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Hank the Cowdog #1
The Original Adventures of Hank the Cowdog
The popular Hank the Cowdog series is based on the humorous antics of the canine Head of Ranch Security. In this first book, Hank and his little buddy, Drover, set out to solve a series of baffling murders on the ranch. Is Hank a suspect? An Outlaw? Can he clear his good name? USA Today calls the hilarious Hank the Cowdog series "...the best family entertainment in years."
148 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1980
582 people are currently reading
2571 people want to read
About the author
John R. Erickson
231 books341 followersJohn 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."
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."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 681 reviews
January 28, 2024
4.5
He has a keen mind, except when he mistakes skunks for badgers or monsters for milk cows.
He is tough and devoted to his job. He puts his life on the line for the safety of others, even though the people he strives to protect, misunderstand him and blame him unfairly.
His name is Hank and he is a cowdog.
He may be prone to mishaps but one thing is for sure he would do everything in his power to defend the ranch and protect its inhabitants.
Special thanks to Chris for introducing me to this series. I started reading the book to see if my daughter would like it or if it’s appropriate for her age and ended up reading the whole book, which was a very fun, non-stop-laughter experience.
He has a keen mind, except when he mistakes skunks for badgers or monsters for milk cows.
He is tough and devoted to his job. He puts his life on the line for the safety of others, even though the people he strives to protect, misunderstand him and blame him unfairly.
His name is Hank and he is a cowdog.
He may be prone to mishaps but one thing is for sure he would do everything in his power to defend the ranch and protect its inhabitants.
Special thanks to Chris for introducing me to this series. I started reading the book to see if my daughter would like it or if it’s appropriate for her age and ended up reading the whole book, which was a very fun, non-stop-laughter experience.
August 4, 2008
I know you'll never believe me, but there are some of the most hilarious books for kids out there. But you have to get them on tape or cd.... the author reads them and does the best voices and makes it even better. I mean like way way better. The best is if you have or have ever owned a dog. Because it's all about this dog who does all the normal dumb dog stuff but takes it incredibly seriously. Considers himself the head of ranch security and the world might end if he doesn't bark at the mailman every day. It's not just for kids... I'm sure Matt and I love Hank almost as much as Jack does. Anyway, grab one from the library sometime. I can't really do it justice, but seriously, it's gooooooooooood stuff.
February 24, 2016
I've always been a Hank fan and now my students are too! Our elementary book club just finished this one up last week and I'm excited to say that it had the best reaction yet. I was pleasantly surprised at how fascinated they were with Hank; I now have all the other books in the series flying off my shelves. My crew gives Hank two thumbs up!
June 17, 2018
This series is pure gold. Hank has an inflated view of his role at the ranch and the way he describes his job makes me laugh out loud sometimes. Erickson understands both ranch life and children and the combination brings us a series that children and their parents love to enjoy together. The audiobooks are great for summer trips, too.
October 22, 2011
I had to add these books because I remember them so fondly back in my childhood. Guaranteed I'd probably laugh if I went back and read these. It sounds silly but these books inspired me to learn to write and read lots of books at a VERY early age. I read much younger because my best friend was reading these books. I remember in class we use to get our moms to buy different ones and we'd switch. I read all of them which was a huge feat, I think it went up to like a 100? No Joke.
I remember I wanted to have them all read by the end of the year. I read some of the reviews and they kinda make me laugh. For the negative one, didn't you ever watch tom & jerry? Moms are really overprotective nowadays. Organic foods for the baby, screening the television and cartoons they watch (which sure organic is a bit healthier, pricier AND guess why? dies easier. Like the bananas. They last maybe like 2 days tops) being overly paranoid over making sure their child is safe. I get it. It's a big bad world out there and you'd die if anything bad happened to your kid. But truely, its not only that there is more crime out there its more people have changed their attitude.
Tom & Jerry is too violent for most moms out there today. Tom beats jerry, tries to poison him, eat him, they cut off eachother's body parts all in good fun. I watched it and look I grew up okay (mostly haha...kidding) infact I watched Ren & Stimpy which was pretty much the most disgusting kid show today. Anyways...Hank dealt with "murders" problems on the ranch and provided fun mysteries for kids. Some may call it violent or he was degrading but I found it humorous and I really enjoyed these books as a kid. Plus I had my own chocolate lab and I always pictured it looked like him. Didn't hurt. So next time you try to screen your tv/books from your child, ask yourself, didn't you ever watch something with some truth to the world in it? I bet you did.
I remember I wanted to have them all read by the end of the year. I read some of the reviews and they kinda make me laugh. For the negative one, didn't you ever watch tom & jerry? Moms are really overprotective nowadays. Organic foods for the baby, screening the television and cartoons they watch (which sure organic is a bit healthier, pricier AND guess why? dies easier. Like the bananas. They last maybe like 2 days tops) being overly paranoid over making sure their child is safe. I get it. It's a big bad world out there and you'd die if anything bad happened to your kid. But truely, its not only that there is more crime out there its more people have changed their attitude.
Tom & Jerry is too violent for most moms out there today. Tom beats jerry, tries to poison him, eat him, they cut off eachother's body parts all in good fun. I watched it and look I grew up okay (mostly haha...kidding) infact I watched Ren & Stimpy which was pretty much the most disgusting kid show today. Anyways...Hank dealt with "murders" problems on the ranch and provided fun mysteries for kids. Some may call it violent or he was degrading but I found it humorous and I really enjoyed these books as a kid. Plus I had my own chocolate lab and I always pictured it looked like him. Didn't hurt. So next time you try to screen your tv/books from your child, ask yourself, didn't you ever watch something with some truth to the world in it? I bet you did.
February 21, 2016
Now.. Now...Hank the Cowdog is supposedly written for children, but it just don't seem that way to me.
Course, now, I'm not the sharpest light bulb on the block, but the subtle humor therein seems a little lofty for the average 6 year old. Course I find some of it above my 60 year old noggin.
Okay laugh if you want to. But when the chips are down, you just spent your last dime on toilet paper, your wife just put your bedroll in the doghouse, ya ain't seen a rain cloud since the Yorktown armistice, the windmill sounds like a rusty hinge and you can't bust sod with a polaski a little Hank the Cowdog can make the day seem a lot better.
Go ahead. Try it out. See what you think.
Course, now, I'm not the sharpest light bulb on the block, but the subtle humor therein seems a little lofty for the average 6 year old. Course I find some of it above my 60 year old noggin.
Okay laugh if you want to. But when the chips are down, you just spent your last dime on toilet paper, your wife just put your bedroll in the doghouse, ya ain't seen a rain cloud since the Yorktown armistice, the windmill sounds like a rusty hinge and you can't bust sod with a polaski a little Hank the Cowdog can make the day seem a lot better.
Go ahead. Try it out. See what you think.
September 23, 2015
I am chagrined that this audiobook was recommended to me by several homeschooling parents. Yikes - I'll be spreading the word in my own HS group to stay away.
I got so tired of Hank's name-calling (a mother coyote was a "hag" when she screamed at him for - wait for it - hitting her pup) and bad-mouthing every other animal. The height of humor in this book (and really, my 3 and 7 year olds were laughing uproariously) came when Hank and Drover (who is stupid, scared, and worthless, according to his friend Hank) tormented a chained-up boxer, then peed on the tires of the boxer's owner's car, just to harass him further. Honestly, Hank's a bully.
I would have let the book go - unreviewed and forgotten - until we reached the section with the coyotes. Apparently, Hank is a modern "cowboys and Indians" book, and the coyotes are Hollywood-throwback stereotypes. Not only do we get the crude speech patterns of Hollywood's version of Native Americans, but we're also treated to domestic violence (that is laughed off) and drinking. Of course. Because you can't really do justice to this stereotype without a little bit of the fire water. Gross.
If you do pick this one up for your kids, please, please have some quality conversations about cultural stereotypes and bullies. Even better, save yourself a few hours and choose something else.
I got so tired of Hank's name-calling (a mother coyote was a "hag" when she screamed at him for - wait for it - hitting her pup) and bad-mouthing every other animal. The height of humor in this book (and really, my 3 and 7 year olds were laughing uproariously) came when Hank and Drover (who is stupid, scared, and worthless, according to his friend Hank) tormented a chained-up boxer, then peed on the tires of the boxer's owner's car, just to harass him further. Honestly, Hank's a bully.
I would have let the book go - unreviewed and forgotten - until we reached the section with the coyotes. Apparently, Hank is a modern "cowboys and Indians" book, and the coyotes are Hollywood-throwback stereotypes. Not only do we get the crude speech patterns of Hollywood's version of Native Americans, but we're also treated to domestic violence (that is laughed off) and drinking. Of course. Because you can't really do justice to this stereotype without a little bit of the fire water. Gross.
