Customer Reviews

Kichi in Jungle Jeopardy

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Award-winning author Lila Guzman presents Kichi in Jungle Jeopardy, a chapter book for young readers ages seven and up about a rare blue Chihuahua and the special bond he forms with a friend. Kichi has lived his life as a pampered but lonely pet, owned by Fortune Teller at the temple of the Mayan city of Chilaan. One day, Fortune Teller's brother captures a new slave, Uxmal, from the rival city - and amazingly, Uxmal can speak Dog! When terrible raiders attack Chilaan and kidnap Uxmal, Kichi sets out into the jungle to save his closest friend. A handful of simple black-and-white drawings illustrates this charming tale of love and loyalty.

I wasn't sure how my seven-year-old son would feel about this book after having been so excited about Captain Underpants, but I was intrigued by the Mayan setting and the Fortune Teller character, so I thought we'd give it a try. Turns out my son LOVED the book. Every night, he chanted "Kichi! Kichi!" He was totally unphased by the unfamiliar Mexican words and didn't get bored when there were no pictures, like he usually does. The various animals were humorously characterized and the action moves along at a nice clip. A great story for both mother and child!

I have read all of Ms. Guzman's books and found Kichi a delite. Step out of your thinking that a talking dog is out of the norm, and enjoy the trip through the jungle with the animals he encounters. Get a sniped of acient Myian culture and hold your breath as Kichi finds his way. This is a great read for a young reader.