Chess for Children
CHESS FOR CHILDREN (Murray Chandler & Helen Milligan)
112 pages (230 mm by 178 mm, hardback)
ISBN 1 904600 06 9.
£9.99/$14.95/€15,75
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.
The authors are Murray Chandler who is a well known and respected Grandmaster of chess whose previous books include 'How to Beat your Dad at Chess'. Dr. Helen Milligan is the co-author and Helen too is a respected player of the game, a former British Ladies Champion and a player who has represented Scotland in 10 Chess Olympiads.
As with all successful books aimed at the younger market, this book is brightly coloured and features a large number of well drawn cartoon style graphics designed to enforce basic rules of the game. The book text is in large print and all diagrams are presented in a very clear style. I am sure a lot of children would enjoy having this book and hopefully some would progress to enjoy the game during adulthood.
The Gambit press release is very informative and includes the following - 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!
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.
