One Hen and Then: The Story of a Small Loan and a Big Dream (CitizenKid)
by Katie Smith Milway (Author) Tequitia Andrews (Illustrator)
Adapted from the bestseller One Hen and inspired by a true story, this picture book about a determined boy with a plan brings the concept of microfinance to life.
Kojo's family doesn't have much. But Kojo has big dreams and one big idea. It starts with him borrowing money to buy a fluffy white hen. The hen provides his family with eggs, and even some extras he can sell at the market. With the money he makes, Kojo pays back his loan and buys more hens. More hens mean more eggs to sell. With the profits from the egg sales, he can pay his school fees and then go to college, where he learns more about raising chickens. And, in time, Kojo's dreams come true: He becomes the owner of a thriving business - and the person who can help other big dreamers in his community.
Adapted from the bestselling book One Hen, which was inspired by the real-life experiences of Dr. Kwabena Darko, this picture book, written by award-winning authors Katie Smith Milway and Mary Beth Leatherdale, presents an easy-to-understand explanation of microfinance for younger readers. Through a relatable main character and a step-by-step narrative, the accessible story describes how one small loan can uplift an entire community. Colorful illustrations by Tequitia Andrews help to clarify the concepts and add texture and visual appeal. This book is part of the popular CitizenKid collection of books aligned to the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. Adapted to suit a younger audience aged 5-8, One Hen and Then is an excellent accompaniment to lessons on global communities, mathematics and basic money management. Back matter includes a note from Dr. Darko, more about microfinancing, resources and questions for discussion.
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School Library Journal
K-Gr 4--In the "Citizen Kid" series, the marvelous based-in-truth story of how a few coins leftover from his mother's purchase of a secondhand sewing machine help a boy, Kojo, buy a fluffy white hen. Kojo's hen lays five eggs, three of which he takes to market. After paying back his mother, he buys more hens. The economics are clearly spelled out; as Kojo buys more hens and sells more eggs, he saves his money, buys eyeglasses that help him with his schooling, gets an education, all the while expanding his operation until he declares himself "chicken man." An afterword introduces children to the real "Poultry King," Kwabena Darko, who built the biggest poultry farm in Ghana and was the largest producer of chicks in West Africa. Back matter includes information on microloans, the system of lending small amounts of money to producers who do not have access to traditional bank loans. Friendly color-blocked illustrations keep the Ghanian countryside simple while clearly detailing Kojo's path from just one hen to a small business that employs others, lifting all of them. VERDICT An economic lesson that reads like a fairy-tale and turns out to be true, this book is a charming and accessible story that teaches values of saving, expanding, working with others, and dreaming big. Outstanding.--Kimberly Olson Fakih
Copyright 2024 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
Shane W. Evans is the illustrator of many picture books for children, including The Way a Door Closes, a Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe Award winner; Underground, a Coretta Scott King Award winner; My Brother Charlie, a NAACP Image Award winner; We March and Lillian's Right to Vote, Jane Addams Award winners; as well as Chocolate Me! and Mixed Me! He has exhibited his art in West Africa and Paris, as well as in Chicago, New York, and other major U.S. cities. He lives in Kansas City, Missouri, where he runs Dream Studio, a community art space.
JNF013040 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Concepts | Money
JNF070000 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Inspirational & Personal Growth
