by Jeff Coakley. Large format, 240pp. (2000)

This is a fun and comprehensive chess course written for children 7 to 13 years old. Full of original material and entertaining art work, it's a perfect guide for children to learn the royal game. Parents and teachers are sure to like it to.

The book begins on square one, covering the rules, basic mates and elementary tactics. It then leads the student through a whole range of advanced strategies, including piece development, pawn structure and attacking the castled king.

Opening principles, middlegame plans and endgame techniques are all explained in clear and simple language. Separate sections throughout the book are devoted to combinations and terminology.