Run, Little Chaski!: An Inka Trail Adventure

by Mariana Llanos, Mariana Ruiz Johnson

In this tale set in the ancient Inka empire, Little Chaski has a big job: he is the Inka King's newest royal messenger. But on his first day things quickly start to go awry. Will Little Chaski be able to deliver the royal message on time?

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, Indigenous, History, Nature, Adventure, Latinx

32 pages, Paperback

Published May 1, 2021

About the author

Mariana Llanos is a children’s books writer, poet, and translator. Born in Lima, Peru, she’s the author of several books including the 2024 Pura Belpre Honor Book and Oklahoma Book Award Finalist, Benita y las criaturas nocturnas/Benita and the Night Creatures, and the 2022 Oklahoma Book Award winner Run Little Chaski/Corre Pequeño Chaski!. Other titles include Luca's Bridge/El puente de Luca (2021 ALSC Notable Book Awards), Eunice and Kate (Paterson Prize Books for Young Readers) Kutu, the Tiny Inca Princess (Campoy-Ada Awards), the audio story Qoritika and the Three Alpacas, featured on Tiny Tales by Pampers Podcast produced by Sony Music Entertainment. among others. In 2017, Mariana received the Oklahoma Human Rights Award for her work visiting schools in different countries around the world through virtual technology. That same year she was selected as the Best Latino Artist by the Hispanic Arts Council of Oklahoma. Her upcoming books include two chapter book series, Vampirita (July 2024) and Martina and her Bright Star (2025) with Reycraft Books. She’s a co-founder of LatinxPitch, a virtual event that boosts the representation of Latino creatives in the children’s publishing industry and co-chair of the Latino Committee for the Firehouse Arts Center in Norman Oklahoma. In addition to writing, Mariana is an experienced speaker who visits schools regularly. She resides in Oklahoma City with her children. marianallanos.com

Reviews

[Ms. B · Rating 3 out of 5]

The illustrations are eye-catching in this picture book that reads like a folktale. This would be a fun story for learning about Inka empire. Includes a glossary Quechua words and appendix with a map of South America, FAQs and additional facts.

[Sara Fajardo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is utterly delightful. The two Marianas, Llanos (author) and Ruiz Johnson (illustrator) beautifully captured the spirit of Peru and the vital role that chaskis played at the height of the Inka empire. Loved all the details of the Andean animals including the Peruvian hairless dog, which added vital touches of authenticity to the story. A gem of a book sure to inspire kids to learn more about the ancient civilizations of Latin America.

[Neha Thakkar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Folk tale feel, had glimmers of tortoise and hare story, but ultimately a story of kindness to animals and how we can all help each other. Loved the end notes on the language and the “records” that only few could read and that were sent by messenger.

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book for those 4/5 and up to learn about the Inka Empire of Peru. Although I find it long for a Preschool storytime (which may have 3 year olds attending), I would use this for a storytime for 5-7 year olds. The book uses Quechua spellings of words, with a glossary and phonetic listing for almost every word which would be unfamiliar to many. Unfortunately, the one phonetic listing not provided (but present in the story and in the history lesson at the end of the book) is for the empire itself, Tawantinsuyu. I will need to look up and learn the pronunciation for this before using this book in any storytime program.

[Amanda [Novel Addiction] · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful picture book, highly recommended! I got the absolute pleasure to not only meet this author at my work (library) last night, but also to chauffeur her from one branch to another.

Beautiful illustrations, great message, lots to learn, and a great story.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful!

[Kirsten - Children's Library Lady]

Along the ancient Inka trails, Chaski must deliver an important message to the Inka king in Cusco. Despite facing difficulties, Chaski's resilience, cleverness, and speed help him navigate the vast Inka Empire.

Run, Little Chaski! explores dedication, perseverance, responsibility, communication in maintaining connections, resilience to overcome obstacles, and support in achieving one's goals.

