Kuya Kai

Kuya Kai, a year old chow puppy, resident of Anchorage, Alaska, experiences adventures on the busy streets and wilderness trail systems of this northern metropolitan city. Confused by the family's move from the old house to the new house, Kuya and his dog cousin Kijik, a Husky mix breed, become separated from their humans. While Kijik is rescued early-on in the adventure, Kuya is not so fortunate and faces one life threatening challenge after another as he attempts to find his way eleven miles across Anchorage. This unique city, carved from a wilderness that still intertwines with shopping centers and suburbs, presents seemingly insurmountable obstacles, threats and adventures for any dog, especially one so young and inexperienced, but it is the path home if Kuya can puzzle out the intricacies of the many intersecting trails and survive the dangers and challenges he encounters on his odyssey. Told from his own youthful point of view, "Kuya Kai" is a coming of age novel for early adolescent readers and adults, as well. A great "read aloud" adventure, the whole family will laugh at Kuya's innocent perceptions and cheer him on as, despite his injuries and fear, he discovers the strength and courage to find his way home to his beloved Cindy. Go to Kuya Kai's Facebook page to see photos of Kuya Kai and Kijik both during the story and as they grew up. The online pictures can be used while reading the story to identify action from chapter to chapter. A sequel, "On the Fly, Kijik and I", is planned.