The Usborne Chess Book (Activity Books): 1

My grandson who has just started playing chess was very pleased with it

I am starting a chess club in my school and this is definitely the best resource I've seen. It explain every piece, move, facts and more in a very simple but fun way. It is perfect for children to have at home but also as a resource to give to students. I certainly recommend it.

It's a great concept - and gives children a solid understanding of the pieces and how they move. It's sticker based with lots of little puzzles to solve. I think the only place it falls down is lack of actual game strategy. Doesn't really explain to kids how to get going in the game. 4/5

I started teaching my 7yo grandchild to play basic chess (all I have ever done). Got this book to send off for Xmas as they are now abroad. It starts with just the basic moves and notation, going on from there to describe simple attack options and one or two 'openings'. At each stage there are some exercises. The odd little cartoon on each page doesn't add much, but maybe gives it an easier feel for a child as well as suggesting a talking point for any accompanying adult to cement understanding. Some children may well work through this book on their own, but I would suggest an accompanying adult to introduce further exercises at each stage, to encourage and maybe to constrain progress until each stage has been consolidated. Although I have played occasional family chess for 60 years, I have never set out to learn opening gambits etc and was consequently learning things at the end of the book. I wonder whether I should get a copy for myself.

We bought this book from library last December. The illustrations are lovely and attractive to young children. Our 7 year old boy was fascinated and read through cover to cover in a couple of weeks. Then he’s in a good shape playing online. Good pass time for him during lockdown.

Bought to 6 years old child who can read. He has read through it, at his own pace with no interference nor hlep.There are Challenging situation after every topic and children use stickers at the back to place the right "sticker " chess piece: it helps their understanding about moves and importance of pieces, and teaches them some useful tricks. We have noticed an impressive improvement in games. It is a book that travels with the child. For sibling, I am planning for a new print of the same book, as it is actually a very personal book. Highly recommended.

My son got this for his 7th birthday amongst many presents from friends and family and this was the one he spent most time on by far - he devoured it in the next few weeks. He was very keen to try it out and I could help him with some of the trickier puzzles. The cartoons are humourous and add to the fun of reading and learning the game. He has absorbed it all and his chess is on a different level.

Lovely little book, can't wait to begin using the stickers and activities. Hopefully this will help to cement the foundations of chess for our 6 year old. As with all Usborne books clearly designed for children.

Sebbene sia rivolto ai bambini, anche gli adulti possono imparare qualcosa. Essendo io stesso un giocatore principiante, l'ho fatto sicuramente. Le spiegazioni sono chiare e ben illustrate. Lo consiglio.

Mon fils de 6 ans et demi avait prit ce livre de la bibliotheque, et il l'a tellement apprecié qu'on a decidé de lui offrir un pour la maison, depuis 2 mois il s'en lasse pas; il nous questionne sur les differents exercises. A recommander!

My 8 year old likes this book, he plays a lot of chess and is learning new things from this book.

Well constructed, nor cheaply made like other similar books. Also it is just challenging enough for my 8yo who knows how to play chess. He can do the activities by himself. Sometimes I help clarify the instructions for him. Would be great for anyone ages 8 and up as long as they know how to play chess.

My seven-year-old son likes this book. He can work through the exercises on his own, and the layout is visually pleasing and attractive for kids. The difficulty level feels appropriate for his age, making it a good balance between fun and learning. A nice resource for introducing more chess concepts to young players.