Hens for Friends

Hens are smart, savvy, and like to cuddle, as Aaron describes in this picture book about his relationship with his best friend, a Rhode Island Red hen he names Margaret.

Award-winning artist Amelia Hansen's delightful illustrations and author Sandy De Lisle's charming text engage young readers with the full range of responsibilities and joys of raising backyard hens. Aaron tells the story of how his family interacts with their six adopted hens, not just in chores like keeping the chicken coop clean, but playing with, petting the hens, and tucking them in at night. When their mother bakes a birthday cake for his brother, Aaron makes sure that the eggs come from Margaret.

Young readers learn that hens recognize people they've met, can tell time and solve problems, as well as learning that hens require ongoing care after they stop laying eggs. The final page of the book lists additional resources for adults.

Sandy De Lisle is making her debut as a children's picture book author. Sandy has worked as a public school teacher and currently as senior manager of content development for the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).

Amelia Hansen is the award-winning illustrator of It's Raining Cats and Cats!, Are You Ready for Me?, It's Raining Pups and Dogs and At the Dog Park with Sam and Lucy, all Gryphon Press titles, as well as nineteen other books exploring the connections between people, animals, and the earth.