The Frozen Rodeo

Hank the Cowdog #74

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

It’s early January on Hank’s ranch when Slim and Loper receive word that an ice storm is headed their way. However, just as they’re about to prepare the cattle and stock tanks at the ranch to safely weather the storm, Deputy Kile calls with some bad news. It seems that one of their electric fences has short-circuited, and some of their wheat pasture steers have strayed into town and onto the Twitchell golf course! Slim saddles up his horse and heads off to retrieve the steers—with Hank’s help of course—but a few mishaps delay his cowboying just long enough to coat Twitchell in ice and turn his steer-roping adventure into a rip-roaring frozen rodeo!

Genres: Childrens

120 pages, Paperback

Published March 24, 2020

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

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the best Hanks Erickson has written in awhile. However, I have been reading Hank (audiobook and physical book) for over 21 years, and he cheated! The second song in the story is a tweaking of "Just Another Cowboy Day." He changed a few of the words and the melody slightly. That was pretty disappointing. Maybe he marketed it as a B-side to the other song, but I have not heard about it if he did? Overall, though, it was a fantastic Hank and a great addition to one of my favorite series of all time.

[Jennifer Ritchie · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Hey, if you can’t handle beef jerky, you’re not a Texas dog. Move to California and eat oatmeal.”

How in the world does John Erickson write 70+ books about the same dog, and they’re still hilarious? I guess he’s just that brilliant.

[John Stults · Rating 5 out of 5]

another good Hank Story

Hank does his normal job helping chase run away steers that escape into town during an ice storm. Lots of
Mis understanding lots of misplaced words a good Hank story
I highly recommend 8 and 5 yr old grand daughters loved it.

[Craig Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Hank the Cowdog Book

If you are a Hank the Cowdog fan, you will enjoy this book. Viola make a reappearance and I'll leave it at that. Hank is up to his normal antics but actually shows a bit of intelligence for a change. Classic Hank the Cowdog.

[kali 𐙚 · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are in the mood for a light read that might make you laugh during quarantine, I definitely recommend this novel! Although it's a children's book, I find it incredibly entertaining.

[A.C. Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Frozen Rodeo

Amazing story! My boys loved it from beginning to end! Full of humor, lovable characters and tons of giggles! Highly recommended.

[Clara Roberts · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ericson's ability to weave a story is so good you almost feel this story did happen.

[bear.hare · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read aloud.
Hank never disappoints. Had to stop reading three times bc I was laughing too much to stay in character;)