Howdy, Hank fans! We hope you've already had a chance to read John R. Erickson's latest book, Porch Talk. But, if you haven't, it would be a great addition to your summer reading list!! From the Austin American-Statesman: "A glance at the cover of this book assures you that...

  Howdy Hank-fans!  Texas Living Magazine recently wrote about John Erickson's newest release, "Finding Hank" in this fun article!  Hope you enjoy their take on the book and on Hank's legacy!  - Maverick Books      ...

  Howdy Hank-fans!  Here's a great article by Texas book-reviewer, Glenn Dromgoole, about Finding Hank, the latest offering from author, John R. Erickson. From Glenn:  A highly popular school and library speaker, Erickson has fielded hundreds of questions over the years. In this book, he says, he is able to...

Howdy Hank fans!  We hope you enjoy this interesting interview as much as we did! "Lone Star Literary Life" definitely knows how to ask some great questions!  From the interview: LSLL: Let’s talk process for a bit. I read that you discovered a talent for writing when you began writing poetry...

Howdy Hank Fans! We hope you enjoy this wonderful article from "The Wacoan"! "...As the room fills, I see cowboy hats and baseball caps, old folks and teenagers. Children of all races clutch Hank books. And then, there is that boy in the wheelchair, sitting in front of me. I...

    Howdy, Hank fans!    We hope you enjoy this GREAT interview with the Midland Reporter-Telegram about the upcoming Hank event AND John Erickson's thoughts on Finding Hank:    From the interview:    Erickson: “Finding Hank” will be coming out in about two weeks. This is more of a...

Fort Worth - March 2019 Howdy, Hank Fans!  Guess who just got inducted into the Texas Literary Hall of Fame?? That's right! The author of everybody's favorite Head of Ranch Security's adventures. From the article: If you haven’t heard of Hank the Cowdog, ask a third-grader. Hank is the central character...

Read the entire list here! https://www.bushcenter.org/publications/articles/2018/05/mrs-laura-bushs-reccomended-summer-reading-list.html   “If you always have your phone in front of your face, your children will think they are not interesting. When you have children, put your phone down and pay attention to them. Read to them—that’s the most important thing.” –Mrs. Laura Bush From the...

  From "Drovers: Driving the Beef Market" - "John R. Erickson’s latest Hank the Cowdog book draws on his experience with last year’s Perryton wildfire that scorched nearly his entire Texas Panhandle ranch. In an interview with KFDA News Channel 10 in Amarillo, Erickson shares that he wrote his most...

  From Channel 10 News: "It's been just over a year since the Perryton Fire burned 318,000 acres across multiple counties in the Texas Panhandle. The fire devastated many ranchers, including John R. Erickson, author of the Hank the Cowdog series. He says the fire changed his life, but he...

  From MyHighPlains.com: "CANYON, TX - Award-winning Western author John Erickson, creator of Hank the Cowdog, will share how he combines personal and Panhandle history in works like his classic book, Prairie Gothic, at a 7:30 p.m. presentation Tuesday, March 20 at the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, Hazlewood Lecture Hall.The event...

  Howdy Hank-Fans!  Have you had a chance to check out the second book in the Ranch Life series yet? First off, book #1 ("Ranching and Livestock") was a first-class introduction to ranching! Told from Hank's perspective, young readers learned the difference between a ranch and a farm, how cows...

Hi Hank-Fans!  Ever wondered what breed of dog Hank actually is?? The website "National Purebred Dog Day" takes on that question with an interesting discussion this week! Check out the entire article here From the article: "“Hank” refers to himself as a “top of the line, purebred, blue ribbon cowdog”...

  From the Austin-American Statesman: “It’s me again, Hank the Cowdog.” Those words have been introducing the popular children’s series “Hank the Cowdog,” written by Texas author John R. Erickson, for 35 years now, published through Maverick Books. The series, told from the point of view of a mystery-investigating ranch...

      Hi Hank-fans,  You won't want to miss this excellent article about the March 2017 mega-fires. It includes an interview with John R. Erickson, and a lot of other stories:  http://features.texasmonthly.com/editorial/the-day-the-fire-came/ From the article:  "Around 2:30 p.m., there was a report of another Texas fire, this one near...

Hi Hank-fans! Check out this great article about the virtues of sharing Hank with young readers! The author has great things to say about offering Hank as an alternative:http://thefederalist.com/…/promoting-captain-underpants-re…/ We'd love to hear your thoughts!  Our favorite snippet from Burke's article:  "I can’t talk about books without offering a suggestion,...

Hi Hank fans,  We hope you enjoy this nice review as much as we did! From the Carslbad-Argus paper:  "Recently, Carlsbad residents experienced a day of haze and smoke that blew in from wildfires burning in Texas.  It looked a bit foggy, and smelled like somebody had fired up the...

Hi Hank-fans, A lot of you were asking for information about the fires that burned author John R. Erickson's ranch and home, so we've compiled a few of the articles that were released at that time: Amarillo: http://amarillo.com/news/local-news/2017-03-07/author-hank-cowdog-books-loses-ranch-home-texas-wildfires - and: http://www.newschannel10.com/story/34693323/erickson-family-all-may-not-be-lost-after-ochiltree-co-fire San Angelo: http://www.gosanangelo.com/story/money/columnists/jerry-lackey/2017/03/19/windmill-country-panhandle-wildfire-takes-lives-more/99300822/ Kansas: http://www.kscbnews.net/hank-the-cowdog-author-loses-home-in-wildfires/      ...

An article in the Austin America-Statesman by Michelle Cervantes, Round Rock Public Library Director. From the article:  "Whether you are shopping, dining or traveling, set the example for good customer behavior by smiling and staying calm. Take a deep breath, remember the true meaning of Christmas and bear in mind...

Hey Hank-fans! Check out these great lists from The Oklahoman! Hank makes #10 for all fiction sales in the state: http://newsok.com/oklahoma-and-publishers-weekly-best-sellers/article/5529241...

From the article in the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: ..."When the author of the Hank the Cowdog series began writing, he didn’t know he was writing for children, he told fourth-graders from Rush Elementary School on Tuesday during an event at the National Ranching Heritage Center. John R. Erickson has written 68...

"...As for the second item on my West Texas bucket list, shocking at it may seem, especially when one considers my voracious appetite for books, I never have read even one of author John R. Erickson’s “Hank the Cowdog” books, all illustrated by Gerald L. Holmes. I know, now there...

"...Students also gathered on the courthouse steps to hear John R. Erickson, author of the Hank the Cowdog children's books, perform two songs. Volunteers from eight middle schools and high schools divided the younger students into groups around the courthouse lawn and performed skits from various books in the cowdog...

"...This ties back to the story Hank the Cowdog, which Nancy loved for years and years. In the story, Hank is a cowdog (instead of a cowboy) who heads up ranch security at a West Texas ranch. Living at the ranch is a family with a husband, wife, their son, and...

"...Looking for quality canine literature? Here are a few chapter books to “chew” on! The first two books tell of the kids who are caring for their dogs. The last one is a tale of the dog herself. The series listed all tell of dogs who solve mysteries or overcome...

"Yesterfest Chair Deborah Johnson did a bang up job in lining up top-notch music, dancers, demonstrators, gunfighters, and storytellers in Bastrop’s annual nod to our past. My job this year was to play host to author John Erickson, of “Hank the Cow Dog” book fame. He was delightful and fun...

Hi Hank-fans! Here's a great article about some Hank the Cowdog readers in Wyoming! Read the Full Article Here on KTVQ News from Billings, Montana. From the Article:  "For this week's One Class at a Time, we take you to Clark Elementary School in Wyoming, where the student body, which is...

Hi Y'all!  Here's a great story from Your Houston News about John R. Erickson's recent performance and live telecast with schools all across the nation, including Windsong Intermediate's Library. From the article:     "Students in Kathy McVey and Janet Lell’s reading classes attended either the 9:45 or the 1 pm show....

Hi Hank-Readers! Here's a news item about John R. Erickson's recent visit to Crestview Elementary Bookfair: Read the Full Article Here on myhighplains.com....

Hi Y'all!  Here's a great story from the Victoria Advocate about John R. Erickson's recent visit to some schools in Goliad, TX. From the article:  The series follows the life and antics of the canine, who Goliad students, parents and teachers got to know better Tuesday night when the author...

