The Case of the Booby-Trapped Pickup

Hank the Cowdog #49

by John R. Erickson, Gerald L. Holmes (Illustrator)

There’s never a dull moment when Hank the Cowdog is around. In this next installment to the long-running series, Hank gets the ride of his life when Slim’s pickup truck breaks down and they end up with a brand-new model on loan while the old one gets fixed. But a ranch dog like Hank isn’t used to power windows and door locks, and he manages to get himself in a whole heap of trouble with just one push of a button! Will Hank be able to find a way out of this latest mess?

Genres: Juvenile, Mystery, Childrens, Fiction, Humor

144 pages, Paperback

First published December 21, 2012

About the author

John R. Erickson, a former cowboy and ranch manager, is gifted with a storyteller's knack for spinning a yarn. Through the eyes of Hank the Cowdog, a smelly, smart-aleck Head of Ranch Security, Erickson gives readers a glimpse of daily life on a ranch in the West Texas Panhandle. This series of books and tapes is in school libraries across the country, has sold more than 7.6 million copies, is a Book-of-the-Month Club selection, and is the winner of the 1993 Audie for Outstanding Children's Series from the Audio Publisher's Association. Publishers Weekly calls Hank a "grassroots publishing phenomena," and USA Today says this is "the best family entertainment in years."

Hank the Cowdog made his debut in the pages of The Cattleman, a magazine for adults, and when Erickson started getting "Dear Hank" letters, he knew he was onto something. So in 1983, he self-published 2,000 copies of The Original Adventures of Hank the Cowdog, and they sold out in 6 weeks.

When teachers began inviting Erickson to their schools, Hank found his most eager fans. Teachers, librarians, and students alike love Hank. According to some Texas Library Association surveys, the Hank the Cowdog books are the most popular selections in many libraries' children's sections. The lively characters make excellent material for reading and writing lessons, and turn even the most reluctant readers into avid Hank-fans.

Erickson was born in Midland, Texas, but by the age of 3, he had moved with his family to Perryton, Texas, where he and his wife live today on their working cattle ranch. They have 3 grown children and 4 grandchildren. His advice to young writers is, "Write about something you know. Try to leave your readers better off than they were before."

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

As head of ranch security, Hank the Cowdog can do just about anything, but he can't fix Slim's rusty old pickup truck no matter how hard he barks at it. When they go into town to get it repaired, Hank has a calamitous encounter with a yippy little poodle and about a thousand donuts. It's not until they get a loaner truck, though, that the real trouble begins. Hank and his pal Drover are a hilarious pair of mutts, their arguments and malapropisms making this easy chapter book a hoot.

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

You can imagine Hank and power windows in a truck!!! hilarious and he sees his princess Missy Coyote and even gets a kiss!!

[Angieluila Bradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could not stop laughing. Could not put it down.

[Books On the Ponderosa · Rating 5 out of 5]

We love Hank at our house, and this one is a hoot as are many. My son thought this one was especially funny, and I’d have to say it’s probably one of my favorites too! Always love Hank’s antics!

[Lea Beall · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really love it when Hank does something stupid or it seems stupid to Slim and Loper and then they have to wind up admitting that they aren't so smart themselves and so Hank is justified, somewhat.
Even though Hank isn't human, his attitudes and responses are, and thus we as readers, find ourselves laughing at ourselves and the silly foibles of others.
We shouldn't take ourselves too seriously on most occasions.
But Hank frequently does as in this story and others.
Have you ever done something like locking yourself out of the house or backing into your own trashcan? Maybe this story will help you laugh at yourself as you see your reflection.

[Merceda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book. Too bad that Hank kept stepping on the window switches and shutting his head in the windows. And too bad that he locked Slim out of the pickup while they were out feeding the cows. In another 20 ft, the truck would have slid over a cliff and been a goner. Hank just isn't that bright. And then Drover fell in love with Princess Coyote, but Hank wouldn't let him have her.

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

lol. had to read/listen to it after John Erickson gave us a teaser on his visit to NCPL. I've never read a Hank book although my brother loved them when he was a tween. I can see why. John's voices for the characters are perfect.

[Jay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hank the cowdog is probably pretty funny to simply read, but nothing beats reading it aloud to an eight-year-old boy who giggles all through the tale. I've read only one other Hank book (#1), and I thought this one was much funnier.

[Darryl Cole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read pretty much this entire series years ago after I descovered them in my elementary school libary. The plot, and characters are great. Plus these books are extremly funny. I loved this series then and I still love it.

[Shannon Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just LOVE these books! Hilariously written from the point of view of Hank, the Cowdog! He can't stay focused on what he's doing ( sounds like me) and he just gives up on spelling! Lol!

These books are the kind that make me laugh out loud- snickering and all!

[Ecdiv · Rating 5 out of 5]

More fun on the ranch!

Hank and Drover are protecting the ranch when Slim gets a new pickup. The truck has electric windows, which almost remove Hanks head!

Great fun on the ranch!

[Nick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hank was very funny and clever. It was a little slow and threatened to put me to sleep, but it was perfect for a kid's book. Anyone who has ever had a dog will find something to love about Hank.