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One Hen and Then...The Story of a Small Loan and a Big Dream
CCBC Review:
In a picture book about microfinance set in a contemporary rural setting on the continent of Africa, a young boy named Kojo explains what happens when he manages to buy one chicken with a small amount of money left over from a loan his mother received to buy a sewing machine. After one week with his fluffy white chicken, Kojo collects five eggs. Keeping two (one for himself and one for Mom), Kojo has three eggs to sell at the market. With the money he earns, he pays back his mother for the money she loaned him to buy his egg-laying hen. And then … several iterations later, readers see how Kojo is able to buy more hens, who produce more eggs, which allow Kojo to pay for school fees and a uniform, and with enough education, Kojo uses his savings to buy land for a poultry farm. The process starts anew when Kojo applies for his own loan to buy 900 chickens. With matter-of-fact text and neat, colorful illustrations, this volume provides welcome information about microloans and the impact on identity and economy. Back matter introduces readers to the real Kojo and provides additional information about microfinance programs. ©2025 Cooperative Children’s Book Center
Illustrated by Tequitia Andrews
CCBC Age Recommendation: Ages 5-10
Age Range:
PreK-Early Elementary (Ages 4-7)
Grades 3-5 (Ages 8-10)
Format:
Picture book
Subjects:
Animals (Informational)
Ashanti/Asante People
Economic Hardship and Poverty
Ghanaians and Ghanaian Americans
Money and Finances
Diversity subject:
Black/African
On CCBC Booklists:
Global Reading: Selected Books for Children and Teens Set in Other Countries
Picture Books for Older Children and Teens: Never Too Old
Wisconsin Social Studies Standards: Suggested Books for K-5
Publisher:
Kids Can
Publish Year: 2024
ISBN: 9781525311260
CCBC Location: Picture Book, Milway