The Case of the Raging Rottweiler

Hank the Cowdog #36

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

A huge Rottweiler the size of King Kong (according to Hank) threatens the security of Hank the Cowdog's ranch.

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

131 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2000

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

[Vivian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hank's episodes are just plain fun, whether you're listening to the masterfully performed audio editions or reading the books. Each book explores a day-in-the-life (or a few days) of the self-proclaimed "Head of Ranch Security". Prepare to be regaled by the minutia of daily life, such as the emotional fallout of shedding, the how's and why's of scratching fleas, strategizing getting into the house out of the heat, and negotiating with an unwelcome visitor. Erickson's droll narrative is top-notch entertainment.

[SSM · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book once again! So funny!

[Angieluila Bradley · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was kind of funny. Not as much as most. A little more suspenseful for my little kids.

[Tanya · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series was my favorite growing up and I can see why. Hank the Cowdog is the bravest there is 😂 Still a cute and fun series!

[Codi Lessner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book as always! Makes you laugh.

[Jose Dejesus · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is about a cow dog that is trying to case of the raging rottweiler.The rottweiler is a bad dog that tries to fight hank.Hank is in a barn with a friend and the friend kick them out of the house because their where scratching on their flea.Hank left the farm and he left with a dog and they left one mile from the barn their where after with the other friend.Their where lost in the dark and they where scared and they said that there was a phantom in the darkness.

[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.

[Tom · Rating 3 out of 5]

What can I say? This kid loves the Hank.