A theme for a children's book?

Childhood favorite of Ronald Reagan - seeking book: "Printers of Yoodles" (Sp?)

• I am looking for an older (pre-1920s??) book - probably a childrens' book and likely a religious or specifically Christian theme - mentioned anecdotally by an old friend of President Ronald Reagan during one of the many TV interviews occurring last week amidst the nation's memorial observances. From what I could gather, Reagan read the book as a child and later credited it for helping to instill the seeds of his strong personal religious faith. Phonetically, the title of the book seemed to be "Printers of Yoodles" (I re-wound & re-played the TiVo several times in an effort to decypher the speaker's pronunciation). However, I have no idea of the correct spelling. I have tried Googling multiple permutations of the title with no luck (e.g., Yudles, Eudles, etc.). I am trying to (1) find out the correct title spelling as well as (2) identify an online vendor (perhaps a used book dealer, should the text be out of print) listing a copy for sale so that I can pursue acquisition of a copy for my children.

• Answer:

  Hi msl_1971! It is the 1903 book titled That Printer of Udell's, by a minister-novelist named Harold Bell Wright. ?It is interesting that for a man not considered an intellectual, two authors were fundamental to influencing Reagan's most intimate thoughts. Ronald Reagan's two favorite books--not coincidentally--both happened to have a profound effect on him spiritually. One was a 1903 book titled That Printer of Udell's, by a minister-novelist named Harold Bell Wright. The other was by Whittaker Chambers, who, in 1952, penned his book, Witness. (Actually, Reagan also cited the Bible as one of his favorite books. He called it "the greatest message ever written." This was because--at least in part--he believed its words were of "Divine inspiration." Of this, he "never had any doubt." Heritage.com http://www.heritage.org/Research/PoliticalPhilosophy/hl832.cfm You may purchase this book at Amazon. That Printer of Udell's By Harold Bell Wright List Price: $5.95 "Any political junkie or political scientist who wants to understand Ronald Reagan the man and the politician must start with this book. Young Reagan read it when he was 11 years old and promptly decided that he wanted to become an evangelical Christian, informing his Mother that he wanted to be baptized. Reagan obviously identified with the protagonist of this story who like Reagan was the son of an alcoholic father who through the power of faith became a better man and works to change his community through his church. The book concludes with his marching off to Washington to assume a political career.? Amazon.com http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1565541219/qid=1087173788/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/104-8828267-4371969?v=glance&s=books Search criteria: Ronald Reagan book religion OR religious +boy OR young Book young Reagan ?triumph of good over evil" I hope you find this helpful! Best regards, Bobbie7