Discussion Questions
1. How does Little Chaski demonstrate perseverance and determination throughout his journey?
2. What does the Inka Trail setting teach us about the history and geography of the Inka Empire? Why is understanding history important?
3. Little Chaski encounters various challenges on his journey. How does facing challenges help us grow and learn?
4. What message does Little Chaski carry? Why is it so important for the Inka king and his people?
5. How do the characters Chaski meets help him on his journey? How does this reflect the importance of helping others in real life?
6. What lessons does Little Chaski learn about the natural world and its significance to the Inka people?
7. How does Run, Little Chaski! inspire readers to learn more about other cultures and historical periods? Why is this knowledge valuable?
8. Reflecting on Chaski's journey, what do you think is the story's most important message?

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Little Chaski has been given a big responsibility: He has been chosen to deliver a message to the king of the Inka Empire. He knows that he's up to the task because he's fast and responsible, but the boy faces several challenges along the way, including a chinchilla who is injured when the two of them collide, and two other animals in distress. Although doing so slows him down, Little Chaski stops to help all three creatures. He reaches his destination just as the sun is going down, which was part of his requirements, but the message is missing. The animals that he befriended bring the message, and Little Chaski is rewarded with a new name acknowledging his kindness along the way. As it turns out, there was a test within the first test--a test of character. Back matter includes information about the Inkan system of delivering messages and the khipus (devices fashioned from cords and knots) they used as well as a map and information about the Inkan Empire. The striking illustrations filled with warm colors were created using mixed media and digital techniques. This picture book provides evidence that kindness to others is always rewarded. Little Chaski hardly hesitated to do the right thing for those three animals even though he surely knew that doing so would slow him down.

[Stephanie Tournas · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is Little Chaski’s first day as a royal messenger. The Qoya, the Queen, has entrusted him to deliver a khipu to the King, the Inka, before the sun sets. Little Chaski is fast and strong, but he runs into obstacles along the way. A chinchilla, an allqu, and condor need his help. He makes it just in time and has a story to tell the Inka of his journey.

The striking mixed media art in deep colors perfectly captures the feel of the mountainous Inka Empire. Chaski and his Inka family have deep brown skin with shadings of umber, and white finger and toe nails, a detail which I loved. Quechua words are sprinkled liberally throughout the text, and a glossary appears at the end. Fun onomatopoeia and the repetitive phrase “Run, run, Little Chaski, phaway!” enliven the narration of Little Chaski’s epic run. I love the suspense of the delays and wondering whether he will make it in time. And when he arrives without the khipu, which observant readers will know is with the allqu, one wonders what will happen. Back matter about the Inka and the role of chaskis is nicely done, and rounds out the story of an ancient culture. (I had never heard about khipus, which were knotted threads used to communicate important news. Only a select few people had the ability to read them.)

[Kailey (Luminous Libro) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Little Chaski is a messenger for the Inka empire. He must run swiftly to deliver a message to the King before the sun sets. Along the way he stops to help animals in trouble, and is rewarded when they return the favor when Little Chaski is in trouble.

I love this introduction to the rich Inka culture! At the back of the book, there is a glossary of Inka words and a little bit of history about the Inka empire.

Little Chaski is such a cute character. I love that he is smart and swift, but also very kind. He inspires the reader to look past their immediate goals and be willing to help others.

The illustrations are very brightly colored. I liked the rolling hills and mountains in the background of each scene. There are rivers and ponds to be crossed, and through it all the Inca trail leads the messengers through the countryside. The art work is lovely!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.

[Armando Lopez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Run Little Chaski is a great story about a young Inca boy that is tasked with the job of delivering an important item to the king that is far away. Little Chaski is given the advice to be strong, swift, and sharp by his elders. During his journey, he encounters several animals in need of help. Instead of running passed them to continue on his mission, he stops to help the animals. When he arrives to greet the king, he discovers that he lost the important item he was tasked with delivering to the king. Suddenly, the animals appear and drop the item for Little Chaski. He is rewarded by the king and renamed Big Hearted Chaski for his courage and for the kindness he showed to the animals. This is a great story of kindness I would read out loud to my first grade class to show them the importance of being kind to all living creatures and how kind deeds can be rewarded. I really enjoyed the colorful illustrations in the book that fit the setting of an Inca civilization.