If you do pick this one up for your kids, please, please have some quality conversations about cultural stereotypes and bullies. Even better, save yourself a few hours and choose something else.
decided-not-to-read
April 27, 2022Why children should read or learn to enjoy a book that a farmer has not less than a half kindness of his dog?!
I just read less than 10 pages with a companion, we were both shocked by animal cruelty, Hank got shot, dead chicken, and ... How this is a good read for children? they should read this for school really?!
I just read less than 10 pages with a companion, we were both shocked by animal cruelty, Hank got shot, dead chicken, and ... How this is a good read for children? they should read this for school really?!
March 7, 2023
Sorry no. Kids may enjoy it enough though.
April 4, 2012
I don't get what all the fuss is about: either the folks who are completely opposed to lowly Hank or those rabid fans of his....
These books are funny, but much of the tongue-in-cheek humor no doubt goes over a 9 year old's head (which seems to be roughly the target audience judging from reading level). I found the "voice" in the book (including the dead pan humor) to be DEAD ON with an old Texan looking back on his adventures. If you need corroboration of that, I'll let you read my Texan uncle's hilarious Christmas letters. This "voice" makes them funnier to the adults reading them than to younger kids.
But what's troubling to me revolves around two things: first, the coyotes (enemies of cowdogs the world over) speak in what sounds to me like a remake of those old TV shows that showed Native Americans saying things like, "me go hunt big rabbit." Or something equally dumb. And, furthermore, while what Hank's narrating is supposed to be funny, it's often an outright lie with no acknowledgement of that fact to the receiver. He's often dramatizing his adventures on behalf of his oh, so loyal friend, Drover, but he never lets on to unsuspecting, gullible Drover that he's made up most of the tale.
It makes for a genuinely funny read, but I'm not sure I'd let my kids live on a steady diet of Hank with no discussion and/or nothing else to read. Think of these books as pretzels--a quick pick me up and could be worse (candy or other sugary treat), but won't hold you for long....
These books are funny, but much of the tongue-in-cheek humor no doubt goes over a 9 year old's head (which seems to be roughly the target audience judging from reading level). I found the "voice" in the book (including the dead pan humor) to be DEAD ON with an old Texan looking back on his adventures. If you need corroboration of that, I'll let you read my Texan uncle's hilarious Christmas letters. This "voice" makes them funnier to the adults reading them than to younger kids.
But what's troubling to me revolves around two things: first, the coyotes (enemies of cowdogs the world over) speak in what sounds to me like a remake of those old TV shows that showed Native Americans saying things like, "me go hunt big rabbit." Or something equally dumb. And, furthermore, while what Hank's narrating is supposed to be funny, it's often an outright lie with no acknowledgement of that fact to the receiver. He's often dramatizing his adventures on behalf of his oh, so loyal friend, Drover, but he never lets on to unsuspecting, gullible Drover that he's made up most of the tale.
It makes for a genuinely funny read, but I'm not sure I'd let my kids live on a steady diet of Hank with no discussion and/or nothing else to read. Think of these books as pretzels--a quick pick me up and could be worse (candy or other sugary treat), but won't hold you for long....
March 17, 2018
Sometimes, in the past, like those thoughts that keep circling in your head, I'd find myself imitating the voice . "It's me, again, Hank the Cowdog." ... then I'd talk with an imaginary Drover. It must be on audio online. The reader is great. Take the audio option over print. One of those fun kid books I liked to recommend when people came in, asking for audio for road trips.
(Quick scan of a youtube cartoon had different reader than the captivating voice of the author. Meh
(Quick scan of a youtube cartoon had different reader than the captivating voice of the author. Meh
Read
December 12, 2020میتونم بگم بهترین سن برای خوندن این کتاب و مجموعه 10 تا 12 ساله. خنده دار و سرگرم کننده است کما اینکه لابلای داستان جملات جذاب و متفکرانه ای داره. هنک یه قهرمان ایده آل و بی نقص نیست و همین جذابش کرده توی کتاب های این گروه سنی
July 12, 2011
I just didn't like it. I can't remember when I last truly disliked a children's book. Part of it was that it seemed SO dated. It felt like it was meant to be read during the time when Bonanza and Gunsmoke were all the rage. I'm just not there anymore and can't even feel transported there by this book. Part of it was how right out of the gates it's talking about investigating a "murder" (a hen gets killed outside the hen-house). Maybe it's how Hank is so demeaning to his partner. Maybe it's how the language of the coyotes wasn't really another language so much as a version of broken English that reminded me of the insulting way Native Americans have been portrayed in American cinema. Maybe it could be how some "big words" Hank uses are spelled phonetically, he acknowledges that he can't spell them correctly and leaves them misspelled in the book (come on, really? an asterisk and the correct spelling at the bottom of the page would have at least been a little better).
