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Hank The Cowdog: Let Sleeping Dogs Lie

#6 of 81 in Hank the Cowdog audiobooks Series

illustrations by
4.14
on Goodreads (1,039)

What’s inside...

In 'Let Sleeping Dogs Lie', a mystery unfolds as someone, or something, has been killing Sally May's chickens. Suspicion arises among everyone on the ranch, including Hank. Faced with the possibility of losing his command and being condemned, Hank must work to solve the crime and clear his name.
Series reading

Non-Sequential

Age

8-12

Length

136 pages

Text complexity

Character compass

Hank The Cowdog
Drover
Pete The Barncat
Sally May
Slim Chance

Discussion points

What do you think Hank learned about teamwork and responsibility in this story?
How did Hank's actions affect the other characters? Can you think of a time when your actions affected those around you?
Why is it important to sometimes 'let sleeping dogs lie'? Can you think of a similar situation in your own life?
What would you have done differently if you were Hank and why?
How do you think the story would change if it was told from Drover’s perspective?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use the questions to guide your child to think deeper about the characters and plots in the story. Allow them to express their thoughts and feelings, relating the story to their own experiences. Encourage them to imagine alternative endings or viewpoints from other characters to enhance their empathy and understanding of different perspectives.

Key lessons

Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: In the story, Hank takes on the task of protecting the ranch and demonstrates the importance of being responsible in fulfilling duties.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to take charge of their own tasks, like cleaning their room or completing homework, understanding that responsibility is key in everyday life.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: Hank collaborates with other characters to solve problems, showing how working together can achieve better results than working alone.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to cooperate with others in group tasks at school or in sports, appreciating the strength of collaborative efforts.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, Hank faces various challenges and must come up with solutions to protect the ranch, highlighting the importance of critical thinking and problem-solving.
Real-World Application: Children can apply problem-solving skills in their daily challenges, learning to think critically and find solutions in difficult situations.
Example Lesson: Humility
Explanation: Hank sometimes makes mistakes and learns from them, which teaches the value of humility and acknowledging one's limitations.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand that it's okay to make mistakes and that they are opportunities to learn and grow.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: Hank often faces fears to protect the ranch, demonstrating the importance of courage in the face of fear.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to face their own fears, be it speaking in front of the class, trying out for a team, or standing up for what is right.

Hank The Cowdog: Let Sleeping Dogs Lie by John Erickson