[Alissa Tsaparikos · Rating 3 out of 5]

Run, Little Chaski! is a bright and colorful Inka folktale written by Peruvian-born writer, Mariana Llanos. The story is simple with just enough tension to keep readers engaged. Many of the words are in the Quechua language, and though the illustrations are expressive, not everything can be filled in through context clues. Back matter includes a glossary and information on Inka history. If the glossary was at the front of the story, this would have provided more information to make a more complete reading while keeping the integrity of the story. Nevertheless, this would be a great addition to school libraries and classrooms, especially for units that are focused on the Inka culture or on folktales in general. Children doing a project on the Inka would get a lot from this little book.

[Theediscerning · Rating 4 out of 5]

Covering two bases, and two bases well, this book deserves to be a good success. Not only do we get four pages of primer information for the Incan (now Inka) empire, where we learn of their language systems, Inca Trails and some of their wildlife, we also have the entertaining bulk of the book. And this is a success, showing us how a young messenger sets off on his first royal errand, only to have distraction after distraction – after distraction! It's a perfectly rounded and very warming drama, and the fact the book can also be educational about the wonders in Peru and elsewhere in South America means I hope this gets to spread its wings far and wide. A strong four stars.

[Serena Gingold Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are so many things that I love about this book. I love the story itself with its focus on trying something new and not giving up. I love that the theme of kindness runs through the book. I love the Quechua words used throughout and the glossary at the end. In fact, I love all of the back matter because contains a lot of interesting information of the culture and history of the Inka. And I adore the illustrations which are bold, vibrant and full of movement. My five-year-old son loved the story too. His favorite parts were about all the Peruvian animals that Little Chaski encounters. We’ll definitely come back to this book again and again.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

A tale from the Inka empire. Chaski has been chosen to be a messenger for the royal family. This means he will be running messages all over the kingdom. Readers see his first day in the role. The queen gives him a message to deliver to the king before the sun sets. He sets off but is delayed several times as he stops to help animals who are struggling. Chaski barely makes it and the animals return his kindness by delivering the message he left along the trail. The king is pleased and acknowledges his kindness as he traveled.
Well thought out story line with illustrations that capture how this area looked at the time of the Inkas.

[Aolund · Rating 5 out of 5]

Little Chaski is undertaking his first big message-bearing expedition from the Qoya, or queen, to the Inka, or king, of the Inka empire. Along the way, he stops to help various animals in distress-- acts of kindness that the animals ultimately return to Little Chaski in his own moment of need. A wonderfully-told story with beautiful, rich illustrations, and informative back text. Highly recommended.

Themes: Kindness, Perseverance, Running, You Can Do It!, Messages/Mail
Age range: Toddler-Early Elementary

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tales from other cultures are always fun to explore. Run, LIttle Chaski by Mirana Llanos and Mariana Ruiz Johnson will enchant children age 4 - 8 with the story of a young boy who becomes a royal messenger for the Queen. On his very first day assignment is to deliver a very important message to the temple. Unfortunately Chaski has to stop and to help a number of distressed animals along his path. The day almost ends in disaster when he finally reaches his destination. Colorful illustrations and unique charachters make this a fun storytime book.

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

My kids adored this incredible story of Little Chaski, an Inca messenger during his first day on the job. Along the way, they learned about Peruvian flora and fauna, about the Inca Trail, about Inca culture, and a few works in the Inca language! They also learned that kindness is sometimes more precious than speed. As a parent, I am always looking for books that educate and entertain. I will definitely be looking for more books from MARIANA LLANOS and the book's brilliant illustrator, MARIANA RUIZ JOHNSON. Buy this one!

