Book Description: With this charming book, children will delight in learning the basic moves of chess - the most popular and challenging strategy game of all. All the rules of chess are clearly explained, step by step, assuming no prior knowledge. The lessons are reinforced by the inventive tales that George is told by his pet alligator Kirsty, self-proclaimed Grand Alligator of chess.
Chess is recognized in many countries as a useful tool for developing creative thinking in children. Although chess can be regarded as a rather complex and mysterious game, the rules themselves are straightforward. It doesn't take long to learn how the pieces move, and even children as young as five can enjoy exciting games. They will also thoroughly enjoy outwitting friends and relatives!
Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
Rating: - Outstanding
Great book. Uses things to interest kids. For example, the alligator story throughout the book is written on a kid level. While teaching chess, get them to read the conversation also. And the use of a "terribly tough test" is great. All questions are worth a point, so it gets them interested if they know they are scoring points. Much like the searching for Bobby Fischer movie. The points get them interested and wanting to do more and better. Also teaches them in a good progression. For instance, rooks and bishops, then queen. Makes sense since a queen is a combo of the two. Also gives great diagrams which they will see later with chess puzzles, such as the ones in chessmaster. I highly recommend. My son is 8. I can see this working for a 7 year old, but 6 and under might be hard.
Rating: - Great!!!
I am using this book to teach my two older children (6 and 4) and my wife (who never learned) how to play chess.
It is WELL done at having bite sized lessons followed by exercises. (I add some additional ones of my own.)
I was concerned about the algebraic chess notation lesson with my four year old, but he did great!
The best part about this book is that it isn't just a "here are the rules" book. Last night we went through the lesson on the value of pieces and talking about whether a swap is good or not. Some other really good lessons are the ones showing common checkmates, that talk about what to do when in check, and the chapter on forks, pins, and skewers.
This is a great book, but understand that it is for the absolute beginner. I think it is going MUCH better using this book than if I had tried to teach the kids just by myself.
Rating: - Chess for Children
This book is great for teaching beginning children all about playing chess. It uses simple language, and clear explanations, for easy understanding. Cartoon character images help to keep children interested as Kirsty (a pet alligator) teaches George how to play. No prior knowledge of how to play required.
Rating: - It is just fine.
I bought this book for my children's school library. I am the chess coach at their school and have been making efforts to increase the library's collection of chess books for children. This book is a fine addition to the collection. As I read through it I thought that my K-2 crew would probably enjoy it more than my 3-5 crew, but so be it. I think learning any activity should include reading about it, in addition to having personal instruction. This book will help those little ones to develop good learning habits and good chess habits as well.
Rating: - Excellent primer
This book is an excellent place to start teaching children chess. I almost gave it four stars because I don't think children under 7 or 8 will be able to tackle it themselves without an adult. It would still serve as an excellent guide for older children and teens and with an adult's help any younger child would love it. It has great outlines and pictures of how the pieces move, the rules, special rules (en passant for example) and can be referenced easily by anyone. Great job by Mr.Chandler.
- Outstanding
- It is just fine.
