The Case of the Three-Toed Sloth

Hank the Cowdog #72

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

Pete the Barncat isn't known for his reliable story-telling, but when his report about a strange, tree-devouring creature is corroborated by another source-- namely J.T. Cluck, the ranch's head rooster-- Hank decides to investigate. However, just as the plot begins to thicken, Pete claims that it was all a joke and that the creature, a Three-Toed Tree Sloth, was really just a porcupine! Fortunately, Hank realizes that that's just what a sneaky cat would say to throw him off the trail, and his continued investigation soon leads him to a strange, bumbling little creature-- the Tree Sloth at last! With the finely-tuned instincts of a Head of Ranch Security, Hank realizes that he must arrest this intruder! However, things don't turn out quite like he'd planned, and Hank soon has a very serious problem on his hands...

119 pages, Paperback

Published September 20, 2018

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

[Katy Lovejoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Mrs. Stuhmer now every time I read this series the voice in my head has a western accent

[bear.hare · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read aloud

[Denise Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

He does it again, Hank that is! Well Mr. Erickson too, he is after all Hanks creator!

Wonderful read as usual, living on a ranch and having my own dogs, it just hits home. On a dog's prospective that is, we humans do not think like them, but when the day is over and you come home...who is always sitting there waiting for you, always happy to see ya, your loyal true friend the Canine!!