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!
Murray Chandler gained the chess Grandmaster title by winning events in New York and Amsterdam. During 28 years as a professional player, he has taken part in over 150 international tournaments, in 32 different countries. His previous books include the best-selling How to Beat Your Dad at Chess and Chess Tactics for Kids. See also Chess Puzzles for Kids.
Dr Helen Milligan is a World Chess Federation woman master (wfm), and a former British Ladies Champion. She has represented Scotland in 10 Chess Olympiads, and New Zealand in two.
"...the book is well thought out and can be enjoyed by kids as young as 5." - Lubomir Kavalek, Washington Post
"Chess For Children is attractively produced and user friendly for kids. The diagrams are large and clear and there are cartoons throughout the book that reinforce the subject matter. ... It's a perfect book for younger ones to work on with their parents. Recommended." - John Donaldson
"The whole thing packed into a short story with many pictures - definitely child-oriented! … it seems that the pictures are deliberately left without colour, so that someone with crayons etc can turn it into a real playbook." - Frank Große, www.schachlinks.com
"This is a good book for beginners and novice players of all ages and a useful guide for a parent teaching a child to play." http://www.wordpool.co.uk/ccb/chess.htm
"The highly professional design of this book commends it for use in chess lessons for beginners" - Dr W. Schweizer, Rochade
"A valuable book for use in chess teaching for beginners!" - Jerzy Konikowski, Fernschach International
"Gambit's production values are extremely high. These three junior books [CfC, Kids, Dad] are all very attractive hardbacks, which should last for years - even in the hands of juniors. In fact, I believe a lot of club players would benefit from reading through the examples of the latter two books." - Sean March, www.clevelandchess.co.uk
"Chess for Children, then, is a first step toward the quite attainable goal of what is often referred to as 'chess for fun.' When it comes to fun, there is nothing quite like beating a grown-up at a grown-up game! If chess is still enjoyable some time later, and the child wishes to go further, there are, as I've noted, plenty of books around to follow up with. (As always, check the library first.) Established toddler Grandmasters, U6 World Champions, and elementary school chess team hitmen will likely find Chess for Children too basic - "been there, won that" - and they will need to look elsewhere. Or maybe that's where they started…" - Rick Kennedy, chessville.com
"Excellent and well done Gambit Books!. We finally get a modern chess book that not only teaches our younger friends how to play chess but is also presented in a way that will enliven the experience and capture their imagination. The book is presented in hardback A4 size which is a great idea when we are hoping that little hands will eagerly grasp this book and learn to play the captivating game of chess. ... I was very impressed upon receiving this book and have since personally recommended it to various friends. The book is suitable for all beginners to the game but is primarily marketed at the younger children perhaps in the age range of 3 to 10yrs of age. Strongly Recommended." - Michael Blake, IECG Newsletter
"...a lucid and extremely enjoyable introduction to chess for novices with no prior experience of the Royal Game." - GM Paul Motwani, The Scotsman
"I have seen countless books on chess aimed at youngsters over the years, but this is probably the nicest introduction I have ever seen, aimed at primary school children." - Alan Sutton, En Passant
"Children are usually very curious and this eye catching chess book with very creative made illustrations from Cindy McCluskey is certainly a very attractive way to learn the first rules of chess. ... A very attractive learning book for children!" - John Elburg, Chess Mail
"This is a kid-friendly book - a great way for kids to learn chess." - Michael Stevenson, NZ Chess
