The Case of the Measled Cowboy

Hank the Cowdog #33

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

When Sally May and Loper head off to visit the relatives?leaving Slim in charge of Little Alfred?Hank knows that trouble is sure to come knocking. But not even the Head of Ranch Security could have predicted what would happen next. First, Slim is struck down with the measles. Then a blizzard hits the ranch, trapping them in the house with no heat or electricity. Somehow, Hank's got to find a way to get them out of this mess...before they're snowed in for good!

Genres: Fiction, Childrens, Mystery, Adventure, Young Adult, Juvenile

144 pages, Paperback

First published March 29, 1999

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

[Aimee Fuhrman · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the better Hank the Cowdog books, in my opinion. My son and I enjoyed listening to this book this weekend. As usual, the author's reading makes the story what it is--funny and entertaining.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whenever I am so sick that I have to stay in bed, my son read this aloud to me. It is excellent medicine.

[Chris B · Rating 4 out of 5]

My son was cracking up at this one 😆

[Kaytee · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book was really good and it was funny just like all of the other books of hank the cowdog and the best part was when they whined for popcorn and i kind of forgot what this book was about so this might not be right one because i read mostly all of hank the cowdog books.

[Rae · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is just hilarious. If you have ever wondered what goes on in a dogs head, this very well could be some of what that is! You definitely have to realize this is in no way shape or form a series that is from the perspective of “if dogs were like humans”. It is purely a what could a dog be thinking when it does what it does.
Add this to a 5 year old, a short tailed mutt, and have them take care of a very sick cowboy. Hilarity definitely ensues! 😂 Yes, Hank isn’t the brightest critter, but he thinks he is and he means well. No he doesn’t always say the nicest things to Drover, but real dogs growl and snap at each other all of the time and I doubt those are complements. It’s just funny life.

[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.

[Cws]

JM4 Eri

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has to be one of John Ericksons finest books.

[SSM · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ouch Slim. I love miss Viola. Shes the best :)