Children's Audio/Video Notes

Hank the Cowdog, head of ranch security, takes another bite out of crime in his latest mystery adventure Hank the Cowdog #41: The Case of the Shipwrecked Tree, in the popular series written and narrated by John R. Erickson. Timbers are a-shiverin' as Hank and his partner Drover see what they believe to be a pirate appear on the front porch. Two original songs are included along with the hijinx. (Maverick Books, unabridged, three CDs, 3 hrs., $19.99 ISBN 1-59188-641-4, ages 8-up, Mar.)

Beverly Cleary's irrepressible (and much loved) character Ramona Quimby is brought entertainingly to life on three new audiobooks narrated by actress Stockard Channing, who has done the role justice in previous recordings. Ramona Forever, Ramona and Her Father and Ramona and Her Mother are the latest entries. (Listening Library, unabridged, each two cassettes, 2 hrs., $18 ISBN 0-8072-1028-5; -1032-3; -1030-7, ages 7-up, Feb., Apr., Apr.)