Connections for Kids

Overview

Meet Hope the Husky and her Alaskan animal friends! Together, they’re helping kids across Alaska learn how to make safe, healthy, and kind choices at home, at school, and in their communities.

This page is your go-to space for fun, free, and educational resources featuring Hope and her friends. New downloads and seasonal activities are added all the time, so check back often!

Who is Hope the Husky?

Hope is a smart, caring, and adventurous husky pup who travels across Alaska helping kids stay healthy in every way: body, mind, and spirit. With help from her animal friends, she teaches important lessons about things like hydration, kindness, safety, and healthy eating while celebrating Alaska’s unique culture and environment.

She’s part of the Alaska Department of Health’s commitment to supporting families, schools, and communities in raising strong, safe, and connected kids.

Download the Bookmark Coloring Contest

Meet Hope's animal friends!

Jet the raven, clever, curious, and a bit mischievous

Brook the Otter, playful, creative and full of curiosity

Finn the fox, loyal, brave, and a team player

Willow the bunny, gentle, kind-hearted, and quick-thinking

Aspen the mountain goat, curious, steady and adventurous

Kodi the bear, loves teaching about foods that provide energy and strength

Echo the whale, a soothing presence and inspires others to reflect and learn

Hope’s healthy choices adventure activity book

Hope the Husky’s new adventure is almost here! Get ready for a fun-filled activity book made just for kids ages 3–6.

Together with Hope and her friends, your child will explore kindness, safety, healthy habits, and more—through games, stories, and colorful adventures.

Enjoy the activities side-by-side, and use the stories to spark conversations about making safe, healthy choices every day.

More information coming in November 2025!

Activity book Wild about Wellness with Hope the Husky and friends

Pick up an activity book!

DPA office locations

(Coming Soon!) Find Hope’s book in your community:

Alaska Department of Public Assistance offices
Local libraries
Pediatrician offices
Schools across Alaska

Monthly activities & classroom tools

We’re building more ways to use Hope’s crew all year round:

Seasonal activity packs (Red Ribbon Week, winter wellness, etc.)
Posters, coloring sheets, and fun activities
Guides for conversations about health & wellness
Printable reward charts and safety checklists

This page is updated regularly. You can save it in your browser favorites and visit again for new activities. Sign up to get email updates when new activities are posted.

Activities

Healthy Is coloring contest

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The Alaska Department of Health is excited to launch the “Healthy Is” campaign and statewide coloring contest! Kids can show us what “healthy” means to them by coloring a special Hope the Husky design.

Winning artwork will be made into bookmarks and this contest also kicks off the launch of our new children’s activity book, Wild About Wellness with Hope the Husky and Friends, coming later this year.

Download the coloring page Submit your entry now!