Handa's Hen: questions to ask and activities to try
Grandma’s hen Mondi is missing, so Handa and her friend Akeyo go looking, counting all the animals they find on the way. Handa’s Hen is Eileen Browne’s counting picture book set in Kenya, the sequel to Handa’s Surprise.
What age is it for? Handa's Hen is best for ages 2–5. Good for: Counting animals while searching for a missing hen in Kenya.
Handa's Hen (Eileen Browne)
- Age
- 2-5
- Best for
- Counting animals while searching for a missing hen in Kenya
Count the animals together on each page and say their names. Look closely at the pictures: can you spot any clues about where Mondi might be?
What it helps with
- Counting from one to ten
- Learning animal names
- Searching and noticing details
- Life in a village in Kenya
Comprehension and discussion questions
Pick two or three, not all of them. “I don’t know” is a fine answer, and you can always come back to it another day.
- “Who is Mondi?”
- “Where did Handa and Akeyo look?”
- “How many lizards did they find?”
- “Which animal was your favourite?”
- “What was the surprise at the end?”
- “Have you ever looked everywhere for something?”
5-minute activities to try together
Counting walk
Go for a short walk and count things as you go: one dog, two birds, three red cars.
Animal home
Choose an animal from the book and draw where it lives, like the lizards on the rocks or the birds in the tree.
Free printables: Handa's Hen worksheet and activity pack
This book’s one-page worksheet with the questions and activities above, plus our activity pack: printable scenario cards, three 5-minute activities and a “What could I try?” page for practising everyday skills together. Enter your email and download them straight away.
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If your child liked this, try
Handa's Surprise (Eileen Browne)
- Best for
- Giving to a friend, guessing, and a funny surprise
- Age
- 2-6
Rosie's Walk (Pat Hutchins)
- Best for
- Position words, and spotting what the character can't see
- Age
- 2-5
Dear Zoo (Rod Campbell)
- Best for
- First words, animals and lifting the flaps
- Age
- 0-4
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By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 17 October 2026
Growing Wise offers educational ideas for parents and carers. It is not a substitute for professional medical, developmental or mental-health advice. As an Amazon Associate, Growing Wise earns from qualifying purchases.