The Runaway Windmill

Hank the Cowdog: Audio Only #4

by John R. Erickson

A Wild and Windy Tale When an enemy spy (in a chicken suit ) sneaks on the ranch, it's going to be a wild day for Hank. Will Hank be able to protect the ranch and some newfound valuables of his? But Hank's biggest challenge will be whether he (and Drover) can lead a rescue to save Slim from his ride on a Runaway Windmill? Hear Hank and Drover sing the catchy "A Dog Should Smell Like a Dog" song.

Audio CD

Published October 1, 2007

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

[Logan · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Merceda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 4th book in the Hank the Cow dog books. It was only one disc long, but it was still super cute. Of course, he and Drover go chasing a rabbit, which Drover tells Hank is actually a badger, and so it took them 2 hours to get Loper back to the windmill to rescue Slim Chance from the windmill which didn't have it's brake set. And so Slim tells Hank that it took him long enough to get help back to him. And of course, the 2 coyotes happen upon Hank and Drover while they were barking at a log which had the rabbit, badger, in it. So Drover tells Hank that it would be a good idea to allow the coyotes to get the badger, and so Hank says, "What a great idea I have." And tells Drover that they should let the coyotes chase the badger, and so that badger messes up the coyotes. Hank just isn't that bright.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Hank the Cowdog, and have decided these audiobooks are perfect for the car. Funny, and it's not big deal if the listening is interrupted or in short spurts. Fun drives ahead!

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another funny Hank the Cowdog adventure.