RUN, LITTLE CHASKI!

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.