Fern Grows

  • Written by: Wilson Rawls
  • Narrated by: Anthony Heald
  • Length: 6 hrs and 56 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (134 ratings)

1 credit a month, good for any title to download and keep.
The Plus Catalogue—listen all you want to thousands of Audible Originals, podcasts, and audiobooks.
$14.95 a month plus applicable taxes after 30 day trial. Cancel anytime.
Where the Red Fern Grows cover art

Where the Red Fern Grows

Written by: Wilson Rawls
Narrated by: Anthony Heald
Try for $0.00

$14.95 a month after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Buy Now for $26.28

Buy Now for $26.28

Pay using card ending in
By confirming your purchase, you agree to Audible's Conditions of Use and Amazon's Privacy Notice. Tax where applicable.

Publisher's Summary

A loving threesome, Billy and his two dogs ranged the dark hills and river bottoms of Cherokee country. Old Dan has the brawn, Little Ann has the brains, and Billy has the will to make them into the finest hunting team in the valley. Glory and victory were coming to them, but sadness waited too. Soon their skills will be put to the test as they brave the dangers of the wilds for the ultimate glory.

Since its publication over forty years ago, this heartwarming tale of a boy and his dogs has touched millions. A tale of adventure, special friendship and coming-of-age, Where the Red Fern Grows makes for delightful listening. This unabridged production, featuring a moving performance by Anthony Heald, brings this enduring classic to life and makes a powerful story even more unforgettable.

©1961 Woodrow Wilson Rawls (P)1995 Random House, Inc., Listening Library, an Imprint of the Random House Audio Publishing Group

What the critics say

"This title is an excellent selection for family listening or for anyone desiring an uplifting, but realistic tale." (AudioFile)

What listeners say about Where the Red Fern Grows

Average Customer Ratings
Overall
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    115
  • 4 Stars
    13
  • 3 Stars
    1
  • 2 Stars
    3
  • 1 Stars
    2
Performance
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    99
  • 4 Stars
    8
  • 3 Stars
    4
  • 2 Stars
    1
  • 1 Stars
    1
Story
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    100
  • 4 Stars
    9
  • 3 Stars
    2
  • 2 Stars
    2
  • 1 Stars
    0

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Sort by:
Filter by:
  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Absolutely Timeless

I read this book when I was a boy, right about the same age as Billy. I couldn't put it down and it grew to be one of the defining pieces of literature in my life. I often imagined myself with those wonderful hounds, and that two bitted axe.

I am now a man, and this book has the same effect that it did all those years ago. It still makes me wish for a simpler life and I can't wait for my sons to read it too.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
  • hi
  • 2019-09-01

tear jerking and amazing!

what a great book, would recommend to everyone even if they aren't a dog lover

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

What a Wonderful Story.!

I remember seeing this movie as a young girl. In a world filled with sex, violence and cursing, I was so pleased to find this title, and couldn't wait to hear the story again. The reader, Anthony Heald, was wonderful. I loved how he had a different voice for every character and read so much emphasis into each word. I hope I can find more books read by him. I cried so hard at the end, remembering my childhood home and my best friend Blackie, who was always at my side protecting me from harm. A dog really is man's best friend. This will be a book I never erase as I will want to hear it again and again. Thanks so much for recording it. It's so nice to find a decent bio in today's world. ♥️♥️♥️

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Wonderful family read

#Audible1
My teen son and I loved listening to this book together. The narrators voice immersed us in the story, the time period, and in the Ozark mountains where this story took place. Be aware, however, that if you have very young children, the ending will probably upset them. This would definitely be on my “must read list” for older children, especially ones who suffer from “dog love” like the main character. Enjoy!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Still great

I read this book about 4 times as a boy, and now listened to it in my 30s, i liked it just as much.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Beautiful story.

I listen to this book to help my 11 year old with her novel study homework. It turned out to be a heart wrenching story of a boy and his two dogs, about companionship, loyalty, trust and love. It speaks to the magic of having animals in one’s life. Some of the content may be a little frightening for younger readers, but otherwise, I would recommend this book to anyone.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

As good as the first read!

