As a TOS Crew Member, I was given the opportunity to review several Hank the Cowdog items.  To be quite honest, I am not sure how I feel about these books.  I don’t really restrict too much of what my kids watch on television or read because I feel that if it is inappropriate then we can discuss why it is inappropriate and the better way to act.  We discuss why my kids can’t say or do certain things when other kids can, etc.  With that said, I do get frustrated with things that are supposed to be for children yet still say things like, “stupid” and “moron.”  Also, I am from South Alabama and say things like “ain’t” and “y’all” but that doesn’t mean I don’t know the correct way to speak.  I try to remember to speak correctly when talking to my children.  So, again it is a bit frustrating when children’s books and songs are full of slang.

Tales and Tunes from Hank the Cowdog

Get ready for laughs when you listen to these excerpts from ten of Hank’s stories.

They are performed like an old-time radio show with sound effects and each character has its own unique voice! You will hear Hank as he bargains for a priceless corncob, learns about manners from Wallace the Buzzard, runs into Rip and Snort the coyote brothers, taunts a raging Rottweiler, gets into trouble with Sally May the rancher’s wife, and more!

Dogs, buzzards, and coyotes not only talk on this hilarious CD, they also sing! You will enjoy the musical talents of Hank, a grumpy Wallace, the raucous duo of Rip and Snort, Slim the cowboy as he sings a touching song and Drover shares two songs packed with great advice! Banjo, fiddle, marimba, synthesizers, and guitar are just some of the instruments you will hear on these nine songs.

Mom Says:  Tales and Tunes from Hank the Cowdog CD $3.00 They are certainly funny.  Although, I just don’t really like the meanness that Wallace the Buzzard displays.  As I said before, it gave us plenty to talk about, but I understand that some parents are very particular about what they kids see and or hear.  “The devil can roast Miss. Emily Post and I will raise a cheer”  is just a bit much for my little ones. 

Tornado! Game

The wildest Race and Chase GAME ever!

It’s a race to be the first to get your three "characters" from the start to the finish. But watch out, your opponent is chasing you and may send you back to the start. And landing on a tornado space can send you flying in any direction!The only safe place is a finish space. And in this fast paced game it’s truly, never over until it’s over!

You can even take the TORNADO game with you on the road! Everything can be stored inside the folding plastic game board!

Hear "Drover’s Tornado Safety Song." Drover’s funny song is included on your free 30 minute cassette tape from Hank’s award winning audio, The Case of the Swirling Killer Tornado.

Includes:

• 1 plastic playing board
• 12 "characters"
• tornado spinner
• instructions

For 2-4 players -Ages 5+

The game board opens to a full 8.5 by 8.5 inches!

Mom Says:  Tornado! game $12.99  I like the game!  Zack, Tripp, and I played it for quite some time the other day and they continue to ask to play it.  It is very similar to Trouble.  Basically, the only difference is that it has a spinner instead of a popping bubble.  Also, you have less players so the game doesn’t take quite as long.  I enjoyed it and love the fact that it folds up to a small size and the pieces go in the center.

#8-The Case of the One-Eyed Killer Stud Horse

Hank encounters a killer horse named Tuerto.

"I never keeled a dug before," Tuerto threatens Hank. What has brought Hank to this desperate situation? Why is he wearing a dress? Is that really Hank at a little girl’s party?

Mom Says:  Book # 8 The Case of the One-Eyed Killer Stud Horse starting at $4.24  Again, as with the CD, there are too many words that I just don’t like.    The book itself is very well written and is super funny.  Just be forewarned that unless you don’t mind hateful words and horrible grammar (as per the dog’s speech) then I suggest you read it aloud to your kids instead of letting them read themselves.  

Bottom Line – I LOVED the game and highly recommend it!  The books and CD’s will not be on my purchase list for the future.  I am so disappointed because I have heard nothing but good things about Hank The Cowdog!  As voracious readers, we are always on the look out for more books to add to our “to Be Read” pile, but these aren’t going to make it at this time.  Maybe when the boys are a little older and less perceptible to the outside world, we will try again.  Unfortunately, I am afraid that when they are old enough these simple readers will be too young for them.

For more info, check out their website:  http://www.hankthecowdog.com