Editors’ Pick
Designed to Feel by Peter Burchardt
Designed to Feelby Peter Burchardt — on emotions, evolution & the science of feeling
View on Amazon →
Cover of The Hen Who Dreamed She Could Fly
Children's Books· South Korea

The Hen Who Dreamed She Could Fly

by Hwang Sun-mi
Aggregate Editorial Score30/100
Published 2000Korean
Buy on Amazon →

About This Book

Published in 2000, The Hen Who Dreamed She Could Fly established Hwang Sun-mi as one of the defining voices in children's books. This beloved fable tells the story of a hen named Sprout who dreams of a life beyond laying eggs in captivity. Her journey to freedom and self-discovery is a poignant allegory about the pursuit of dreams, individuality, and the courage to break free from societal constraints. The book's universal themes and charming narrative have made it a favorite among readers of all ages. Themes of freedom, individuality, dreams run through the work.

Book Details

AuthorHwang Sun-mi
Published2000
Country of Origin🇰🇷 South Korea
LanguageKorean
Category🧸 Children's Books
ISBN978-0143123200
Editorial Score30/100
About the Category

🧸 Children's Books

Picture books, middle-grade fiction, and early readers.

Explore all Children's Books books →
Country of Origin

🇰🇷 South Korea

This book is part of South Korea's rich literary tradition.

Explore books from South Korea →

Editorial Assessment

Hwang Sun-mi published The Hen Who Dreamed She Could Fly in 2000, and it has since become one of the more widely recognised works of children's books from South Korea. The book's treatment of freedom, individuality, dreams, courage accounts for much of its enduring reputation. Critics and institutions have consistently placed The Hen Who Dreamed She Could Fly among the notable works of its period. Our aggregate score of 30/100 is compiled from 1 editorial sources that range from Nobel and Booker committees to leading literary journals. Readers coming to The Hen Who Dreamed She Could Fly for the first time will find a work that rewards patience. The book's handling of freedom, individuality, dreams, courage is layered rather than didactic, and a second reading often reveals dimensions the first pass only hinted at. Within South Korea's literary landscape, Hwang Sun-mi occupies a significant position. The Hen Who Dreamed She Could Fly is both a personal artistic statement and a contribution to a tradition shaped by the country's history and cultural concerns.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

NYT Best Sellers
notable · global
20130
✍️
About the Author
Hwang Sun-mi
South Korea
View Author →

Hwang Sun-mi is a South Korea author whose work in children's books has earned recognition from readers and critics alike.

The Tribe Manager
The Leadership Companion
The Tribe Manager
Leading People the Way Evolution Intended
Manage with human nature, you get loyalty. Manage against it, you get quiet quitting.
Get It on Amazon →Paperback & Kindle

What to Read Next

Cover of The One and Only Bob
childrens

The One and Only Bob

Katherine Applegate· 2020
★Newbery Medal
Editorial Score83/100
Cover of Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha
literary-fiction

Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha

Roddy Doyle· 1994
★Booker Prize
Editorial Score72/100
Cover of The Graveyard Book
fantasy

The Graveyard Book

Neil Gaiman· 2009
★Hugo Award
Editorial Score68/100
Cover of The Ghost of Thomas Kempe
childrens

The Ghost of Thomas Kempe

Penelope Lively· 1973
★Carnegie Medal
Editorial Score61/100
Cover of The Wonderful Adventures of Nils
childrens

The Wonderful Adventures of Nils

Selma Lagerlöf· 1906
★Nobel Prize in Literature
Editorial Score60/100
Cover of Anne of Green Gables
childrens

Anne of Green Gables

Lucy Maud Montgomery· 1908
Editorial Score50/100

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Hen Who Dreamed She Could Fly about?

This beloved fable tells the story of a hen named Sprout who dreams of a life beyond laying eggs in captivity. Her journey to freedom and self-discovery is a poignant allegory about the pursuit of dreams, individuality, and the courage to break free from societal constraints. The book's universal themes and charming narrative have made it a favorite among readers of all ages.

Who wrote The Hen Who Dreamed She Could Fly?

The Hen Who Dreamed She Could Fly was written by Hwang Sun-mi, from South Korea. First published in 2000.

What awards has The Hen Who Dreamed She Could Fly won?

The Hen Who Dreamed She Could Fly has received the following recognition: notable critical recognition.

Is The Hen Who Dreamed She Could Fly worth reading?

The Hen Who Dreamed She Could Fly is a well-regarded book with an aggregate editorial score of 30/100 on 50 Best Books. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in freedom, individuality, dreams.

Where can I buy The Hen Who Dreamed She Could Fly?

You can buy The Hen Who Dreamed She Could Fly on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is The Hen Who Dreamed She Could Fly?

The Hen Who Dreamed She Could Fly is classified as Children's Books. Picture books, middle-grade fiction, and early readers.

What country is The Hen Who Dreamed She Could Fly from?

The Hen Who Dreamed She Could Fly originates from South Korea's literary tradition. Explore more books from South Korea on our country page.

Popular on 50 Best Books

Best Science Fiction Books of All TimeScience FictionBooker Prize Winners — Complete List & GuideLiterary PrizesNobel Prize in Literature — Every Winner Since 1901Literary PrizesClassic Literature Reading List — 50 Essential BooksReading GuidesBest Books for Beginners — 20 Easy Reads for New BookloversReading Guides

Explore More

🧸More Children's BooksBrowse all Children's Books books🇰🇷Books from South Korea🇰🇷 South Korea literature📅2000s BooksPublished in the 2000s🏆Top 50 RankingsThe greatest books of all time