The Secret Laundry Monster Files

Hank the Cowdog #39

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

Hank the Cowdog is back! This time, things start to heat up when a strange flapping noise leads to a midnight investigation of the ranch. Before he knows it, Hank finds himself caught up with his old friend Eddy the Rac and face-to-face with one of a dog's greatest the dreaded laundry monster. Could it mean the end for everyone's favorite Head of Ranch Security-or is it just Eddy up to his old tricks? One thing's for sure, Hank will keep readers laughing out loud with this latest installment to the popular series.

"The best family entertainment in years." ( USA Today )

Genres: Fiction, Childrens, Adventure, Animals, Chapter Books, Mystery, Humor

160 pages, Paperback

First published February 14, 2013

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

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve loved Hank the Cowdog books since I was a kid. The kids enjoy them too. The youngest (8) brought this home from the library for us to read at bedtime. She’s a Hank lover too, though often his witticisms sail over her head. She likes them anyway. Cute little story, as always. I’d recommend it.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think The Secret Laundry Monster book was a good book because it is very funny and inertesting. So I would recamend this book to everyone who likes a good laugh. Also to anyone who thinks racoons are liars.
-Evelyn

[Norman Styers · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fairly routine Hank story. Not enough Eddie the Rac!

[Omari Grant · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a really good book that is really funny to laugh with friends or family.

[Danny · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was ok It started a little weird but in the end it was really good.

[Merceda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hank and Drover weren't too bright when it came to the raccoon hiding in the sheet. And also, Hank showing the raccoon how to get into the feed stall, and then they both ate a lot of the 50lb. bag of sweet horse feed. And Hank became rather portly after that eating expedition. But then the raccoon saved him from the water when another raccoon was fighting with Hank, and Hank was very grateful, although he was still terrified of the laundry monster.

[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.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a great series for children, but has a lot of clean humor that everyone can appreciate.

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beware of raccoons. Especcially Eddie the Rac. They will lie and cheat and get you in trouble with the head cowboy for eating all the horse's sweet feed.

[Cws]

JEAR3-Ert

[Jerome Otte · Rating 4 out of 5]

There appears to be monster around messing with everyone’s laundry lines and Hank cannot help but investigate. Humorous.