I am in no way compelled to read the subsequent books in the series and honestly, I have a lot of difficulty imagining a situation existing in 21st century America where I would actually recommend this book or series. I'm perplexed that it is on my 6th Grader's 2011 Summer Reading List (we live in a metropolitan area of New England). It's very strange.
I am in no way compelled to read the subsequent books in the series and honestly, I have a lot of difficulty imagining a situation existing in 21st century America where I would actually recommend this book or series. I'm perplexed that it is on my 6th Grader's 2011 Summer Reading List (we live in a metropolitan area of New England). It's very strange.
May 6, 2018
I grew up with everyone talking about this series. It was even published in my hometown paper because the author was from our “neck of the plains.” I decided to read it to my kids. Man, did my accent come back with a vengeance when I read it.😄 We all laughed out loud at times with the antics that Hank endures being the head of security on the ranch. Especially when a murder has taken place and he is left to find the killer with his scaredy hiding sidekick. We enjoyed it so much we had to search to find the next adventure and I’m sure we’ll enjoy it just as much.
August 26, 2021
This is a such a great book. It is like a Pixar film in that kids love it but there is so much humor for adults as well. Erickson does a great job of making the stories funny and interesting. He also uses words in a wonderful way, which is unique for this type of book. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
March 1, 2025
"You can't be safe and cautious all the time. If you're too timid in this life you'll miss out on all the fun and adventure. You'll just stay home and snap at flies."
--a little philosophy from Hank the Cowdog.
What? None of the readers I follow have read Hank the Cowdog? How is that possible? Boy howdy, let me say that y'all are missing out on good laughs and high (plains) adventures.
Hank is Head of Ranch Security on a ranch up in the Texas panhandle, near where the canyons are. One morning, at first light he learns is that there has been a murder on the ranch. Someone has killed one of the big leghorn hens. Never fear, Hank is on the case. And dad-gummit, he's gonna get to the bottom of it.
Eventually.
Right after he has a refreshing morning roll in the overflow sewer.
Hank is one of a kind. Just like all good old boy cowboys, God love 'em.
--a little philosophy from Hank the Cowdog.
What? None of the readers I follow have read Hank the Cowdog? How is that possible? Boy howdy, let me say that y'all are missing out on good laughs and high (plains) adventures.
Hank is Head of Ranch Security on a ranch up in the Texas panhandle, near where the canyons are. One morning, at first light he learns is that there has been a murder on the ranch. Someone has killed one of the big leghorn hens. Never fear, Hank is on the case. And dad-gummit, he's gonna get to the bottom of it.
Eventually.
Right after he has a refreshing morning roll in the overflow sewer.
Hank is one of a kind. Just like all good old boy cowboys, God love 'em.
August 16, 2025
Hilarious!
March 9, 2023
I'd forgotten how much I like this series. Had a lot of laughs reading it aloud to my 3 and 5 year olds. They didn't get all the humor, but they followed the story well and loved the coyotes. Will continue this series as read-alouds for sure!
August 24, 2018
When I was a kid, I loved the couple of Hank the Cowdog books that I found in the library. But now as an adult, I’m much more troubled by the problematic language. The coyotes are portrayed with the culture of Native Americans, and the descriptions of them are almost all unfavorable. Hank makes fun of their names, their language, their delicacies, and even calls them savages. It just struck a chord with me, and I definitely won’t be recommending it to any students.
July 20, 2018
Okay, so this book had some genuine laugh-out-loud moments. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it to the kids. Having had a good bit of personal experience with cowdogs, the self-important attitude of Hank, together with his penchant for getting into mischief rang completely true. Oh, and me just a worthless coyote.
December 28, 2023
Found this in my husband's family's house and needed to cram two more books for my yearly goal. Glad I did not read these as a child. Kind of impressive how they managed the cram the personality of a male boomer who's just a little bit too passionate about guns into the body of a dog in a children's series.
April 24, 2025
Kids are funny. My oldest could never get into these, though we had them on the shelf. My second LOVES them, and because of that, my oldest sneaks in to listen when I'm reading them outloud. Apparently laying on a thick northwest Texas accent makes them 1000x more interesting.
