The Hen Who Sailed Around the World: A True Story

Soudée, who has documented his sailing adventures online, offers a photo-filled account of his globe-spanning journey with first mate Monique—a red hen. Though Soudée first brought Monique along for her egg-laying, he explains, she soon became a valued companion. Soudée’s selfies show him hoisting the sails, navigating a route below deck, or on lookout at the boat’s bow—always with Monique alongside or perched atop him. A particularly striking image (taken with a drone camera) shows the sailboat trapped in ice, which forced Soudée and Monique to overwinter off the coast of Greenland, Monique wearing a sweater made of gloves. Once the ice melts, Soudée and Monique sail on, succeeding in becoming “the youngest navigator and first chicken ever to sail the Northwest Passage.” Readers are likely to be as fascinated by Soudée’s relationship with Monique as they are by the beauty and peril of their incredible voyage. Ages 4–8.[em] (Oct.) [/em]