Is it any surprise Hank is listed as a notable American cowdog? heh heh. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2014/09/15/stop-what-youre-doing-and-look-at-this-cowdog/?utm_term=.6e3229b7eb9a...

Hi Hank Readers!  You'll get a kick out of this one...Where do you think Hank showed up this week? The Washington Post! Check out the fun shout-out he gets at the end of this article: "Stop what you're doing and look at this cowdog". "Other notable cowdogs in American history...

  Hi Hank Readers,  We hope you enjoy this essay by John Erickson! In the article, published in American Cowboy magazine's August issue, the author of Hank the Cowdog reflects on Texan literary legend, Elmer Kelton.    From the article:  "...With hopes of my own literary accolades, I left the...

Hi All,  Here's a fun shout-out: HAPPY THURSDAY, AUG. 21. School doesn’t start out here ‘til after Labor Day, so we’re taking a road trip to Quebec and Montreal next week. I’d love recommendations for audio books that will engage the whole family. (Our favorite: The “Hank the Cowdog” series [http://bit.ly/1oREGLB],...

Hi Hank-Readers! Here's a news item about John R. Erickson's recent visit to Lawndale Elementary in Amarillo, Texas. From the article:  This third and final summer reading event, hosted by Lawndale teachers, is set to pull in a large crowd of students excited about meeting the author of one of...

Hi Y'all!  Here's a great mention from Austin Culture Map: For kids: Fred Gipson’s books Old Yeller and Savage Sam can still make me cry, and the Hank the Cowdog series by John Erickson is extremely entertaining even for adults. Read the Full Article Here on the "Austin Culture Map".  ...

To read the article in its entirety, please visit American Cowboy's website: http://www.americancowboy.com/culture/love-and-land "Inspired by John Wayne's words of wisdom, John Erickson—perhaps best known as the author of the Hank the Cowdog series—writes what it means to be a man of the West." “The West—the very words go straight to that...

View full article here:http://www.valleymorningstar.com/news/slice_of_life/article_e0dd5104-bbaa-11e3-858f-001a4bcf6878.html Quoted from the article:    "Seated quietly in her Girl Scouts uniform, Valerie Martinez explained her passion for reading and how she used that passion to start a program at Long Elementary School to inspire students to get lost in a book. As part of her...

Hi Y'all!  Here's a great mention from High Plains Daily: "...Ivan Burciaga said the project appealed to him from the start. Other boys in his class, like Joseph Chavez, admitted to a bit more reluctance. Yet the popular “Hank the Cowdog” books by regional author John Erickson of Perryton won him...

From the article:    "John R. Erickson, author of the well known Hank the Cowdog children’s book series, will speak at the Friends of ACU Library Spring Event on 6:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Hunter Welcome Center.     Erickson, an award-winning author, has published 75 books and more than...

Hey Hank Fans!  Many of you probably know that Hank made his literary debut into the pages of The Cattleman magazine in the 1980s, but you might not know what an honor it was! At that time, the magazine didn't publish any fiction at that time but made an exception...

To see the rest of the list, copy and paste this link into your browser: http://www.georgewbushlibrary.smu.edu/Teachers/The-First-Lady-and-Education/Laura-W-Bush-Favorites.aspx   Copied from website:    These lists represent Mrs. Laura Bush’s family favorites, but there are many more fantastic books available to young readers and families. For additional suggestions or for help finding copies...

Lubbock Avalanche-Journal:  "Of course, Hank the Cowdog books by John Erickson are always popular, especially with boys, and this year’s new title (number 62) is “The Ghost of Rabbits Past ($5.99)." Link: http://lubbockonline.com/books/2013-12-22/dromgoole-santa-can-find-texas-books-stocking-stuffers#.UrhniH_nb5o...

GREAT Hank-feature in the Huffington Post's article, "Here's What Your Favorite Children's Series Says About You":   "Hank the Cowdog You're judicious, and are likely not only to abide by the rules, but to enforce them as well. You may have an inflated sense of self, but you're not self-centered....

An article in Georgia Southern Magazine: http://news.georgiasouthern.edu/magazine/2013/12/12/an-evening-with-laura-bush/   Quoted from article:  GS [Georgia Southern]: What type of family traditions will you introduce to your granddaughter? LB [Laura Bush]: “Mila loves to look at books and chew on them, which is mainly what she wants to do! But, it’s fun to read...

