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Dreaming of the big city
In Harar, Hana listens to stories about Addis Ababa and imagines bright lights, tall buildings, and exciting new places. She dreams of adventure beyond her quiet home.
Hana the Hyena · Book one
The Hyena Who Went To Dinner
A heartwarming Ethiopian tale of courage, friendship & food.
For children aged 6+ · Perfect for bedtime, classrooms, and libraries.
The Story
In The Hyena Who Went To Dinner, Hana the Hyena, a young hyena from Harar, dreams of visiting Addis Ababa. When she finally reaches the big city, everything feels loud, fast, and unfamiliar. For a moment, she wonders if she made a mistake.
Everything changes when a kind family notices her, smiles, and invites her to share their dinner table. Around soft injera, spicy doro wat, and tender gomen besiga, Hana discovers new flavours, new friends, and a new kind of courage. By sharing her own traditions too, she learns that even when we are different, we can still belong.
Hana's story gently explores belonging, hospitality, and the joy of sharing food and culture. It's a tale that reminds us all that sometimes the bravest thing we can do is say yes to new experiences, and that kindness can turn strangers into friends.
Key moments in Hana's adventure
Follow Hana's journey from her quiet home in Harar to the bright lights of Addis Ababa and back again.
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The journey through forests and rivers
Hana sets off on her adventure, traveling through forests, crossing rivers, and following paths she's never taken before. Each step brings her closer to the big city.
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Feeling small in Addis Ababa
When Hana finally arrives in Addis Ababa, everything feels huge, loud, and unfamiliar. The city is bigger than she imagined, and for a moment, she wonders if she made a mistake.
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Dinner with the family
Just when Hana feels most alone, a kind family notices her, smiles, and invites her to share their dinner table. Around soft injera, spicy doro wat, and tender gomen besiga, everything changes.
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Finding courage and the way home
By sharing new foods and her own traditions, Hana discovers new friends and a new kind of courage. She learns that even when we are different, we can still belong.
Themes & what kids learn
The Hyena Who Went To Dinner opens up conversations about important life lessons in a gentle, age-appropriate way.
Courage
Hana shows everyday bravery by leaving home, trying new things, and saying yes to new experiences, even when she's unsure.
Belonging & Kindness
The story explores what it feels like to be new or different, and how small acts of kindness can help someone feel included and welcome.
Trying New Foods
Hana discovers new flavours and learns that trying something new can lead to wonderful discoveries and connections.
Ethiopian Culture
The book introduces real places in Ethiopia—Harar and Addis Ababa—and real dishes like injera, doro wat, and gomen besiga.
Hospitality
The shared meal is at the heart of the story, showing how welcoming others and sharing traditions brings people together.
Ready to share Hana's story?
Bring The Hyena Who Went To Dinner into your home or classroom, then explore our free activities, discussion guides, and resources.
All activity resources are free for personal and classroom use.