Wagons West

Hank the Cowdog #67

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

It’s early springtime on the ranch, and Hank is going through the usual motions of making sure that a warm spring arrives safely: singing songs about it, barking faithfully each morning, and helping the cowboys with their work around the ranch. However, in the midst of a particularly hard day’s nap, he receives a report that his little birdy friend, Madame Moonshine, is in danger of being eaten by Pete the Barncat! Naturally, Hank springs into action to save her, but a misstep brings the wrath of Sally May down on his head, and Hank must flee the scene of the rescue and travel west on the Oregon Trail with Little Alfred. Later, when a freak storm causes the creek to rise, stranding Little Alfred far from the house, Hank must rely on his instincts and clever wits—and perhaps a little help from Madame Moonshine—to keep them both safe and get Alfred back to his mother!

Genres: Childrens, Fiction, Audiobook

120 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2016

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

[Joshua · Rating 4 out of 5]

At least they didn't get dysentery.

[Frank Theising · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was just OK. My kids love these books (including this one) so we listen to them on cross-country drives. Unfortunately, while my kids still loved it, I found this one a little tedious. As the 67th book in the series, I feel like the author has gone to the well a few too many times with the usual tropes that were funnier in the earlier books (Hank misspelling/misinterpreting words, being bested by the cat, etc). Plus, the general timing of the book just felt off...he didn't even get to the main storyline until what seemed like the last quarter of the book which just made the first three-quarters feel like filler. I like the earlier books, but this was is only 2 stars.

[Nick · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is good for a Hank the Cowdog story. It had a solid beginning, middle, and end, it wrapped up nicely, it was funny without being annoying. This is a quintessential Hank story. Loveable, some laugh out-loud moments, fairly okay. Decent, and if you've read Hank before you know exactly what you are getting.

[Jene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am never disappointed with these books, and always find them a hoot to read aloud. After following these books for about twenty years, Slim is still my favorite character!

[serena482* · Rating 3 out of 5]

My rating 3.5 stars

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A funny family audio book.

[Kaytee · Rating 5 out of 5]

the book was really exciting the part thaat i liked was when pete the cat plays nasty trickes on hank this is i do not know but hank is soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo annoying. the book was really funny when i think that hank tried to eat bird seed but i think that was in another book but the book was still good.

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun as always. Enjoyed the return of Madame Moonshine and felt that maybe Erickson is getting his edge back. Was a little worried after The Christmas Turkey Disaster...

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hank and JRE provide us a nice exciting ending.