Customer Reviews

One Hen - How One Small Loan Made a Big Difference (CitizenKid)

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This little children's book shows how big the world is. One Hen simplistically shares a personal story of a little boy who buys a hen and how it impacted his life, family, entire village, and country. Beyond just micro-finance, One Hen communicates global poverty, community development, family values, charity and justice issues. helpful to begin educating American children in a "me, me" culture about not just giving to those who are poor and disenfranchised but how to give in such a way that has sustainable, holistic effects on an individual and community.

This book is a great way for families to teach their children about the value of giving and the effect a small kindness or gift may have on many lives. The illustrations are an added plus. It is a good and easy introduction into microfinance and how one person can help make the world a better place

This book is terrific. We can so easily fall into thinking that our world is limited to the things we see everyday, and the book is a great journey through what life is like in so many parts of the world today.

I recommend reading this with your kids, your students (if you have any), and even just for your own personal enjoyment.

Also, the book has sparked a great website as well, which helps to educate young and old on the merits of microloans -- http://www.onehen.org.

One Hen is not only a picture book to be read to non readers in one sentence per page, but a beginning reader's book. It is also written on the right hand side at a grade six and up level. The challenge to become involved actively in microfinancing on the final pages, has adults setting up the website in schools, libraries and book stores, enabling all to become involved in the win-win world of microfinancing. No wonder it has won business awards as well as literature kudos.

Gosh, after the rave reviews here, I was so disappointed in this book. For 4 to 8 year olds? You've got to be kidding. This book was based on what should have been a delightful and inspiring story, but the author went on and on and on and on in the style of somebody writing a report for the IMF instead of a children's story. This author does not know how to tell a story, how to create images, how to carry on a plot. It became more boring with each page. And it is a real pity because what a beautiful idea. I wish the publisher had given this writer more help so that his story could have been told properly. The stars I gave are all for the artist, who did such a wonderful job with the paintings.

This book is terrific. It has an inspiring message that can be used to talk with kids, even young ones. The book is well-written and done with careful thought--pages can be skimmed with really young kids, while older kids can read the full text. The art is magical. I recommend this book highly.

Katie Smith Milway, One Hen: How One Small Loan Made a Big Difference (Kids Can Press, 2008)

Cute book about microlending, one of today's most exciting trends, geared toward the preschool set. Milway gets extra credit, though, for including a section geared towards slightly older readers (and adults) with a capsule biography of the chap upon whom she based the main character in One Hen that's just as interesting as the book itself. She also includes a quick nonfiction overview of microlending and a quick guide for further investigation, which is fantastic (and points out that this process also exists in America, which may surprise some readers, both children and adults). A must for conservative parents, but I do think it's got a universal appeal. ****

This is the perfect gift to give children. Tells an inspirational story of a young boy in Africa who starts his own business and then helps others. Any child who has run a lemonade stand will be inspired.
Also has an interactive website [...] where kids can play games and help the poor each time they win. Hours of fun and good deeds at the same time.

Every child should read this book to instill empathy and the belief that anything is achievable with human kindness and compassion. I purchased 2 copies of this book: one to keep and one to donate to my daughter's school. I strongly believe that these are principles and values that should be taught early in a child's life so that they are able to change the world.

Two of my grandchildren read this inspiring story to the third grandchild and me as we made dinner. After the meal, we decided to send money to one of the opportunity companies. Each grandchild contributed $2.50 of their chore money they had earned by raking leaves, moving gravel, cooking, and picking up sticks. Thanks to all those responsible for this book.
Ann Rauscher Hagler