The Case of the Tender Cheeping Chickies

Hank the Cowdog #47

by John R. Erickson

Hank runs into a dispute with a giant bullfrog over the Emerald Pond. Then, there's a battle with a, well, let's just say a Monster. It's too scary to even tell what kind of monster it is However, things get really tough when Hank is entrusted with the job of guarding Little Alfred's soon-to-be prize winning chicks. They're cute, but they also look delicious Will Hank be able to put aside his doggie instincts for the sake of a job well done? Or will his appetite finally get the best of him? Hear Hank sing two new songs, "Temptation" and "Guarding the Chickies."

Genres: Childrens, Fiction, Mystery, Humor, Animals

Audio CD

First published February 1, 2006

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

[SSM · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will Hank be able to…not eat the chickies? This one is another really funny one.
And how Hank closes Pete in the cage is Hilarious!!! Especially since Pete is blamed!

[Cate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Hank the Cowdog books, and this one was no exception. The audio is well recorded, and the songs are funny. The author narrated this audiobook, and I think he's a great reader! Also, the plot was very funny. My favorite parts of the Hank books are when Hank and Drover talk; Drover often ends up saying something hilarious or Hank makes a mistake that leads them down a rabbit trail. These Hank the Cowdog books are perfect for anyone, because of their funny plotlines and amusing characters.

[Ashley Rattanasengchanh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this to my 6 year old- I like it because he likes it

[Books On the Ponderosa · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 6 year old really likes this one! He laughed and laughed at different parts! We always love Hank!

[PottWab Regional Library]

SM

[Joshua · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hank really has a way of making me crave KFC.

[Elise Chandler · Rating 3 out of 5]

My daughter's first chapter book. It will always be special to us.

[Jennifer Dixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have not meet a Hank the Cowdog book that I havent loved. I read this one with my son and he is a lover of the series now also.

[Merceda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute book. Good thing that Hank decided he didn't want to eat Alfred's baby chicks, since he was going to win a blue ribbon at the county fair. Although Hank's lips kept licking at the thought of chickens for dinner. And Drover didn't get any of the sausage that Hank stole out of Alfred's hand because Hank ate it very quickly. And then he told Drover that he had to go sit on a spike for a half-hour as punishment because he had sausage lust. Hank just isn't very bright.

[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.

[Powers Family · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny story and Hank is a great character. We love when he gets all mixed up. The voice of the narrator makes it an especially fun story to listen to.

[Ms. Mielke's Class Make sure you post how your sheets tell you to!!!! · Rating 5 out of 5]

What is that in the distance Hank? I don't know something yellow. It's a road grader Hank. No I don't know what that thing was.

Temptation to eat those little chickies in one bite.
JM

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Got to give it 4 stars:

a) because it's Hank!

b) the bullfrog incident

c) the dog in the long-snouted road monster

d) the fact that Hank FINALLY gets a win over Pete

[Avery · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually read the paperback version.