HANNE'S QUEST
by Olivier Dunrea
Philomel Books
ISBN: 0399242163
Ages 8-12
96 pages

Mem Pockets, a kindly old lady, lives quietly and contentedly on her family's farm in the tiny village of Moolland, on a small Scottish island. The tranquility of the farm, Mem Pockets, her dog Daisy, and all the hens is suddenly shattered when a letter arrives with some distressing news --- taxes on the farm are overdue, and the farm will be sold if they are not paid promptly. But Mem Pockets does not have the money to pay them.

The Scaldy hens all huddle together and discuss the dire situation. Wise Old Pegotty repeats and explains a rather vague poem that gives the hens hope but puts a huge burden on little Hanne, who must carry out several extremely difficult tasks. Only then might she be able to lay gold eggs that Mem Pockets could sell.

Hanne gathers all her courage and quietly leaves home before Mem has a chance to notice her absence. The little hen is frightened and lonely. Already she misses the cozy henhouse and the companionship of her hen friends. She has not yet laid any eggs, and not only must she complete all the tasks mentioned in the ancient poem, she has to lay three golden eggs.

Hanne must first travel to the ancient barrow where she has to eat three grains from the Old Ones' meat. Then she must travel a great distance to the Standing Stones and eat three grains from the Hidden Ones' meat. Finally, she must travel to the Great Green Sea and eat three grains from the Sea God's meat.

Hanne has never even been off the farm, and the idea of traveling to unknown faraway places is both thrilling and frightening. The brave little hen does get some much-needed help along the way. A little mole named Pieter, Keeper of the Barrow, gives Hanne kindness and encouragement at the beginning of her quest. Then Hanne arrives at the Standing Stones after five days of tiring travel. The Stones come to life, and once again Hanne receives the help she needs. She travels on west for several days until she reaches the Great Green Sea and is saved from peril by a large sea turtle, Old Murdaugh.

Now that Hanne has eaten all the required grains at each destination, she still has to find her way back home. She's tired, hungry, and not a little lonely. And the task of having to lay the golden eggs is still ahead of her once she reaches her much-loved friends and henhouse.

The author, Olivier Dunrea, takes the reader on a magical journey with that shy little hen. The story itself is not a new one --- that of overcoming obstacles and putting the common good ahead of one's own comfort and security. However, it is lovingly told and the charming illustrations, also by the author, add a great deal to the enjoyment of this delightful children's book.

   --- Reviewed by Carole Turner

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