Back 12 years ago, I recorded my daughter, Eleanor, reading from “The Case of the Swirling Killer Tornado,” the 25th volume in John R. Erickson’s brilliant series of Hank the Cowdog stories… which now has 76 volumes!

We recorded them for her mom, Janet, who was attending a conference in San Diego. We wanted to give her a break from the conference grind each day. This was in February 2009. Eleanor was 10 years old at the time.

From an early age we had placed Eleanor in the care of a wonderful lady, Carolyn McPherson, who had a day-care center in her home. Carolyn was from Texas, and after living in Wisconsin for many years still had that Texas lilt to her voice. That’s where we think Eleanor picked it up.

I say that because Eleanor nailed the Texan accent when she read this story. We had never really heard her make use of that accent until she uncorked it for this book.

So, we sat up in bed and I placed the recorder on the blankets (you’ll hear the rustling every once in a while) and Eleanor let fly.

So come with me to hear the tale of Hank the Cowdog, self-proclaimed Head of Ranch Security read by Eleanor Elizabeth Erbach.

Recorded Feb. 26, 2009

(length – 39:13)

Recorded Feb. 27, 2009

(length – 1:08:38)

Recorded Feb. 28, 2009

(length – 32:28)