Hungry Hen
What’s inside...
In the children's book 'Hungry Hen' by Richard Waring, a hen has an insatiable appetite, eating more and more each day. A fox watches the hen grow larger, waiting for the right moment to pounce. However, as the hen continues to eat, she becomes so big that when the fox finally attempts to eat her, she is too large for him to handle. The story ends with a twist as the hen eats the fox instead. The book is a humorous tale with a surprising conclusion, teaching a lesson about greed and patience.
Age
3-6
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Hungry Hen
Fox
Discussion points
Why do you think the hen kept eating even when she was already full?
How do you think the fox felt when he saw the hen growing bigger?
What would you have done if you were the hen?
Can you think of a time when you wanted something very much? What did you do?
What do you think is the most important lesson from this story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive voices for different characters to make the reading more dynamic and engaging.
Pause after significant moments in the story to ask your child how they think a character is feeling.
Relate the hen’s insatiable appetite to situations familiar to the child, like wanting more dessert.
Encourage your child to think about the consequences of actions, like how the hen’s choices affected her and the fox.
Discuss the broader moral of the story and how it can be applied in everyday life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of perseverance
Explanation: In 'Hungry Hen', the hen shows relentless effort in her pursuit to eat more and more each day, despite the lurking fox.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to persist in their goals, whether it's completing a puzzle or learning a new skill, mirroring the hen's dedication.
Example Lesson: Consequences of greed
Explanation: The story demonstrates how the fox's increasing greed ultimately leads to his downfall, providing a clear moral outcome.
Real-World Application: This can teach children to be mindful of being overly greedy or selfish, highlighting the importance of moderation.
Example Lesson: Strategic thinking and patience
Explanation: The fox plans and waits for the right moment to catch the hen but his plan backfires due to his underestimation of the situation.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of patience and strategizing carefully in situations like games or in resolving conflicts with peers.