The Case of the Twisted Kitty

Reach for this book when your child feels like they are constantly being blamed for accidents or when a sibling rivalry has them feeling defensive and misunderstood. This humorous adventure follows Hank the Cowdog, a self-important ranch dog who finds himself in the doghouse after a series of winter mishaps. While the story is packed with slapstick humor and ranch life mystery, it deeply explores themes of justice, fairness, and the frustration of being the fall guy for a cleverer rival. It is a perfect choice for kids who need to laugh through their own feelings of being unfairly accused. Erickson's writing style is heavy on voice and vocabulary, making it an excellent bridge for readers moving into longer chapter books. Parents will appreciate how the story normalizes the feeling of shame when things go wrong, while also showing the value of resilience. The rural ranch setting provides a grounded, wholesome backdrop for exploring the complex dynamics of blame and loyalty within a family or social group.