***
Based on other reviews, people don't seem to know that the stories originally were published in the early '80s in the Cattleman Magazine. When Erickson started his own publishing company to self-publish them, he was selling them to cowboys. So mamas getting upset about the old timey stereotypes and slightly more adult humor than their reading level, should maybe realize they were written (it seems to me) as more of a quick comedy for adults. But of course, kids love them most and they got popular from being distributed around Texas school libraries by the author. (Feel free to fact check me, this is all off the top of my head and I may have some details muddled.) That being said, my three year old son loves them and despite some pearl clutching by the general public, I'm ok with him loving them, and am happy to lay on my thick Texas accent (that he doesn't hear in every day life) to read them to him.
***
Based on other reviews, people don't seem to know that the stories originally were published in the early '80s in the Cattleman Magazine. When Erickson started his own publishing company to self-publish them, he was selling them to cowboys. So mamas getting upset about the old timey stereotypes and slightly more adult humor than their reading level, should maybe realize they were written (it seems to me) as more of a quick comedy for adults. But of course, kids love them most and they got popular from being distributed around Texas school libraries by the author. (Feel free to fact check me, this is all off the top of my head and I may have some details muddled.) That being said, my three year old son loves them and despite some pearl clutching by the general public, I'm ok with him loving them, and am happy to lay on my thick Texas accent (that he doesn't hear in every day life) to read them to him.
July 29, 2025
Funny story! I liked the twist at the end, though I wasn't sure if Hank the main character was telling the truth.
Great fun book for children in grades 6 and up.
Content Considerations:
Language: None-Some crude humor
Romance Content: Mild-Dog characters mention getting "married and having babies" (directly quoted, nothing past that), main dog character thinks another dog is beautiful and has feeling for her, and also has feelings for a female coyote
Violence/gore: Mild-chickens die, coyotes and dogs fight, a piece of meat the coyotes eat is described as green and covered in maggots
Substance Use: Dog and coyotes get drunk off of silo contents (I think, Hank mentions the contents has been sitting awhile and therefore is a bit alcoholic)
Prejudices: none
Religious Content: none
Other: Mild- Main character says mean things to other dog (but does redeem himself in the end)
Great fun book for children in grades 6 and up.
Content Considerations:
Language: None-Some crude humor
Romance Content: Mild-Dog characters mention getting "married and having babies" (directly quoted, nothing past that), main dog character thinks another dog is beautiful and has feeling for her, and also has feelings for a female coyote
Violence/gore: Mild-chickens die, coyotes and dogs fight, a piece of meat the coyotes eat is described as green and covered in maggots
Substance Use: Dog and coyotes get drunk off of silo contents (I think, Hank mentions the contents has been sitting awhile and therefore is a bit alcoholic)
Prejudices: none
Religious Content: none
Other: Mild- Main character says mean things to other dog (but does redeem himself in the end)
August 2, 2018
We had three chapters left (we read one chapter a night) and my son started muttering under his breath, "Booooo. Booooo." I said, "What's up?" He said, "When will this book be OVER? It's taking forever!" So we put it down and I ended up finishing it on my own the next night! I agree, it wasn't that great. It did feel overly long and Hank wasn't that appealing - kind of a jerk, I thought. Plus, the whole coyote representation made me feel a bit uncomfortable - they talk like stereotypical Native Americans in old cartoons and movies. But some parents and kids love these, so to each her own!
January 10, 2025
Nostalgic and entertaining!
June 25, 2021
Oh my gosh, this was SO fun to read to my 7 year old! I spontaneously developed a Matthew McConaughey accent while reading the Hank part, even my wife says so.
The coyote characters were a bit too much like Native American stereotypes, but overall harmless.
The coyote characters were a bit too much like Native American stereotypes, but overall harmless.
July 15, 2023
I love Hank the Cowdog. He’s so ridiculous, I just can’t help but giggle throughout his misadventures. Erickson does a superb job getting inside the mind of a goofy ranch dog. Several years ago I read the entire series to a group of 8 year old Hank the Cowdog lovers. I wonder if they ever revisit him. 🐶
March 31, 2023
Ian and Caleb gave it 99 stars. 😆
November 29, 2007
Having read this book and each one that follows in the series, I consider myself an aficionado of Hank's adventures. Hank is a lovable--if somewhat dim-bulbed-- protagonist who captures the heart of the reader and has you rooting for him as he goes head to head with the Pete the barncat, the turkey buzzards, the resident coyotes, and the bumbling ineptitude of his sidekick, Drover. Maybe I'm biased coming from a rural background, but these books are great!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 681 reviews