Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
Little Hen is “too small and ordinary,” according to the farm’s other female fowls. Why, she doesn’t even have a “special name” like Rhode Island Red or White Leghorn. Arthur the rooster is clearly fond of Little Hen, and Mrs. Field the farmer tries to console her by saying, “Small creatures can do wonderful things. Look at spiders.” But Little Hen doesn’t really understand what she’s capable of until she adopts eggs that the other hens have inadvertently abandoned. She protects them until they hatch, come wind, rain or shine. Welsh author Nimmo’s workmanlike prose moves this familiar story along without igniting it. But there is definitely something wonderful about British artist Boon’s mixed-media pictures, which take shape in a visual smorgasbord of full-bleed paintings and vignettes from a wide array of perspectives. Her hens possess a beguiling, overripe plumpness that would make Frank Perdue green with envy, and their feathered coats seem to bristle with electricity. Ages 3-7. (Aug.)
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
reS-K-Little Hen lives with four other hens, a rooster, a farmer, and his wife. The other chickens are fancy breeds and have all won prizes. When they inform Little Hen that she can’t compete because she is too small and ordinary, she despairs. However, when the farmer’s wife reminds her that even small animals can do great things, she resolves to do something special. On a very hot day, all of the hens go into the cool woods, lay their eggs, but forget them when it’s time to return home. Little Hen stays with the eggs for days and through some wild weather. When they hatch, she proudly returns home with the chicks in tow. Youngsters will enjoy and identify with this story about one small animal’s special gift. The large, vividly textured paintings nicely depict the chickens, their feathers, and the different textures and colors of the farmyard.
Anne Parker, Milton Public Library, MA
Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist
Ages 4-7. Little Hen wants to be special, like the farm’s prize-winning hens. Despite being told she’s “too small and ordinary,” she’s determined to do “something wonderful.” One day, she simply disappears. Farmer and Mrs. Field and Arthur the rooster fear the worst, especially when a big storm hits. But then Little Hen returns, bringing with her a wonderful surprise–baby chicks. The story is simple, as is the language, with words occasionally arranged playfully or highlighted in bold capitals for read-aloud emphasis. Boon’s richly colored, whimsical artwork is great. Kinetic, scratchboard-like details and unusual perspectives make for a lively portrayal of farm life and farm folk–both animal and human. The story is a bit predictable, but its message is soothing and sound: determination and perseverance, not preconceptions, make the difference. Shelle Rosenfeld
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
About the Author
JENNY NIMMO is the popular author of many picture books, short stories, and novels for children. She lives in Wales.
DEBBIE BOON has illustrated several picture books for children. She lives in Rutland, England.
JENNY NIMMO is the popular author of many picture books, short stories, and novels for children. She lives in Wales.
DEBBIE BOON has illustrated several picture books for children. She lives in Rutland, England.
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