The Case of the Most Ancient Bone

Hank the Cowdog #50

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

This is no ordinary, run-of-the-mill ranch intrigue. No sir, this is a real, honest-to-goodness archaeological adventure! When an old friend of Slim’s starts an archaeological dig near the ranch, it doesn’t take long before little Alfred gets caught up in the excitement. And once Alfred manages to get himself invited to the dig, it isn’t long before Hank follows. Hank finds himself face-to-face with the most ancient of bones--a huge bison bone that Hank just knows has been aged to delicious perfection. Hank should be protecting the bone, but can he keep his doggie instincts at bay and uphold his position? Will the most ancient of bones get the best of Hank? Hank and Little Alfred sing "The Lemonade Song," and while broiling in the summer heat, Hank sings "I'm Burning Up!"

Genres: Childrens, Humor, Fiction, Mystery, Animals, Juvenile

239 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 14, 2012

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

[Annie · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you had told me back in June that I would only get through one read-aloud with my kids this summer, I would have picked something with a little more depth to mull over in the days between our reading. Nonetheless, my boys enjoyed it and the characterization of dogs and their dog-like thoughts had me laughing too. This is our 2nd Hank story, and I don’t think I’ll take time to read another one aloud. I would be happy for my boys to read them on their own, however, and I’ve heard the audio read by the author is great.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

My son loves these books. I have been reading this one out loud to him before bed. To be honest, now that we have read a few, I am getting a little bored with Hank. However, my son thinks he is hilarious and it makes me happy that he is happy.

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

It never gets old!!! always good for lots of laughs!!

[Reece Wagenfuehr · Rating 5 out of 5]

actually brought me to tears, best book I've ever read

[Cate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Took me 14 days to get it done, but I finally finished the 50th Hank book. Suitable for all ages, and especially recommended for fans of Drover's nutty conversations.

[Sonya · Rating 4 out of 5]

John R Erickson again puts our boys in laughs with his Hank the cowdog's adventures. Most of which are fabricated in the mind of the dog, or his side-kick Drover. He tests my ability to read out-loud properly with all the vocabulary words that I must say properly in order for the boys to understand. The capers that Hank finds himself gives suspense, adventure, mystery and laughs as the reader is taken through a dog's eyes to view ranch life.
Any of Erickson's book (we've read them all) will make them laugh, sigh and wondering why Hank can't get it.

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A entertaining and funny entry in a long-running children's book series. I had never read Hank the Cowdog as a child; even without nostalgia glasses, the book was a blast. Hank makes a hilarious narrator, and his folksy, self-important voice is a lot of fun to read. I'm not a fan of the art style, but the illustrations serve their purpose. I'd definitely recommend this series if the rest of the books are anything like this.

[Lisa Delaine Youngblood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hello, it's Hank again. In this 50th anniversary tale, Hank the Cowdog looks into becoming the assistant archeologist at a nearby archeological dig. With humor and understanding of life on a ranch, Erickson again gives listeners a rip-roaring tale of fun and foolishness.

[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 2 out of 5]

I am reading this to my kids at school. It is entertaining - students around the 3rd - 4th grade level should get most of the jokes.

[Kamron · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is long. but it is good. In it Hank has alot of adventures. He is a talking dog. Its is a mystery

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

So funny!

[Charlie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loaned the first two Hank the Cowdog books to a neighbor boy so he would have something to read. A year later he loaned me #50. A person book but fun to read.

[Johannes Kristian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it. I had listened to part of it, so I knew parts of it.

[Marisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

We love getting these on CD for road trips. Read by the author and very entertaining! Makes my daughter laugh out loud and my son quote lines. We all enjoy exclaiming, "Oh my gawrsh!

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

You'd think I'd grow up and stop reading these, but they're classics and always bring a laugh to my day.

[Clinton Sheppard · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit long.

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don't know why I didn't enjoy this one very much when it first came out. As an adult, I thought it was great! Saffron was a fantastic character. I loved how she confused Hank. Overall, a fun Hank!

[BAM · Rating 5 out of 5]

Salley May hats Hank more then the cat.