It's a Dog's Life

Hank the Cowdog has become a family favorite in our household, and my 6-year-old sister, who loves animals, is a dedicated fan. She asked me to read this aloud to her, and before too long, we were both swept away in the story.

This is one of the first “early” books I’ve read about Hank. Most of the ones I’ve read or heard were from the 20s or 30s in the series, so it was interesting to go back in time, as it were, and see how Hank was in his early books. To my surprise, he didn’t stumble over his words quite as much as he does in later books (I love it when his English gets hopelessly mixed up!), but there is still a fair amount of a lack of wisdom in his choices.

Drover is still the same delightful, lovable Drover—perhaps a show more bit too wise for his own good, and definitely looked down upon by Hank. And when Hank goes to visit his sister…and especially the episode with the “Ivory Dog Bar”? Hilarious!

If you’re looking for a fun read aloud, be sure to pick this book up. It’s a gem, and I’m sure it won’t be the last one we read together before my sister is all grown up! show less

is the third Hank the Cowdog adventure. Hank gets in big trouble with his master and mistress. Part of it is Pete the Barncat's fault, but the bigger part is Hank's. (He's not going to admit that, of course.)

Hank decides to visit his sister in town until the rage dies down. He meets Wallace and Junior the buzzards along the way. We learn that Junior plays the banjo and wants to be a singer. He and Hank have a fun little duet, 'Kicking My Dog Around'. Rip and Snort, the coyote brothers, also show up. They join in before singing the coyote national anthem, 'Me Just a Worthless Coyote'.

Maggie, Hank's sister, calls him 'Henry' and herself 'Margaret'. Maggie is not thrilled by the visit. Whatever Hank may think of himself, he can't take a show more hint. She's left ranch life behind and doesn't want to be reminded. Her puppies are thrilled to see their uncle. Loved his conversation with the pups. I'm sure Maggie's headache would have doubled in intensity had she known what lessons Uncle Hank intended to teach her little darlings.

Hank and the pups meet a trash-talking cat and her three kittens. The cats insult Maggie with 'Your Mama Wears Old Tow Sack Drawers' to the tune of 'America the Beautiful'. Hank and the pups respond with 'Cats Are Stupid,' using 'My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean' as their tune. The verbal war escalates from there, heh heh.

Maggie gets her revenge. That leads to Hank's first adventure with Jimmy Joe the dogcatcher. (The incident with the aged mutton that Hank mentions happened in The Original Adventures of Hank the Cowdog.)

We are introduced to an occasional supporting character, a basset hound named Ralph. Later on he'll come to be called 'Dogpound Ralph'. Ralph figures things out, but Hank doesn't believe him. How will Hank escape Death Row in the dogpound?

Don't miss the moment when Pete recites a love poem. To whom is it addressed? (Hint: it's not Hank.)

I love the audio versions of Hank the Cowdog books for the music and sound effects. Background music I recognized: 'Red River Valley,' 'The Stars and Stripes Forever,' 'Pomp and Circumstance,' 'The Spirit of 76', 'Yankee Doodle,' 'I've Been Working on the Railroad,' 'Turkey in the Straw,' 'Jimmy Crack Corn,' and 'Dixie'. There are also tunes that were used in silent movies and very old cartoons. I don't know their titles, but they were marching music, the one used for a villain sneaking up, the escaping deadly peril tune, and that violin bit for sad scenes.

This is the second time I've listened to this book and I chuckled as much as I did the first time. show less

This light-hearted book was the perfect way to wrap up the year. I love Hank and his interesting interpretation of life. I think young ones will get a kick out of the "soap hydrophobia" and will wonder how in the world Hank will get out of this predicament.

Recommended for family reading. That way parents can explain things to younger readers as needed.

Book 3. Hanks goes to town to visit his sister and her 4 pups.

3026396