The Case of the Kidnapped Collie

Hank the Cowdog #26

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

Hank's not too happy when Beulah the Collie shuns him for that bird-brained bird dog, Plato. But when Beulah falls into the clutches of a ruthless cannibal, Hank knows that there's only one dog tough enough to save her--and it's none other than Hank the Cowdog.

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

128 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1996

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

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

What can I say? It’s Hank the Cowdog, so buckle up for lots of laughs, hilarious songs, and all your favorite characters. In this one, it’s Hank, Beulah, Plato the spotted bird dog, Pete the barn cat, and Drover who are the main characters.

Hank was a bit too blind at times, especially with the brown-eyed angel, Miss Beulah, but he redeemed himself very well in this one, which made me like it a bit more than some of the others. In some of the Hank the Cowdog books, Hank doesn’t really learn anything. In this one, he learns that it’s okay to tell someone whom you dislike some of the good things about them and acknowledge their goodness even if they DID steal your girlfriend. I liked how Hank was able to swallow his pride for a little bit and do some good deeds. I also enjoyed the songs. They were hilarious! All in all, a great Hank the Cowdog. :)

[Aimee Fuhrman · Rating 2 out of 5]

This isn't one of my favorite Hank the Cowdog books. It's not bad, just not as funny as some of them. That being said, Drover's innocently wise "stupidity" offers plenty of humor, as usual.

[Noah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of fun. Listened again, on Audible. This was my first real introduction to Hank, when I was 13 or 14, and it's probably the funniest and most satisfying of his adventures that I've read.

[Havebooks Willread · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just for fun--Hank makes us laugh!

[Codi Lessner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Hank & his adventures. This one’s no different!

[Kaytee · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book was kinda sad and i said kinda but the book was good and i like the dog miss buela because she is a girl and she is really pretty and i am glad that she keeps turning down hank because he is embarrsing and very very very very rude and selfish.

[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.

[Whirlawayka · Rating 5 out of 5]

coyote

[SSM · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ugh. Rip and snort! What dummies! :)

[Hillvan]

750L