The Hen Who Dreamed She Could Fly by Sun-Mi Hwang is a very short book that I read in one sitting. It's about an egg-laying hen named Sprout who wants nothing more out of life than to escape her cage, live in the yard, sit on an egg, and raise her very own baby. But things don't quite work out how she plans. Yes, she escapes her coop very early on (which is why I don't feel like I'm giving away much by telling you this) but the yard animals don't accept her. 
 "'Just like I'm a gatekeeper and the rooster announces the morning, you're supposed to lay eggs in a cage. Not in the yard! Those are the rules.' 
 "'What if I don't like the rules? What happens then?' 
 "'Don't be ridiculous!' The dog snorted." 
 Poor Sprout stands up for herself, even if it means leaving the safety of the yard and braving the evil weasel who hunts at night. 
 This story has been compared to Animal Farm, but I don't agree at all with that comparison. Yes, both stories have animals telling the story, but the similarities stop there. The Hen Who Dreamed She Could Fly has none of the political commentary/satire that Animal Farm has. I'd compare it more to that children's book about the ugly duckling that really isn't a duck (I don't remember the title). Yes, The Hen Who Dreamed She Could Fly has a philosophical message about freedom and being yourself, but it's also a fun story about a chicken who wanted a baby. 
 I'd happily recommend it to any age. 
 If you decide to read this to young children, view the spoiler. 
 (view spoiler)[Check out the ending first. In my opinion it's the only way it could end and the book still has a wonderful message, but some parents might not appreciate it. (hide spoiler)] 
 Note- this is a copy of a review previously posted on my blog, bookreviews77.com