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From: Becky McDonald <beckymcd>
Date: Sat, 11 May 2002 14:32:10 -0500
At the risk of revealing my low-brow appetite for literature of no intellectual value whatsoever, I am going to suggest reading the first few titles in a long series of books about Hank the Cowdog, by John R. Erickson. The books are primarily regional (Texas) in appeal, and should be read aloud to elementary school-aged children, due to Hank's improper usage of the English language. Some of the fun could be lost if various accents and mispronunciations aren't understood. Yes, offensive passages abound, I am sure--though I will admit that it has been years since our family read the books to make the miles disappear as we traveled. But who can resist Hank, Head of Ranch Security, who is smitten with Beulah the collie, who in turn prefers the company of Plato the Bird Dog? (Hank just doesn't get it when Beulah is offended by Hank's rank odor after his misadventures with Rip and Snort, the coyotes, who introduce him to a favorite coyote delicacy, rotten skunk meat. If I remember correctly, he met the demonic duo because of his short-lived and ill?vised hankering for their exotic sister, who referred to Hank as "Hunk.") These books are strictly for fun, great ways to introduce reluctant readers to the joy of books. The author has repeatedly refused to license the production of Hank dolls, explaining that he wants Hank to live in the imaginations of the children who read the books. The books contain a few pen and ink drawings, but they don't detract from the visual comedy of errors Hank describes to the readers.
Thanks to all of the contributors on the topic of humor in children's books. Many of my favorites have been cited, and I will be on the lookout for unfamiliar titles.
We all need to laugh whenever possible!
Becky McDonald
Received on Sat 11 May 2002 02:32:10 PM CDT
Date: Sat, 11 May 2002 14:32:10 -0500
At the risk of revealing my low-brow appetite for literature of no intellectual value whatsoever, I am going to suggest reading the first few titles in a long series of books about Hank the Cowdog, by John R. Erickson. The books are primarily regional (Texas) in appeal, and should be read aloud to elementary school-aged children, due to Hank's improper usage of the English language. Some of the fun could be lost if various accents and mispronunciations aren't understood. Yes, offensive passages abound, I am sure--though I will admit that it has been years since our family read the books to make the miles disappear as we traveled. But who can resist Hank, Head of Ranch Security, who is smitten with Beulah the collie, who in turn prefers the company of Plato the Bird Dog? (Hank just doesn't get it when Beulah is offended by Hank's rank odor after his misadventures with Rip and Snort, the coyotes, who introduce him to a favorite coyote delicacy, rotten skunk meat. If I remember correctly, he met the demonic duo because of his short-lived and ill?vised hankering for their exotic sister, who referred to Hank as "Hunk.") These books are strictly for fun, great ways to introduce reluctant readers to the joy of books. The author has repeatedly refused to license the production of Hank dolls, explaining that he wants Hank to live in the imaginations of the children who read the books. The books contain a few pen and ink drawings, but they don't detract from the visual comedy of errors Hank describes to the readers.
Thanks to all of the contributors on the topic of humor in children's books. Many of my favorites have been cited, and I will be on the lookout for unfamiliar titles.
We all need to laugh whenever possible!
Becky McDonald
Received on Sat 11 May 2002 02:32:10 PM CDT
