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Favourite food
She loves trying new things – especially soft injera and warm gomen besiga at the dinner table. But she also enjoys the traditional raw meat that hyenas in Harar are known for.
Meet the star of the story
Hana the Hyena
Curious, kind, and braver than she thinks.
Hana lives near the ancient walled town of Harar in Ethiopia. While other hyenas are happy to stay close to home, Hana spends her days wondering what lies beyond the hills, listening to stories about faraway places, and dreaming of adventures she hasn't yet had the courage to take.
Who is Hana?
Hana is a young hyena with a big heart and an even bigger sense of curiosity. She's the kind of character who asks "what if?" and "why not?" – even when those questions make her a little nervous. While she might seem small and uncertain at first, Hana has a quiet bravery that grows stronger with each new experience.
Her personality is a mix of wonder and worry: she dreams of seeing the world, but she's also scared of feeling lost. She loves meeting new people, but she worries about saying the wrong thing. She's curious about new foods, but she's not sure she'll like them. It's this combination of courage and caution that makes Hana so relatable – and so inspiring.
What makes Hana special is her willingness to try, even when she's afraid. She doesn't let her fears stop her from saying yes to new adventures, new friends, and new experiences. And that's what makes her a hero in her own story.
Where she lives: Harar
Hana calls Harar home – an ancient walled city in eastern Ethiopia, known for its beautiful architecture, rich history, and unique relationship with hyenas. For generations, the people of Harar have lived alongside hyenas, and there's a special tradition of feeding them at night.
While many hyenas in Harar are content to stay within the city walls, Hana is different. She listens to stories about places beyond the hills – about Addis Ababa, the capital city, with its bright lights, tall buildings, and bustling streets. These stories spark something in her: a dream of seeing the world beyond her familiar home.
Harar is a place of tradition and community, but for Hana, it's also a place where dreams begin. It's where she first imagines what might be possible if she's brave enough to explore.
Her big dream
Hana's biggest dream is to visit Addis Ababa – the capital city of Ethiopia, where everything is bigger, brighter, and more exciting than anything she's ever seen. She imagines tall buildings that touch the sky, streets filled with people from all over the world, and new experiences around every corner.
But more than just seeing the city, Hana dreams of making new friends. She wants to meet people who are different from her, who have different stories, different traditions, and different ways of doing things. She believes that by meeting new people and trying new things, she'll discover not just the world, but also herself.
In The Hyena Who Went To Dinner, Hana's dream comes true – but not in the way she expected. She learns that adventures aren't always about the places you go, but about the people you meet and the courage you find along the way.
Fun facts about Hana
Get to know Hana better with these fun facts about her personality, preferences, and quirks.
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Favourite time of day
Dusk, when the sky turns from blue to purple and the stars begin to appear. It's when she feels most curious about the world beyond Harar.
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Three things she's scared of
1) Feeling lost and alone in a new place. 2) Not knowing what to do or say. 3) That she might not belong anywhere. But she's learning that being brave doesn't mean not being scared!
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Her superpower
Hana has an amazing ability to make friends, even when she's nervous. She's curious about others and always willing to try something new.
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Best friend
While she hasn't met them yet, Hana dreams of finding a friend who loves adventures as much as she does – someone who will explore new places and try new foods with her.
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Secret talent
She's really good at listening to stories and remembering all the details. That's how she learned about Addis Ababa in the first place!
What's next for Hana?
After her adventure in Addis Ababa, Hana has discovered a new confidence and curiosity about the world. She's learned that being brave doesn't mean not being scared – it means trying new things even when you're nervous.
Who knows where Hana's next adventure will take her? Maybe she'll visit other cities in Ethiopia, or explore different parts of Africa. Perhaps she'll meet new friends from different cultures, try new foods, and discover new traditions. One thing's for sure: Hana's story is just beginning.
Stay tuned for more adventures with Hana the Hyena! 🐾
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Ready to meet Hana?
Discover Hana's full story, download free activities, and explore resources for parents and teachers.