Molly of Denali · GBH & PBS Kids

Co-Pilot Molly

June 6, 2019·12 min·1 clip
Molly finds Suki's crate with a chewed hole from the inside, suggesting the puppy was shipped to the trading post.
Molly Mabray and her family are preparing to reopen their trading post in Qyah, Alaska. A mischievous puppy has been causing chaos by getting into food and supplies. Molly and her friend Tooey decide to train the stray dog, whom Molly names Suki. Molly uses her father's sled dog training advice, emphasizing the importance of building trust. The children discover Suki has been living in a shipping crate behind the bunkhouse, which she apparently chewed her way into. They find the crate's identification number and seek help from their neighbor, Mr. Rowley, who keeps meticulous records. Mr. Rowley identifies the crate as a shipment of baked goods from Auntie Annie, who lives in a remote northern community. The theory emerges that Suki stowed away in that crate before it was sent to Qyah. Molly's mother, Layla, a bush pilot, agrees to fly Molly and Suki to Bettles to find Auntie Annie. During the flight, Molly acts as co-pilot and learns about the Brooks Range mountains and the cause of turbulence. Suki escapes her crate mid-flight, forcing Molly to hold her securely during the landing on a frozen lake. Upon meeting Auntie Annie, they learn Suki is not her dog but a stray who previously ransacked her kitchen for sourdough bread. Auntie Annie calls Suki a nuisance and is adamant the dog cannot stay with her. Suki breaks free and chases a cat, confirming Auntie Annie's view of her as a menace. The discovery that Suki has no original owner leaves Molly determined to find her a home. As they prepare to leave, a new problem arises: the plane's wheels have become frozen in the ice due to a condition called overflow. The episode is educational and narrative-driven, blending a heartwarming adventure with practical problem-solving. Its tone is conversational and family-friendly, featuring lessons on dog training, aviation, and Alaskan geography. Young listeners who enjoy stories about animals, friendship, and outdoor adventures will love this episode. Those seeking complex plots or non-family content might find it too simplistic.
Listen to the show on