The Hen Who Dreamed She Could Fly

A Novel

A Korean Charlotte's Web

More than 2 million copies sold

This is the story of a hen named Sprout. No longer content to lay eggs on command, only to have them carted off to the market, she glimpses her future every morning through the barn doors, where the other animals roam free, and comes up with a plan to escape into the wild—and to hatch an egg of her own.

An anthem for freedom, individuality and motherhood featuring a plucky, spirited heroine who rebels against the tradition-bound world of the barnyard, The Hen Who Dreamed She Could Fly is a novel of universal resonance that also opens a window on Korea, where it has captivated millions of readers. And with its array of animal characters—the hen, the duck, the rooster, the dog, the weasel—it calls to mind such classics in English as Animal Farm and Charlotte’s Web.

Featuring specially-commissioned illustrations, this first English-language edition of Sun-mi Hwang’s fable for our times beautifully captures the journey of an unforgettable character in world literature.

A Near Fable

There have been many reviews comparing this to Charlotte's Web, Babe, or even Bambi: A Life in the Forest. For me, this feels almost like a fable. Accepting the fable like quality of the story made it stronger. There are many powerful sentences about the nature of family, love, and nature. Sprout's wish to be a mother and the family she forms with Green-top could speak more to parents and children of adopted family. It's a simpler story, and it is a book you can finish in a single sitting. Considering the printed version comes with unique illustrations, it might be a better read than a listen, as the illustrations could add to fable like elements.

The Hen

this book about the hen who wanted to fly, is a wonderfully narrated book for adults and children. it appears to be equal to an Aesop's Fable Tale.

Charming

Bittersweet lessons of life told through the eyes of a useless hen who found her purpose. Loved it.

Mothers

This is a beautiful story about the love and protection existing with different backgrounds when you are a mother. Whether in an animal kingdom or human life the love of a mother is beyond outstanding.