[Ana Siqueira · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book can be a fun way to teach about history and the Inkas. It can also teach about Peru and its animales. But all in a super fun way filled with tension. Will our little messenger - a Chaski - deliver the important message on time? How? He stops everywhere to help other animales. And, oh, no! he didn't even notice he lost the message. Kids will be involved in this story, cheering for our little Chaski all the way. This book has received many awards. So well deserved to both the author and the illustrator.

[Peacegal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of vibrant culture and vocabulary words--and a mini history lesson, too--in this folktale-type story of a young boy with a big job to do in delivering a message to the king.

However, will he ever make it on time when he keeps getting distracted by animals who are stuck in trouble and need help? A great story that reminds us of the power of kindness, and that kindness counts for animals, too!

[Carmela Simmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maria Llanos weaves a tale of Incan culture and lessons of kindness that is sure to please. Children come away with a bit of knowledge about Incan history and culture, the Quechua language, but most of all a love for the chaski, the new messenger for the Inca, whose kindness shines through as he dedicates himself to his new job. Fun read and wonderful illustrations by Mariana Ruiz Johnson. Highly recommend!

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good introduction to important parts of the Inca empire, such as the landscape, the quipu form of recording information, and the importance of the runners across the empire. Little Chaski runs his first message, but is speed more important, or rescuing various animals in trouble along the way more important? Can he do both in time? Stylized landscapes and interesting colors. This would work for a preschool or Kindergarten storytime, as the repetition of the chorus invites participation

[Cindy Huskey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Strikingly colorful illustrations capture this Inka folktale about a young messenger, Chaski, on his very first task. He is to deliver a message to the Inka before the sun sets. Along the way, Chaski encounters several animals in trouble, and stops his journey to help. This is a story not only about the historical messengers, but it’s also about offering kindness to those in need.

I really appreciated the background information and especially, the glossary.

[Lucy Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Introduction to Inca culture for children! The use of Quechua words, entertains and captures the attention while no loosing readers. All three pages fills in the gaps historically for children, teachers, and readers by providing relevance of Inca empire. Illustrations are bright, imperfect, and detailed. Story follows typical fictional outline, and timeless narrative about kindness over all else.

[Anna Harber Freeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s so much to love about this colorful, rollicking adventure story, published in both English and Spanish. Main character Chaski demonstrates perseverance and kindness on his journey to the king. Along the way we’re introduced to new words, animals, and a history of the amazing Inka people. It’s no wonder this is a Junior Library Guild selection!

[Natalie Tate · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book would make a great introduction to an Inka unit or as a general nonfiction picture book for kids and their teachers. The story itself is interesting and allows children to guess the meaning of new words from context clues. The glossary and historical background at the back of the book are great additional resources.

[Bethe · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars. Delightful story with a folktale flavor of a young boy on his first message delivery run, full of advice from his messenger family. Great for story times with a refrain to repeat, vibrant illustrations that embody the Inkan culture. Loads of back matter: glossary, maps, history, animals, creator notes, and those wonderful endpages!

[Patricia N. McLaughlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This quasi-folktale is quite a tongue-twister, featuring many Quechua words that add to the authentic appeal of the book, as do the colorful illustrations that borrow from Peruvian folk art styles. Fortunately, the Endnotes contain an extensive glossary, plus fascinating information about the Inkas and Peru.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book for kids—particularly school age! This book follows the traditional structure of a folktale, but with cute Peruvian animal characters and special vocabulary. Children will root for Chaski and spend time poring over the vibrant illustrations. As well as being great for home, it would be a perfect addition to a classroom or school library.

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful book with fascinating bits of history and language woven in. I think it's so cool kids will learn about khipus from this book. It took me living on earth for at lest 20 years before I knew about this totally different way of recording information. The illustrations made me smile. The back matter was great. Thanks for creating such a wonderful book!