Sprout, a hen, is 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.
This is a gorgeous little book – it has been compared to Orwell’s Animal Farm and Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White, and I can see why! This is a modern Korean tale for both children and adults, and it is wonderful. This short story presents the morals of motherhood, individuality and bravery in such a sweet but inspiring way.
Sprout the hen is (for me) the epitome of heroism. She is such a lovely character; fierce and feisty but loyal too. Her views on life are also beautiful and captivating, yet still maintain a truth to them.
This story was very easy to read – it didn’t take me long at all! I really liked the illustrations, they were charming and worked really well with the the book and the atmosphere it creates.
I’m glad I picked up this book – the themes it explores are so important and are asserted in such a readable way. If you like these kinds of fables, or short stories in general, this book is one I would really recommend.
“Someone dies, and someone was born. Sometimes a farewell and a greeting happened at the same time.”
Down the Rabbit Hole 