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Hank the Cowdog: Audio Only #2
The Watermelon Patch Mystery
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?
Audio CD
First published October 31, 2005
3 people are currently reading
72 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 - 13 of 13 reviews
September 16, 2024
I really enjoy this audio-only Hank, if for no other reason than the amazing Watermelon song that gets stuck in my head...
Includes Eddie the Rac
Includes Eddie the Rac
September 21, 2016
This was cute and charming and absolutely perfect for our road trip.
April 30, 2020
This book was HILARIOUS. The narrator was particularly good and the twangy music in the background set off all Hank the Cowdog’s silly antics.
Unfortunately, since a lot of the humor relies on irony (and knowing that what Hank is saying and what’s actually happening aren’t the same thing), this mostly went way over my 7yo’s head and he didn’t enjoy it as much as other books. I think in another year or two these will be perfect.
Unfortunately, since a lot of the humor relies on irony (and knowing that what Hank is saying and what’s actually happening aren’t the same thing), this mostly went way over my 7yo’s head and he didn’t enjoy it as much as other books. I think in another year or two these will be perfect.
July 15, 2018
Hilarious audio book that's great for the whole family!
October 16, 2018
This is the first Hank the Cow Dog I ever heard. I was hooked! So funny and just awesome.
April 17, 2020
This was a cute almost novella length Hank story. It had the typical humor, but was shorter than the normal ones. John R Erickson’s narration is so on point. The watermelon song and the return of the raccoon were great as well.
November 11, 2020
The best Hank song of all time in this book.
October 31, 2025
I thoroughly enjoy these books, obviously from the mind of someone deeply acquainted with ranches and dogs. The thought-processes and observations are just so funny!
January 12, 2020
Great book to share with your kids
February 22, 2017
A short, formula Hank story, but enjoyable and worth it if only for the hilarious watermelon song!
July 21, 2014
Another great one from Hank and Drover.
December 14, 2014
Hank the Cowdog is ridiculous and silly and I can see why kids like him so much. :)
December 30, 2020
We just listened to this via Audible stories, and it was the best Hank we've read in a while. The Watermelon song is perfection. We're all singing it now.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews