The Kids' Book of Chess and Chess Set by Harvey Game, Kimberly Bulcken Root (Illustrator)

From Barnes & Noble

With a custom-designed chess board and full set of chess pieces, The Kids' Book of Chess and Chess Set is the perfect introduction for younger players to the game that's inspired passion and challenge for over 900 years. Ages 8 to 12.

From the Publisher

Illustrated Chess for Children was originally published in 1970. Now renamed, updated, newly illustrated, and presented with a custom-designed chess board and full set of chess pieces, the kids' book of chess and chess set introduces kids to the game that's inspired passion and challenge for over 900 years. Fantasy art captures the energy and excitement of chess's origins-the medieval battlefield-while a direct, lively text explains the game and its pieces in light of history. Readers are led through the fundamentals of beginning, middle, and end game, and shown winning strategies for offense and defense.

Selection of the Book-of-the-Month and Trumpet Book clubs. Suitable for ages 8-12. 792,000 copies in print. Illustrations by Kimberly Bulcken Root.

Children's Literature

The clear text interestingly links each piece and its movement to the medieval world that influenced its evolution: the pawn's diagonal striking power, for example, to the medieval pikeman, who pointed his spike to either side of his protective shield. The new illustrations in this update are "the best diagrams I have ever seen in any beginners' book," according to a chess expert friend. Chess set included.

School Library Journal

Gr 4 Up-- Instead of technical language and difficult diagrams, The Kids' Book of Chess explains all the basic elements of the game in a colorful, dramatic story of the medieval battlefield that the chessboard represents. All the pieces from pawn to king are introduced according to the role they play in the chess game and compared to their actual role in medieval life. How to begin the game, move the pieces, and develop a winning strategy are well described in clear, simple text; accurate diagrams; and delightful illustrations of medieval life. This a revision of Kidder's 1970 Illustrated Chess for Children (Doubleday; o.p.). New drawings, illustrations, and a slightly different format make this a welcome addition for novice and experienced chess lovers. --Pamela K. Bomboy, Chesterfield County Public Schools, VA

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