Hi Hank-Fans!  Isn't is fun what the internet turns up sometimes? Take a look at this blast-from-Hank's-past: an old article about the Hank the Cowdog books from 1989! Also, take a look at the whole article (by following the link at the end of our excerpt), and tell us what...

From the Article:  "...Erickson was born in Midland, but he moved to Perryton with his family when he was three. He graduated from PHS in 1962. While in high school he ran track, played varsity football, sang in the choir, played the bassoon and drums, and participated in speech events...

By CHERIL VERNON Palestine Herald-Press "PALESTINE — One of the country’s most loved children’s authors known for his “Hank the Cowdog” series is coming to Palestine on Saturday for two special performances.“Hank the Cowdog” author John R. Erickson will present a concert, reading excerpts from his books and singing songs,...

We hope you enjoy this article about John R. Erickson's recent trip to Pennsylvania!  From the article:   "Meeting an author in person is always a delight.  John R. Erickson, best known as the creator of the Hank the Cowdog series, walked out in front of the crowd of parents...

"Funny and Famly-Oriented: Hank the Cowdog" by Laure     "Meeting an author in person is always a delight. John R. Erickson, best known as the creator of the Hank the Cowdog series, walked out in front of the crowd of parents and kids at our conference with a banjo...

"Perryton, TX - Just by the looks of driving up and down main street, anyone can see there's no shortage of business or projects happening in Perryton. Depending on where you're from some might say small towns like Perryton are "in the middle on nowhere". And while that may be...

        From the Article: "John R. Erickson, author of the Hank the Cowdog series, includes among his many talents the ability to take you inside the mind of a dog—which, oddly, is a kinda-bizarre-kinda-sane place to be. And he is a master of the running gag. In each...

          Hi Hank-Fans!  Take a look at The Yellin Center's review of the Hank books:    Ages: 8 and up Adult Themes: None. A rootin’, tootin’ good time for all cowpokes.Concept: The Hank series is narrated by its hero Hank, the self-titled Head of Ranch Security on a ranch...

April 9, 2013, Corpus Christi, TX Mr. Erickson will read a variety of selections and perform several songs from the Hank the Cowdog books for a program at A&M Corpus Christi, as well as several programs in local schools. Read the article: "John R. Erickson, Author of the Award-Winning ‘Hank...

Dear Hank-Fan, Recently, Hank featured in an article titled, "Dogs who write: Books written by canines," by Leslie, a staff member of the Everett (Washington) Public Library:    "We read the entire Hank the Cow Dog series out loud to our children. They are hilarious! Hank is the Head of...

Dear Reader, We hope you enjoy this collection of articles that author, John R. Erickson, has written for WORLD Magazine over the years. Browse essays with titles like, "Childish Questions," "We're, like, damaging the English language," "Christians and Storytelling," and many more. Read the articles on WORLD Magazine's website....

Hi Hank-fans! Once again, Hank the Cowdog makes ABC's "Made in America" list!  Link to full article at ABC.com (page 2, "Toys" section)...

From the Article: "The podcast with John Erickson:      If you’re not a professionally trained actor, you’re in good company this week! In our interview, John explains how he came to narrate his Hank the Cowdog books without ever receiving any formal training. AND best of all, he gives...

Ever wanted to see Hank on stage? Here's a chance to do that! "The Head of Ranch Security is on the case when a boy runs away from home into a dark, scary forest possibly filled with coyotes, bobcats and monsters. Watch with the Oklahoma Children’s Theatre at the Children’s...

Hi Hank-fans! Here's a great article about one of John R. Erickson's most recent awards for the Hank the Cowdog series:     "John Erickson, author of the Hank the Cowdog series of mystery books for children, was presented with the A.C. Green Award, an annual honor given to a notable...

     "When John Erickson wrote the first stories about his most well-known protagonist, his intended audience was adults — farmers and ranchers.      To his surprise, the tales he wrote for The Cattleman magazine introducing Hank the Cowdog in 1982 appealed to all ages.      'It was...

