Hank the Cowdog: Audio Only

Series · 8 books · 2003-2010

By John R. Erickson

Books in series

The Homeless Pooch

2004

That's right It all starts with Hank as a puppy enjoying his family's backyard home. But, feathers really fly when Hank the puppy defends his backyard against invading—Phantom Ducks? Hank's mother says it's a good time for him to go out on his own before the dogcatcher arrives Hank makes his way to the Twitchell Livestock Auction. Will he join up with Slim, the cowboy he meets there? Or will the dogcatcher provide his new home? Hear Hank sing "Leaving Home." Bonus Stories: Included on this audio are the first two Hank the Cowdog short stories ever written

The Watermelon Patch Mystery

2005

When Hank begins his day being attacked by - a Headless Cowdoy, he knows it's going to be a tough day defending the ranch But when Slim discovers Sally May's watermelon patch has been raided by raccoons, things get serious. Slim, Drover, and Hank (mostly Hank) are entrusted with the job of a nighttime stakeout to catch the raccoons in the act. Will Hank save the day? Or will busted watermelons prove Hank is a bust as the Head of Ranch Security?

The Kitty Cheater

2006

To Cheat or Not To Cheat That is just one of the questions to be answered on the ranch While interrogating J.T. Cluck, will Hank be able to figure out what scary creatures are planning an attack on the ranch? After Hank lures Pete the Barncat into making a foolish bet for scraps, would Pete try to cheat the Head of Ranch Security? Will Truth and Justice (Hank) win in the end? Hear Hank sing the hilarious song, "Don't Get Your News From a Chicken."

The Runaway Windmill

2007

A Wild and Windy Tale When an enemy spy (in a chicken suit ) sneaks on the ranch, it's going to be a wild day for Hank. Will Hank be able to protect the ranch and some newfound valuables of his? But Hank's biggest challenge will be whether he (and Drover) can lead a rescue to save Slim from his ride on a Runaway Windmill? Hear Hank and Drover sing the catchy "A Dog Should Smell Like a Dog" song.

The Cookie Moon

2008

The Moon is made of... When Hank makes the mistake of asking Drover what he's doing, Drover reveals his observation that the moon looks like a cookie After some highly scientific discussion and calculations, Hank and Drover agree that the moon is a cookie, not swiss chesse. And, when Loper sets down Sally May's picnic basket, which contains some oatmeal raisin cookies, the plot thickens, and Hank realizes the cookie moon was a sign that he should...you'll never guess what Hank and Drover end it all by singing a funny song, "It Doesn't Make Sense."

The Dancing Cowboy

2009

Sally May is planning to host a dance in her yard and launches a major Spring Cleaning Offensive! When a grumbling Slim is drafted to haul trash to the burn barrel, Hank decides it might be a good idea to keep an eye on him. He was right! Later, Miss Viola's pickup breaks down in front of Slim's house, and she needs Slim's expert help as a mechanic. Will the bachelor cowboy take the opportunity to ask her to the dance or will the Head of Ranch Security have to take her to the dance? Miss Viola sings "Silly Old Maid."

The Valentine's Day Robbery

2010

It's Valentine's Day on the ranch but bachelor-cowboy Slim Chance doesn't know it. Sally May tells him to forget about the cows and "Go to town and buy a nice gift for Miss Viola " Slim hates to shop, but he goes to town (with the dogs, of course) and buys a nice box of candy for Miss Viola. But on the way to Viola's house, Hank and Drover take an interest in the candy and...will there be a Happy Valentine's Day on the ranch? Slim sings a bachelor's opinion in his "Valentine's Song."

Tales and Tunes from Hank the Cowdog (Hank the Cowdog

2003

Get ready for laughs when you listen to these excerpts from ten of Hank's stories. They are performed like an old-time radio show with sound effects and each character has its own unique voice! You will hear Hank as he bargains for a priceless corncob, learns about manners from Wallace the Buzzard, runs into Rip and Snort the coyote brothers, taunts a raging rottweiler, gets into trouble with Sally May the rancher's wife, and more!Dogs, buzzards, and coyotes not only talk on this hilarious CD, they also sing! You will enjoy the musical talents of Hank, a grumpy Wallace, the raucous duo of Rip and Snort, Slim the cowboy as he sings a touching song and Drover shares two songs packed with great advice! Banjo, fiddle, marimba, synthesizers, and guitar are just some of the instruments you will hear on these nine songs. This is one CD you will enjoy again and again with family and friends! Don't leave home without Hank!

Author

John R. Erickson

Author · 96 books

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."