Drover's Secret Life facts for kids

Drover's Secret Life is a special book in the Hank the Cowdog series. It's the fifty-third book written by John R. Erickson. What makes it unique? Well, it's the only book in the series that isn't told by Hank! Instead, you get to hear the story from Drover's point of view. This book also focuses on Drover's life story, not just one of his adventures.

Drover's Secret Life: The Story

This book starts with Hank the Cowdog. He finds Drover's life story written in the dirt. Drover often hides in the machine shed. Then, Drover's voice takes over the story. He tells about his past and his present life.

Drover's Early Life

Drover feels a bit nervous about writing his autobiography. He keeps putting it off. But then he starts with his birth. Drover was the youngest puppy in his litter. He was also the smallest of nine puppies. All his brothers and sisters left home when they grew up. Drover stayed with his mom. He pretended his leg was hurt.

Drover's mom knew he was making excuses. She tried to trick him into leaving. But Drover came back that very night. They had a battle of wills. His mom tried everything to make him leave. Drover tried everything to stay. Finally, his mom gave up. She moved to the front porch. She left the backyard for Drover.

The Bat and the Prince

Drover was very happy with his victory. He did what he always dreamed of: nothing! He spent his time relaxing in the yard. He kept pampering his "bad leg." One day, he saw something fall into the goldfish pond. He thought it was a bird. Drover worried it would drown. His fear made him act. He pulled it out of the water. But it wasn't a bird. It was a bat!

Drover ran and hid from the bat. But the bat followed him. It introduced itself as Boris O'Bat. Boris said he was Drover's loyal servant. Boris explained that bats have a strong code of honor. They must serve anyone who rescues them. They serve until they repay the rescuer. Boris really wanted to help Drover. But Drover first said he didn't need help. Boris kept asking. Finally, Drover admitted his secret dream. He always wanted to be a handsome prince.

The Handsome Prince School

Boris promised to take Drover to a "Handsome Prince School." But the directions led Drover to a fast food restaurant. Drover thought Boris was lying. He left Boris behind. Drover then went to a carnival.

At the carnival, he met a Doberman Pinscher named Slick. Slick promised to teach Drover how to be a handsome prince. Drover agreed. There was a sign on the tent. It advertised a dog-eating anaconda. Boris showed up during the "handsome prince lesson." He told Drover that Slick was tricking him. Slick was setting Drover up to be snake food! Drover looked at the anaconda. He believed Boris. They both ran all the way to the town park.

A New Home

The next day, some people had a picnic in the park. Boris tried to get Drover to find a new home. He wanted Drover to meet the people. Drover refused at first. Then, a woman named Sally May lost her necklace. It fell right at Drover's feet. Drover picked up the necklace. He took it to her. Sally May saw that Drover didn't have a collar. She and her husband, Loper, decided to adopt him. They took him back to their ranch.

The book ends in the present day. Drover says he is happy. He has a good life on the ranch. He is Hank's assistant. When life gets too noisy, he just goes to the machine shed.

Songs in the Book

• Drover sings "I Have No Ambition." He sings this when his mother wants him to leave home.
• Boris O'Bat sings "You Need a Dream." He sings this to inspire Drover to find a purpose.