Moonlight Madness

Hank the Cowdog #23

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

When Slim brings an orphaned raccoon back to the ranch, it's up to Hank to find a way to keep the coon out of trouble. The only problem is, whenever Hank tries to stop Eddy, he's the one who ends up in hot water!

Genres: Childrens, Mystery, Adventure, Animals, Fiction, Comedy, Dogs

128 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1994

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

[Neil R. Coulter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Hank. John Erickson created a wonderful formula when he started writing the Hank the Cowdog books--but even with a great formula, it's still amazing how many of the books he's been able to write. How is it always funny, even when it's more or less the same story being told again and again? It almost doesn't even make sense to review a particular volume, because if you like Hank, it really doesn't matter which book you pick up; they'll all make you smile. This one, Moonlight Madness, involves a raccoon, a cage that may or may not be an elevator, and singing cookies. I read it aloud as bedtime stories to the kids, at the request of my second child. It only took a few nights, because once I start reading Hank, it's hard to stop. We all enjoyed it a lot, and we'll certainly be returning to the Head of Ranch Security sometime soon.

[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.

[Ron · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a first grader give me this book as something he had read and truly enjoyed. It definitely is an early reader chapter book that deals with Hank the Cow Dog and some of what he does. In this one, he runs into an orphaned raccoon and ends up doing some funny things.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to the audio, and really enjoyed it! Like all Hank the Cowdog books, it was hilarious. The audio is fun to listen to because the author narrates it and does an INCREDIBLE job with all the voices. Amazing talent.

[Angieluila Bradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sooo funny. We loved it.

[Jacque B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Hank the Cowdog, always a great adventure!!!

[Brenna Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, Hankie. When will you learn?

[PottWab Regional Library]

SM

[Nathaniel Seagraves · Rating 5 out of 5]

The introduction to our favorite raccoon!! “Got a deal, you and me!”

[Kaytee · Rating 5 out of 5]

the book was really funny when the racoon played a trick on hank the cowdog and i actually do not not like hank because he is selfish mean and cruel to other dogs especially drover.

[Kendra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Re-read in January 2019 or rather listened to it this time.

I listened to the audio of this one with the author. This is the way Hank should be read/heard -- from the master storyteller! So cute! The best part is when the cookies sang to Hank. "We are cookies and we want to be eaten."

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Awwewwww.

[Olivia · Rating 4 out of 5]

a family read aloud...

[Cws]

JM4 Eri

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes, another Hank, but they are ALWAYS just right for lifting my mood. And, in this one, Hank shows uncharacteristic humility! ;)

[SSM · Rating 5 out of 5]

I dont like eddy much. Such a sneak and a little annoying, but still funny and sometimes cute