Review: One Hen – How One Small Loan Made a Big Difference

Inspired by true events, One Hen tells the story of Kojo, a boy from Ghana who turns a small loan into a thriving farm and a livelihood for many. After his father died, Kojo had to quit school to help his mother collect firewood to sell at the market. When his mother receives a loan from some village families, she gives a little money to her son. With this tiny loan, Kojo buys a hen. A year later, Kojo has built up a flock of 25 hens. With his earnings Kojo is able to return to school. Soon Kojo’s farm grows to become the largest in the region. Kojo’s story is inspired by the life of Kwabena Darko, who as a boy started a tiny poultry farm just like Kojo’s, which later grew to be the largest in Ghana, and one of the largest in west Africa. Kwabena also started a trust that gives out small loans to people who cannot get a loan from a bank. One Hen shows what happens when a little help makes a big difference. The final pages of One Hen explain the microloan system and include a list of relevant organizations for children to explore. One Hen is part of CitizenKid: A collection of books that inform children about the world and inspire them to be better global citizens.

If you’re looking for inspiring stories that showcase how people in disadvantaged places can and do change their communities, One Hen is a colourful, beautifully illustrated choice. This isn’t a “saviour story”, in which well-meaning outsiders “save” poor people, rather it’s a story of ingenuity, hard work, community, and inspiration in which people support themselves and each other. Based on a true story, One Hen shows how small investments can make a huge difference in helping communities help themselves.

The illustrations are wonderfully – filled with colour, life and detail. There are two levels of text, with a short, cumulative portion and a longer, more detailed portion, making it accessible to readers of different ages and levels.

There’s also an informative section on microloaning, with examples of individuals who have changed their lives and their communities thanks to microloans.

One Hen is an inspiring, informative picture book that celebrates the hardworking individuals who build thriving communities and turn small acts of charity into lasting, meaningful change, growth and hope.

One Hen

Hardcover, 32 pages
February 1, 2008 : Kids Can Press
Source: Library