The Dungeon of Doom #44

Hank the Cowdog #44

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

As Head of Ranch Security, Hank knows that it's his job to clear the ranch of any unwanted visitors&150and that includes gophers. But when his efforts to rid the yard of one of those pesky critters cause a stampede in the middle of a round-up, Loper decides that he's had it. It's high time Hank learned some manners. Our hero is going to . . . gulp! . . . Obedience School. Hank can just picture dank dungeons, torches burning on the walls, and menacing instructors who wield manners like weapons. How will he ever survive?

Genres: Fiction, Childrens, Adventure, Humor, Mystery, Animals, Juvenile

144 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 2004

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

[Mystie Winckler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audible. Listened to on a quick family road trip for old time's sake and laughed together. Mission accomplished.

[Austin Majors · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was honestly a good book even though people would make fun of it like what is this. But I told them it was Hank the cow-dog and they were like whatttt.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilarious

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another book I barely remember reading, but I'm sure I loved it as much as the rest of HtCd.

[David King · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great vacation trip listen.

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

We really enjoyed this one! It had some really funny parts in it!

[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.

[Christa VG · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hank goes to obedience school.......or does he?

[Jerome Otte · Rating 3 out of 5]

Humorous and intriguing, with all of Hank’s usual blundering. He gets into trouble and makes a fool out of himself, then tries to get out of it and makes a fool out of everyone else.

[Kristina · Rating 3 out of 5]

The nostalgia!

[Robb Menlove · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maybe our favorite Hank yet.