Hi Hank Fans!  Live near Post, TX? Make sure to stop by John R. Erickson's reading! Link to full article in The Garza Post...

Hi Hank-fans! Here's a great review that we think you'll enjoy from the parent of a Hank reader!  Link to full review in "5 Minutes for Books"...

    "I'm not entirely sure if the majority of the audience at the world-premiere performance of a new musical Thursday at the Tulsa PAC was quite aware of the significance of the event.     These theatergoers were more interested in learning that they would get to be a...

An article about Hank the Cowdog in The Examiner:  http://www.examiner.com/article/hank-the-cowdog-is-a-good-series-for-young-readers   Quote: "The series is good to read out loud to children. It is fun to read as the voice of Hank or one of the coyotes. You will be surprised at the enjoyment of the series."   ...

June 21-24, 2012: "Hank the Cowdog and Monkey Business," presented by Tulsa Repertory Musicals. Adapted by Rogers State University professor David Blakely from the popular series of children's books by John Erickson. The musical will be performed in the Doenges Theatre in Tulsa, Oklahoma. "Hank the Cowdog and Monkey Business...

Hi Librarians and Teachers! Ever wanted to have Mr. Erickson speak to your students, but don't think that's a possibility logistically? Read more about the author's live webcasts to schools around the state of Texas and what those virtual author-visits look like! Link to full article, "Darby Students Interact, Learn...

A great article in Southern Views Magazine in which former First Lady, Laura Bush, mentions Hank: http://www.soviewsmag.com/extras/L_bush/page.html Quote:  Growing up, what’s your first literary memory? What books would you recommend for teens and children? And what book are you currently reading? I remember lying in bed with my mother and...

Hi Hank-fans! Here's a great review from a young reader that we think you'll enjoy!  Link to full review in "Books Are Better Than Icecream...

'Hank the Cowdog' Author to Visit Atlanta Elementary: Excerpts below:  Atlanta Elementary School will be visited by celebrated children’s author John R. Erickson Wednesday, Feb. 29 at the school. There will be two story periods. beginning at 8:30 a.m. Erickson will read excerpts from his books and perform some of...

Hi Hank-Readers,  Check out this Hank-reader's story! Excerpts below:  How long does it take to read a million words? Just ask Show Low’s Linden Elementary School second-grader Kathryn Shea Middleteon, who goes by Shea. She is the first second-grader ever at Linden Elementary to read one million words, 1,044,410 the...

Shopping "Made-In-America" this year? You'll be happy to hear that the Hank the Cowdog books made it onto ABC's Christmas 2011 list of All-American companies! Made in America - Gift Ideas...

Visit the link below to hear an interview with Hank's author. Pet Life Radio Interview...

"Catching Up: John R. Erickson - Panhandle author has sold more than 7 million books about a cowdog named Hank," by Charles Boisseau  Excerpts below:  John R. Erickson is arguably one of Texas’ most successful writers and storytellers. So how come you probably have never heard of him?  It may...

Hi Y'all!  Here's a great mention from Houston Chronicle (article by Glen Dromgoole): "Twenty-five years ago, the late A.C. Greene set out to list the 50 best books on Texas, which he did in a magazine article and then as a book by that title. Eight years ago, his list was reissued as The 50...

An article mentioning Hank, by Peter Mucha: http://articles.philly.com/2000-10-18/living/25586918_1_tipper-gore-guard-dog-shiloh...

To view the list, please visit the official archives of the former President George Bush's White House website: http://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/firstlady/initiatives/familyfavorites.html    ...

To read this article in its entirety, please visit: http://lubbockonline.com/stories/093001/ent_0930010038.shtml First Published: Sunday, September 30, 2001 by SANDY BAUERS     "It's probably not nice to laugh at a dog, especially one who takes his work as seriously as Hank the Cowdog, head of ranch security at a big spread in...

Great article by Suzanne Foree Neal of the Topeka Capital-Journal about John R. Erickson and his career as a cowboy and author: http://cjonline.com/stories/032600/art_cowdog.shtml    ...

     "Author John Erickson started submitting his short stories in 1967 while working full-time as a cowboy. But by '82—with two new rejection slips and his wife pregnant with their third child—a few stories here and there weren’t enough. John borrowed money to start his own publishing company..." Read...