Hanne's Quest

by Olivier Dunrea and Brando Skyhorse

Book Overview

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... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0399242163
• ISBN13: 9780399242168
• Release Date: February 2006
• Publisher: Philomel Books
• Length: 96 Pages
• Weight: 1.25 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 9.4" x 8.4"
• Age Range: 9 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 4 to 7

Customer Reviews

A hen's epic quest

I also loved this book. It does have a nostalgic feel, and reminds me of such classics as "The Story of the Little Wooden Horse," "Wind in the Willows," and yes, "The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane." It would make a wonderful read aloud for children even as young as kindergarten, but would also appeal to children considerably older, and yes, to grandmothers. I hope Hanne has a long well-loved life, but I suspect that this is the kind of book that adults will have to pick up and read with a child. It is beautifully produced, and as a longtime fan of Dunrea and his chickens, I find the illustrations a perfect match. As one who also lives with chickens, I thoroughly enjoyed following the unlikely hen on her epic quest. Move over Minerva Louise! Those who like this book might also enjoy "The Little Gentleman" by the late great Philippa Pearce.

A delightful and magical story about overcoming obstacles

Mem Pockets, a kindly old lady, lives quietly and contentedly on her family's farm in the tiny village of Moolland, on a small Scottish island. The tranquility of the farm, Mem Pockets, her dog Daisy, and all the hens is suddenly shattered when a letter arrives with some distressing news --- taxes on the farm are overdue, and the farm will be sold if they are not paid promptly. But Mem Pockets does not have the money to pay them. The Scaldy hens all huddle together and discuss the dire situation. Wise Old Pegotty repeats and explains a rather vague poem that gives the hens hope but puts a huge burden on little Hanne, who must carry out several extremely difficult tasks. Only then might she be able to lay gold eggs that Mem Pockets could sell. Hanne gathers all her courage and quietly leaves home before Mem has a chance to notice her absence. The little hen is frightened and lonely. Already she misses the cozy henhouse and the companionship of her hen friends. She has not yet laid any eggs, and not only must she complete all the tasks mentioned in the ancient poem, she has to lay three golden eggs. Hanne must first travel to the ancient barrow where she has to eat three grains from the Old Ones' meat. Then she must travel a great distance to the Standing Stones and eat three grains from the Hidden Ones' meat. Finally, she must travel to the Great Green Sea and eat three grains from the Sea God's meat. Hanne has never even been off the farm, and the idea of traveling to unknown faraway places is both thrilling and frightening. The brave little hen does get some much-needed help along the way. A little mole named Pieter, Keeper of the Barrow, gives Hanne kindness and encouragement at the beginning of her quest. Then Hanne arrives at the Standing Stones after five days of tiring travel. The Stones come to life, and once again Hanne receives the help she needs. She travels on west for several days until she reaches the Great Green Sea and is saved from peril by a large sea turtle, Old Murdaugh. Now that Hanne has eaten all the required grains at each destination, she still has to find her way back home. She's tired, hungry, and not a little lonely. And the task of having to lay the golden eggs is still ahead of her once she reaches her much-loved friends and henhouse. The author, Olivier Dunrea, takes the reader on a magical journey with that shy little hen. The story itself is not a new one --- that of overcoming obstacles and putting the common good ahead of one's own comfort and security. However, it is lovingly told and the charming illustrations, also by the author, add a great deal to the enjoyment of this delightful children's book. --- Reviewed by Carole Turner

GREAT saga!

My son and I came across this book and were captivated by the cover art. It was an unexpected surprise to see artwork in a book written for my son's readling level (he is in the 4th grade). We read the book together over the course of nine days (one chapter per night) and felt compelled to write our review: This book/story is THE best! (to quote my son). I never would have thought that one small, black hen would have kept us turning pages as we followed Hanne on her epic quest to save the farm. My son especially loved the scary, dark barrow scene. He has a fear of the dark and this little hen's bravery has boosted his own courage. The story does not shy away from "dark, scary scenes" and the ending was particularly gripping and tense. I never would have thought that a hen could make me pause and take stock in life as to what is important. Loyalty does count for a lot in life. Being the smallest (my son is small for his age) doesn't necessarily mean possessing less courage or believing less in yourself. This book is different from anything we have read. We really liked the beautiful illustrations. My son is an aspiring artist and pores over the artwork in this book every night. He doesn't miss a single detail. From the two of us all we can say is: What a GREAT read if you like quest adventures. We look forward to reading more of Dunrea's epic sagas. Please hurry up with the next one!

An Incredible Saga...

My 5th grade class and I read this book together. Many of my students are familiar with Mr. Dunrea's picture books that feature the fair fowl (THE BROODY HEN, THE TROW-WIFE'S TREASURE) as well as his other books (BEAR NOEL is a particular seasonal favorite). My students were delighted to discover a book written for middle readers. The story is moving and beautifully written. Each chapter is accompanied by one full color illustration. It was a delight for my students to finally have a book at their reading level with stunning artwork to go with the story. Hanne has become one of their favorite "underdog" characters. Her courage, bravery, and loyalty to Mem Pockets created sessions of lively discussion. The tension and excitement and difficult tasks this small hen must succeed in performing kept their attention to the last page. The ending, of course, had us all in tears. This led to a discussion as to what sacrifices a 'hero' must make in order to achieve his or her goal. Hanne's character sets an example for us all not to lose sight of what we struggle to achieve, and why. Loyalty rules the roost! We are especially grateful to the publisher for giving middle readers not only a beautiful, moving, well told story, but beautiful artwork to savor as well. Readers are never too "old" to enjoy fine illustrations. Mr. Dunrea is a master of his craft. We love this book!

I Love This Book!

I love this book. Hanne's Quest is a compelling story that teaches size doesn't matter as much as heart and courage. Olivier Dunrea's artwork is rich and beautiful.