The Kids' Book of Chess and Chess Set [Box set] [Paperback]

Harvey Kidder (Author), Kimberly Bulcken Root (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 11, 1990 | Age Level: 7 and up | Grade Level: 2 and up

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.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 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
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From the Back Cover

In the Middle Ages the knight was the ultimate warrior. In his suit of armor, on his spirited horse, he could overcome any resistance-as in the eleventh century, when it took only seventy knights to conquer the entire civilized kingdom of Sicily! Today the movements of medieval warriors are preserved in the moves of pieces on a chessboard; and by going back to the life and times of the Middle Ages, Harvey Kidder is able to explain the game of chess in an uncommonly exciting way.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 7 and up
  
• Paperback: 96 pages
• Publisher: Workman Publishing Company (January 11, 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0894807676
• ISBN-13: 978-0894807671
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 12.1 x 1.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (27 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #291,514 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

248 of 249 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Chess Set and Book together for Beginners, September 16, 2006

A Kid's Review

This review is from: The Kids' Book of Chess and Chess Set (Paperback)

Actually, for a starters chess set for someone who might not get into chess seriously (by joining the school chess club) the chess set is ok. My pieces did not crack, but I only used them a short time before getting a regular tournament design chess set and roll board for playing at the school chess club.

The book is not so bad if once again if you are not sure if you are going to get very involved in chess. If you think you are then the book is not very deep and you will outgrow it very fast after reading it. If you think you might be joining your school chess club look at the "Chess complete guide for the beginner" or "Learn Chess" by Alexander for a book that will take you deeper into the strategies.

But, this set and board is a bargin if you are a kid who does not really want to get into chess deeply or be involved in the school club or any tournaments.

83 of 83 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Pieces may crack but the book is good, December 12, 2005

A Kid's Review

This review is from: The Kids' Book of Chess and Chess Set (Paperback)

I got this set and book two christmases ago. I feel that the book is good if you need to learn how the pieces move and a little bit about how to use simple strategies (it is very basic). After two years I have only had one of the pieces form a crack and used glue on it, so it was no big deal. I ended getting a regular staunton tournament set that was solid anyway.

For the price this is still not a bad deal if you plan to eventually upgrade your set, and the book anyway. Don't expect anything fancy.

80 of 80 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars For younger kids, December 4, 2003

A Kid's Review

This review is from: The Kids' Book of Chess and Chess Set (Paperback)

As a sixth grader I found the book to be written more for a parent to be able to read, but to a small kid. It covers the very basics and is ok. I didn't really need the cheap chess set that came with it - but the chess set would be fine for a first time kid. I enjoyed my CHESS FOR JUNIORS book alot more which had far better lessons and ART OF THE CHECKMATE.