The Case of the Vampire Vacuum Sweeper

Hank the Cowdog #29

by John R. Erickson

The head of Ranch Security is again called to duty--this time to arrest the marauding trespassers who are threatening to stampede the cattle. Join Hank as he tracks down enemy agent Mysterious Esther, gets a surprise visit from pretty Miss Viola, attempts a daring escape from the relentless Vampire Vacuum Sweeper, almost single-handedly reprimands town dog Buster and his gang of thugs and sustains the ranch through another dangerous night.

Genres: Fiction, Childrens, Mystery, Animals, Adventure, Young Adult, Humor

118 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1997

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

[Lori Lotze · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much good humor and drawings to match! My 4th and 5th graders really enjoyed it and were more inspired to read and check more books out of the library! It was cracking up my fellow teachers , who happened to hear the kids reading the out loud to me!!!!

[Audrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always love Hank

[Dina · Rating 5 out of 5]

want to read

[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.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great read-aloud with the kids.

[Sonya · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love these cute, quick reads. I know they're children's books but I just love 'em.

[Shannon Dykes · Rating 2 out of 5]

Brayden wanted me to read this out loud. I couldn't get into it. When he is a bit older he'll like to read it himself.

[J.J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun to listen to in the car with the kids.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was good, just like most Hank the Cowdog books.

[M Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hank is always a fun read when you want something quick and funny.

[SSM · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was great! I loved it! and this series is always SO funny! Thank you John R Erickson!