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Hanne's Quest
Hanne is the smallest, the quietest, and the youngest hen in Mem Pockets’ henhouse, but when the hens learn that Mem might lose her farm, it is little Hanne who volunteers to go on a quest to save them all. If she can find all nine magical grains and eat them, legend says she will be able to lay three golden eggs. But there are many challenges and terrors along her path . . . can little Hanne face them all alone and get back in time to save the farm?
96 pages, Hardcover
First published February 2, 2006
1 person is currently reading
39 people want to read
About the author
Olivier Dunrea
72 books88 followersSince his debut in 1983, author and illustrator Olivier Dunrea has created a steady stream of picture books, including concept books, stories of family life—modern and ancient—and stories about artists. Many of Dunrea's picture books testify to his love of animals and his interest in archaeology and folklore of the British Isles, and several—including Ravena, The Trow-Wife's Treasure, and Bear Noel—take place in a similar land of Dunrea's own creation: the mythic island of Moel Eyris. "I don't write books or make pictures for children," Dunrea once told Something About the Author (SATA). "I make them for myself. It just so happens that children like what I do as much as I do!"
Olivier (Jean-Paul Dominique) Dunrea (1953-) Biography - Personal, Career, Member, Writings, Sidelights
Olivier (Jean-Paul Dominique) Dunrea (1953-) Biography - Personal, Career, Member, Writings, Sidelights
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
February 15, 2010
Mem Pockets must save her farm! She has only one hope- to sell golden eggs at the market. But only a very special hen can do this, according to an ancient rhyme. Hanne, a quiet young hen on the farm, is the only one who fits the description in the rhyme. She must journey, as the lyrics tell, to find nine magical grains and eat them by the sea. Once this is done, she will be able to lay the golden eggs. If she can battle her fears, she will be able to make it on time and save the farm!
This 95- page picture book is like nothing I've ever seen before. It is intended to be read by older children or to be shared with younger children. The adventure and journey would appeal to both! Glossy paintings are interspersed through the lengthy text. The dialect and images have a folklore feel to them.
This 95- page picture book is like nothing I've ever seen before. It is intended to be read by older children or to be shared with younger children. The adventure and journey would appeal to both! Glossy paintings are interspersed through the lengthy text. The dialect and images have a folklore feel to them.
September 2, 2007
A charming story with the feel of a fairy tale. A hen sets out on a quest on an island off the coast of Scotland.
October 10, 2008
It's like Lord of the Rings for little kids, with a hen instead of a hobbit.
January 30, 2021
I loved this book! Evocative illustrations, especially during the 2nd and 3rd stops on Hanne’s quest compliment a text that marries a fairy tale concept with atmospheric descriptions. You will cheer on this chicken for sure.
A note on its format: the size and shape of the book are similar to picture books but this is very text heavy with about one illustration every 7 pages. I wonder if early readers would be reluctant to read a book that looks like a picture book. I think this one is a good “first read aloud”
A note on its format: the size and shape of the book are similar to picture books but this is very text heavy with about one illustration every 7 pages. I wonder if early readers would be reluctant to read a book that looks like a picture book. I think this one is a good “first read aloud”
November 17, 2020
Oh my goodness, this book! I know that it might be a little out there for some people, but if you are at all drawn to this book or you love Olivier Dunrea's writing as I do, read this book. It makes a fantastic read-aloud, especially if you like to do voices. I recently bought myself a copy and I can't wait to read it again to my son.
June 24, 2017
Great adventure story! A bit dark and pretty spooky at times (skipped and paraphrased parts so not to scare S). We loved this book.
March 4, 2015
I read this to my 8-year old son who loves chickens and he loved it! The idea of an adventure/quest from a hen's point of view thrilled him. The story was interesting and drew us in quickly. The artwork was lovely and really added a lot to the story.
The only thing I wasn't fond of was the whole mythical "goddess" element that the hens seemed to believe in. It was odd and it didn't seem to fit the nature of the story. I think there could have been some magical or fantastical elements without it seeming like the hens worshiped in a pagan way. It was just weird and I found it difficult to read aloud. I didn't even think the story needed it and found it very distracting.
Other than that major story issue, we loved how realistic the author made the hen characters feel - my son found the descriptions very authentic -how they fluffed up their feathers or stretched and little chicken things like that. It was very well done and you got a very good sense that they were indeed chickens.
Overall a fine adventure story with an uncommon heroine, even if the story was made odd with the weird "goddess" element.
The only thing I wasn't fond of was the whole mythical "goddess" element that the hens seemed to believe in. It was odd and it didn't seem to fit the nature of the story. I think there could have been some magical or fantastical elements without it seeming like the hens worshiped in a pagan way. It was just weird and I found it difficult to read aloud. I didn't even think the story needed it and found it very distracting.
Other than that major story issue, we loved how realistic the author made the hen characters feel - my son found the descriptions very authentic -how they fluffed up their feathers or stretched and little chicken things like that. It was very well done and you got a very good sense that they were indeed chickens.
Overall a fine adventure story with an uncommon heroine, even if the story was made odd with the weird "goddess" element.
December 19, 2009
A perfect chapter book for grades 2 and 3. Mem Pockets runs a cozy egg farm on a little island off the coast of Scotland. When she realizes that she forgot to pay her taxes, she also knows she is likely to lose her farm. Hanne, the smallest and shyest hen, is the only one who can help. However, she first must go on a quest to prove her courage, pureness of heart, and her wisdom. A good book for children to read independently and for family sharing.
June 18, 2015
I was not aware that this one was so long when I put it on hold! I liked this sweet story of Hanne the hen who goes on a quest to save her beloved Mem Pocket's farm. I'm not savvy enough to know if this story takes place in England or Ireland (I think Ireland?) but the dialogue is really fun to read out loud. It's a great choice for 2nd and 3rd graders, long enough to feel like a true adventure story but short enough to hold their attention.
March 25, 2013
Other reviewers have used the word "charming" and I'd have to echo that.
My 1st grade daughter loved it and found it exciting, endearing and a bit scary. That's a good reason for a 5 star review any day.
The illustrations are perfect for it as well - although I wish there were more of them!
My 1st grade daughter loved it and found it exciting, endearing and a bit scary. That's a good reason for a 5 star review any day.
The illustrations are perfect for it as well - although I wish there were more of them!
January 13, 2017
A wonderful story about a special chicken that goes on a quest to save her owner's farm. Great details are within the description of the story detail of where she goes and what her envionments look like. A joy to read.
August 22, 2008
classic hero tale where an unlikely chicken achieves three tasks in order to lay golden eggs to save her mistress' farm. modern fairy tale.
January 17, 2010
I had no idea that this was a fantasy. In the tradition of My Father's Dragon but with golden eggs and no dragon. 3.5 stars
November 5, 2012
Longer than Dunrea's typical young children books, the kids and I really enjoyed this endearing story/adventure.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews