The Case of the Fiddle-Playing Fox

Hank the Cowdog #12

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

Someone or something has been robbing eggs from the chicken house. Hank stakes out the chicken house and to his surprise sees a fiddle-playing fox hop in with the hens, play them some hot fiddle music, and then accept several fresh eggs as his payment! Instead of arresting Frankie the Fox, Hank joins forces with him to try and win the heart of Beulah the Collie.

Genres: Childrens, Animals, Fiction, Adventure, Mystery, Humor, Audiobook

118 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 1, 1989

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

[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.

[Heather · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was slightly less boomer who's a little bit too obsessed with guns personality than the first one, but on the other hand I had no clue what this guy was saying at least 50% of the time. That's what I get for being a dirty New Yorker.

[Michelle Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to someone read this story for a few evenings while holding little Decker and Olivia and Olivia’s two puppies, Lewis and Carol. I recommend this hilarious story. And the puppies.

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A prime example of the high quality of Erickson's early work. Includes "Wind Song," "My Heart is Up For Rent," and some fantastic country, bluegrass, and fiddle music throughout the whole audio. Recurring side characters include J.T. Cluck, Ms Beulah the Collie, and Plato the Birddog.

[Will O'kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love every one of these books I've ever read, or rather, listened to. My kids can't get enough of the audiobooks, and I end up listening along. John Erickson is an absolute genius, and his knack for subtle humor makes this comedy gold that appeals to adults as well as kids. He does his own voice narration which is a feat on its own, considering how his voice-overs are pitch perfect. I dont think I could enjoy these as much if I just read them, but they make me laugh out loud when I listen. A good time for the whole family.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hank the Cowdog strikes again! Hahahaha! There were definitely more than a few laugh out loud moments. One was, "The hen hadn't left her nest. So either she was deaf or was a Baptist and didn't like dancing." Another one was, "Drover's nativity... I mean naivety was a pain." These books are lots of fun.

[Amanda Trumpower · Rating 2 out of 5]

The humor in this isn’t for me.

Hank made me smile plenty of times with his arrogant-yet-lovable view on his own importance as Head of Ranch Security. But the arrogance happened too often and resulted in tearing down other characters too much for me to truly enjoy it.

A unique concept, and consistently done, but not for me.

[Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

In 1993/1994 someone donated a "box" set of Hank the Cowdog books to the group home I lived in. I remember well that the set included 22 books and I remember flying through them one by one. I'm not sure I was in the age range of the target audience, but I loved them nonetheless. It is a fond memory in a sea of uncertainty. I can honestly say that these books got me through a rough time.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was quite fun...highly recommend as an audio option. Music was entertaining.

[Debbie Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too bad, I didn't know about these when my children were small. I think my son would have enjoyed them.

[bear.hare · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read aloud and audio

[Sahar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes, i believe you, Hankie boy. You did nothing wrong it was Drover who did that.

[Owen · Rating 4 out of 5]

That fox thinks he's hot stuff and he is! He's a very tricky fox.
Boy he had a great way of stealing eggs Hank was on the prowl to catch that murdering thief. Hank finally found him in the chicken house but then... Well I guess you're going to Have to find out your self...

[Vivian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hank resembles Barnie Fife and is every bit as entertaining. The author is an amazing voice actor and the entire story is orchestrated. This is like watching television with your ears. Very fun for any age.

[Rose]

JF Eri

[Cws]

JMAR5-Eri

[Abbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

so far so good i love all of hank the cowdog books hes funny

[Jones Family · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a funny book. Not the best hank book I've ever read but good.

[Sydney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the part Hank meets a fiddle playing fox and figures out why he is playing the fiddle.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very funny as all Hank books are!! Told in Hank's usually mixed-up style of storytelling. Hank and the fox are very entertaining together!! Recommend to anyone who wants to have fun while reading!!!

[M Harris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good easy read.

[SSM · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hank! how could you?? lol I knew Freddie was a troublemaker!