Run, Little Chaski! An Inka Trail Adventure: Peruvian Voices picture book

Run, Little Chaski! An Inka Trail Adventure by Mariana Llanos and illustrated by Mariana Ruiz Johnson is a delightful picture book for preschoolers all the way up to middle schoolers.  It tells the story of a messenger who is given the task of delivering a khipu (KEE-poo: a recording system made of rope and hanging knotted threads) to the king before the sun sets.  Along the way he encounters animals who need his help.  Will he reach the temple in time or will his mission be a failure?

What stood out to me about this book was the message of resilience.  His older brother, father, and grandfather tell him he must be strong, swift, and sharp.  So he has the pressure of needing to do his job, but when he sees animals who need his help, he cannot turn the other way.  I think this is a great message to send to our readers.  Readers can discuss times when they helped someone out and how it made them feel.  

Another part of this book that made me want to share it with my students is the authentic voice of the author and the beautiful, vibrant illustrations of the illustrator.  The reader is transported to another time and place completely.  The animals that are in the story are ones that my students will want to learn more about and even make puppets to retell the story.  The animals are adorable and unique to the area so readers can compare those to animals in their own community.

Finally, the best part about this whole story is the language, back matter and map provided in the end.  The glossary is helpful for whomever is reading the story aloud to know how to pronounce the Quechua words.  There are phrases that get repeated throughout the story which increases participation in the reading.  There is also easy to understand explanations of who the Inka and the chaskis were, what they delivered and more about the Inka Trail itself.  Older readers can research the Inka and how Spanish conquistadors affected the region.  Readers can also make their own khipus out of yarn or string.

Thank you to Barefoot Books for the copy of the book! It will be well-loved in our school library.