Run, Little Chaski!

Starred review from August 20, 2021

K-Gr 3-On Little Chaski's first day delivering messages, he must take a khipu bearing an important message from the Qoya (Queen) to the Inka (King). Little Chaski is nervous as he tries to deliver the missive before the sun sets, but as he runs through the Inka Trail, he bumps into numerous animals that cause him to stop-a chinchilla who needs help after hurting its leg, an allqu who falls into the river, and a condor trapped in a bush. As he races to the temple, he doesn't realize that the khipu has fallen somewhere on the trail. At the last moment, the animals Little Chaski has helped along the way arrive with the lost khipu, and also bring to Little Chaski approval from the King, who rewards him for his kindness with a special name. From the start, young readers will be filled with anticipation for Little Chaski as he races against time to deliver his message. Beautiful illustrations inspired by Peruvian folk art fill each page, bringing to life the beauty of the Inka culture. Quechua words are sprinkled throughout. A glossary and additional information about the Inka and South American animals accompany the text. Chaski is brown-skinned and Indigenous. VERDICT An excellent addition to picture book collections, providing a wonderful introduction to and a celebration of the Inka that will pull readers in from the start.-Selenia Paz, Harris County P.L., Houston

Copyright 2021 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from April 1, 2021
The Inka empire--the empire of the Tawantinsuyu--was the largest in pre-Columbian America. An ingenious relay system of messengers was used to connect the vast empire: the chaskis. This is the story of a young chaski on his first day of service. Little Chaski wakes up before the sun. His first mission is to take a khipu to the King--the Inka--before the sun sets. (Khipus were knotted threads hanging from cords, used to keep records and communicate information.) Along the way, Little Chaski helps out a number of animals in trouble. Observant readers will notice Little Chaski dropped his khipu when helping the first animal. When he finally arrives just as the sun is setting, he realizes the precious khipu is missing. The day is saved, though, when the grateful animals arrive bearing the khipu, making this a charming tale that easily melds kindness and historical facts. Colorful, dynamic, and detail-filled illustrations complement and extend the story. The expressions on the sun's face as it traverses the sky are delightful. The backmatter includes a glossary of the Quechua words sprinkled throughout the text, information on the Inka empire, and information on the animals depicted. Certainly an appealing introduction to an important culture largely overlooked in children's literature in the United States. A welcome addition, especially given the dearth of children's books on the Inka empire. (Picture book. 5-7)

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April 15, 2021
Grades K-2 Llanos shares her passion for Peruvian stories in this vibrant tale, set in an Inka kingdom, that explores accountability and kindness. Kindhearted Little Chaski is assigned to be the emperor's private messenger, and today is his very first day delivering a khipu. ""Be sure to be strong . . . swift . . . and sharp"" are his family's resounding words of wisdom before he sets out in the morning, khipu in hand, with instructions to arrive at his destination promptly before sunset. But as he travels along the Inka Trail, he encounters distractions in the form of animals in distress. Can he help the animals and still make his delivery? Llanos bolsters her lively story with robust back matter, including facts about the Inka empire, a glossary of Quechua words used in the story, and snippets of facts about the animals Little Chaski meets on his journey. Johnson's bold illustrations, in saturated colors and blocky shapes, add to the lively atmosphere, with plenty of historical and cultural touches nicely incorporated into the scenes.

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