Agnes is a farm dog looking after the farm animals, especially the chickens.

It is Agnes’ job to put her feathered friends away in their coop at night, but one chicken chooses to ignore Agnes’ instructions.

This chicken is called Rosie, and she doesn’t like to follow the other chickens every day. They are tidy and neat in everything they do – laying, marching, pecking and even sleeping.

Rosie prefers to roam and explore than peck in straight lines or lay in the coop’s nesting boxes. The other hens think she’s a bit strange in her ways and one day they decide to turn their tails on her.

Rosie is upset at this, wondering whether she should be what they want her to be, and Agnes tries to help.

It’s only when they need her independent ways to save them one night, that Rosie realises it’s better to be herself after all.

The 2nd in the Agnes picture book series, Agnes and the Hen shows the power of being yourself and not just following what others around you do.

Clare Therese Gray’s illustrations are in a gentle palette, whilst letting Rosie’s bright character shine through. Agnes and the Hen is a great way to open discussions on individuality, creativity, and being your true self.

Animals, friendship, intrigue and a little danger to keep young listeners on the edge of their seats.

Author – Ellie Rowley

Illustrator – Clare Therese Gray

Picture Book

See inside here

(2023, Dorling Kindersley, Farm, Animals, Series, Dog, Chickens, Foxes, Individuality, Being Yourself, True self, Self Esteem, Saving the day, Bravery, Identity, Belonging, Fitting In)