When Hen Was on Her Way to Market

Who hasn't ever been Hen in their life? This book is fabulous to work through with children and even gave me a kick in the butt!! The story is an incredible reminder to all (adults and children alike) that we should not take others for granted and should choose kindness and gentleness over harsh commands. While the story and the illustrations are worth every penny, I would recommend an author visit that comes complete with hand made puppets; they are amazing!!!

Michelle Goldshlag, Cultured Kids Co-Founder and CEO

Based on a cumulative nursery rhyme often heard in her Croatian childhood, Irena Stanic Rasin’s When Hen Was on Her Way to Market is a folktale told with lively humor and attention to Croatian culture. The bossy hen is on her way to market with a basket of eggs when she muddies her foot. In a succession of demands on the local flora, fauna, and villagers, Hen learns the usefulness of courtesy and respect when none of her requests are heeded. Ivana Rasin illustrated this tale with authentic Croatian images in vivid color. Irena Stanic Rasin chose each word to exactly fit the sense of the story, offering young readers rich vocabulary within a pattern that invites children to anticipate and join the repeating phrases: “No way!” in response to Hen’s imperious orders. In a particularly hilarious conclusion, Hen’s memory falters when her face is muddied after tripping on a pumpkin pile at market. “How did it go again?” she asks, trying to recall the lesson just learned. Her young readers will know.

Marion Reynolds, Eliot-Pearson Department of Child Study and Human Development, Tufts University