I read this book when I was ten years old and 33 years later it was just as moving. I have read thousands of books and I renew the declaration that this is my favorite book. It is the most wholesome and heartwarming story. One of those books that makes you want to walk the characters footsteps to feel all the things they felt in person. Sigh. I think everyone should read this book.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
  • AJ
  • 2023-02-15

Required Reading

If you love dogs, if you were ever a little boy, if u've ever hunted or spent time in the outdoors, you need to read or listen to this book.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Best book I’ve ever read.

super good storytelling. The description makes it so good. Definitely recommend it. Life changing. Will remember it forever.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Good story but sound is off

The audio volume levels are very inconsistent and takes away from enjoying the great story. Loud at some and inaudible at others. Would recommend finding another audio version.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Sort by:
Filter by:
  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Mary A.
  • Mary A.
  • 2003-11-18

What a great story!

This book runs the gamut of human emotions. I loved this book when I was younger and really enjoyed visiting it again through an Audio version. I liked the narrator's voice alot. I thought he captured the nuances and feelings in the book perfectly. This is a true classic, one you can enjoy again and again. And yes, I did cry at the end just like the first time. :-)

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

44 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Stephanie
  • Stephanie
  • 2004-04-13

Where the Red Fern Grows

Where The Red Fern Grows is a book that is a classic in my opinion. The first time I read it I was 11 years old and I have read it probably twenty times more since then. It compasses all the emotions that humans are capable of and the true loyal and loving nature of dogs. Big Dan and Little Ann loved each other and Billy more than words can can express. It broke my heart right along with Billy's when his little hounds passed away. Even the intro when he is supposed to be a grown man and taking care of the stray dog tears me up. If humans knew how to be as loving, loyal, and kind as dogs the world would be a wonderful place! Anyone who picks this book up will sure to love it whether you are an animal lover or not. I recommend this book to all ages and genders. It is truly a classic and one you will be sure to read over and over again!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

25 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Amazon Customer
  • Amazon Customer
  • 2003-12-21

Excellent for children and adults

A wonderful and moving story of a boy and his love for the two hunting dogs he raises. The Ozark forests are beautifully remembered and the dangers and challenges that boy, his dogs, and his family face are exciting, and deeply moving. While not for young children, this book will be memorable for both children and adults. The reading is near perfect in pace and tone.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

22 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Mat Cauthon
  • Mat Cauthon
  • 2016-07-06

Read this it's great.

I love this book. I read it as a child and remembering it as one of my favorites I decided to listen to the audible version. Twenty years later it is still just as good as I remember.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

17 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Ashley
  • Ashley
  • 2009-02-25

Fantastic!

I loved this book as a child. It was wonderful - beautifully read. I listen to books when I work out at the gym. I think that the people around me must of thought I was crazy - at the end of the book I was on the treadmill and tears were running down my face and my nose was running. Just a wonderful, fabulous book and great reader.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

12 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Jingyi Zhu
  • Jingyi Zhu
  • 2016-10-30

Great depiction!

The vivid description of the hounds and the wilderness of nature is among the best! And the narration is also great adding to the intense storyline. But I wouldn't recommend a kid under 10 to read it unless reading it with an adult. Some scenes are a little graphic and violent. At some point, my eyes were definitely more widely-open! Overall, it's a wonderful book, especially it is endowed with certain kind of belief and faith that bring the story warm flows of feeling.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

11 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for catherine
  • catherine
  • 2013-11-14

Awesome story - but dont buy for kids under 10!!

Any additional comments?

This is a fantastic story with a great moral and a lot of adventure for boys. BUT, the ending is very sad and one of my 8 year old boys was traumatised. He has been having nightmares and tears and can no longer sleep alone. Unfortunately, the story was so vivid and wonderful that he became so involved and consequently was most upset at the ending. Mine are very well read kids, and not sooks, and I don't think it was worth the trauma. I would definately say wait till your kids are at least 10 (unless they are not remotely imaginative).

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

11 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Daniela
  • Daniela
  • 2017-01-01

Good story for the whole family

We all enjoyed the plot- ages 6 to 54!
The perspective of a young boy gives an adventurous feel to simple life lessons of love and persistence.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

6 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Tania A
  • Tania A
  • 2017-11-02

Love story of a boy & his dogs

I read this book as a child and saw the movie. I wanted my sons to experience it too, but they would never willing pick up a book, so this was the best option for our long commutes in the car. Such a wonderful and heartfelt story! Two thumbs up, a thousand times over!!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

5 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for jantea
  • jantea
  • 2005-01-28

Definately a keeper!

I truly, truly enjoyed this listen, beginning to end. The touching story along Anthony Heald reading it made this one of the best books I've heard. I laughed; I cried and was totally entertained the entire listen!! It's a keeper.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

5 people found this helpful

.