Run, Little Chaski! An Inka Trail Adventure
Run, Little Chaski!
An Inka Trail Adventure
ISBN: 9781646861651
Written by Mariana Llanos
Illustrated by Mariana Ruiz Johnson
In this tale set in the ancient Inka (sometimes spelled Inca) empire, Little Chaski has a big job: he is the Inka King’s newest royal messenger. On his first day delivering messages he stops to help several creatures in need along the way, causing him to nearly miss his sunset deadline. But the kindness he bestowed on these animals winds up helping him in surprising ways. Descriptive language and bold illustrations give readers insight into Little Chaski’s nervousness and excitement as he runs the Inka Trail, working earnestly to fulfill the responsibilities of his new role.
FORMAT: Paperback
Product Dimensions: 10.00 x 9.75 inches
Page Count: 32 pages
Age Range: Ages 3-7 years
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Also available in Spanish here
Key Points:
SOUTH AMERICAN AUTHOR: Set in ancient South America, this tale is written by Peruvian-born author Mariana Llanos.
CULTURAL AWARENESS: Offers an age-appropriate and engaging introduction to ancient Inka (sometimes spelled Inca) civilization and features an indigenous hero.
SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL LEARNING: The main character stops along the way to help others, even though being late may cost him his job. In the end, his kindness is recognized and rewarded.
EDUCATIONAL ENDNOTES: Endnotes include a glossary of Quechua words and provide information about the Inka Empire, Chaskis (messengers) and the Inka Trail.
SPANISH: Also available in a Spanish language edition.
Award and Accolades
- 20 Best Books by Latinx Authors You’ll Want to Read Right Now, Reader’s Digest, 2021
- 29 Picture Books to Celebrate the Latinx Experience, The School Library Journal, 2021
- Evanston Public Library’s 101 Great Books for Kids 2021: Picture Books
★ ‘‘An appealing introduction to an important culture largely overlooked in children’s literature in the United States’’ – Kirkus Reviews, starred review
“If you want something set during the Incan Empire, finding the right book can be hard. This one might fill such a gap” – Betsy Bird, Librarian, @FuseEight
“Llanos shares her passion for Peruvian stories in this vibrant tale, set in an Inka kingdom, that explores accountability and kindness . . . 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” – Booklist
★ “Beautiful illustrations inspired by Peruvian folk art fill each page, bringing to life the beauty of the Inka culture . . . 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” – The School Library Journal, starred review
“Children will enjoy the action-packed story . . . This entertaining and informative book would be a good choice for elementary or public library collections. Libraries wanting to grow their multicultural collection should purchase” – School Library Connection
Written by - Mariana Llanos
Mariana Llanos is a Peruvian-born writer of children's literature. Her books include Luca's Bridge, Eunice and Kate, Kutu the Tiny Inca Princess, and Poesia Alada. In 2017, she was selected as the Best Latino Artist by the Hispanic Arts Council of Oklahoma, where she resides. She is a member of the SCBWI and currently serves as the Inclusion and Diversity Chair for their Oklahoma Chapter. When she’s not writing, she enjoys baking, spending time with her children, and visiting schools to ignite the love for reading.
Illustrated by - Mariana Ruiz Johnson
Mariana Ruiz Johnson is an award-winning children’s book illustrator and author. She likes to explore the narrative power of illustration and the relationship between images and words. Using vibrant palettes and different patterns and textures, she combines traditional techniques and digital media. Mariana lives in the outskirts of Buenos Aires, Argentina with her husband and two children.