A perfect, gentle introduction to animal rights and well-being
It’s a hard life for the hens at their chicken farm, in the crowded cages, and one little hen becomes too tired to lay even one more egg. But then – “We’ll take care of you, little hen. We’re taking you home with us!” What a difference! Now there’s grass, worms, bugs, puddles, friends and – FREEDOM. The little hen is given a name – Gwen – and a rainbow coloured vest to keep her warm while her feathers grow back. Little Gwen is so happy in her new home, and one day she gives everyone a wonderful surprise….This delightful picture book with captivating illustrations is a perfect, gentle introduction to animal rights and well-being.
Creators
Carol Thompson is one of Britain’s leading illustrators, with an international following and epecially admired for her expressive yet realistic depiction of children and animals. Following a degree in Fashion and Printed Textiles from De Montfort University, she opted to become a freelance illustrator and designer. Her first books as author-illustrator were the Busy Baby series. For Otter-Barry Books, she has illustrated Dianne Hofmeyr’s My Daddy is a Silly Monkey and Storm Dragon. Carol is a committee member of IBBY (UK), with a particular involvement in the IBBY Disability List. She lives near Leicester, UK.
Reviews
This story is a great way to introduce quite young children to animal rights issues and will stimulate lively discussion in a KS1 classroom. Carol Thompson’s illustrations speak volumes as we follow Gwen’s move from terrible conditions to those where she’s treated well and thrives.
Red Reading Hub
Carol Thompson’s expressive and realistic analogue depiction of children and animals brings this picture book warmly to life. Children will be especially charmed when the hen, once rescued, has to have a warm vest knitted for it until its feathers grow back.
Achuka
A beautiful story of rescue and recovery in the hands of kindness. […] This delightful picture book with captivating illustrations is a perfect gentle introduction to animal rights and well being.
Dolphin Book Blog
