A chess kingdom where quiet kids win.
Chapter books for readers 7 to 12. I wrote the first book as a letter to my youngest son, Matthew, so he could see his own mind the way his family sees it: patient, clever and brave. Now the kingdom can be written for your child, by name.
Written by Matthew's dad
The first letter
From the moment you arrived in this world, you brought a kind of gentle magic with you.
Chess is a place where your way of thinking is not just accepted. It is powerful. It rewards calm minds. It rewards noticing patterns.
You don't have to be fast.You don't have to be loud.You just have to be you.
I love you more than all sixty-four squares.
See your child's name on the cover.
In a Named Edition your child is the hero of every chapter, their family are the pieces, and the letters come from you. Start with the cover.
Up to 12 letters. This preview runs in your browser, so nothing you type is stored or sent.
Same calm pattern. Every book.
The structure never changes, so a child always knows what comes next. The surprises stay in the story.
A letter to open
From Dad in the series, or from you in a personalised edition. It says what this book is about and why it matters.
Chess lesson, heart lesson
Every chapter pairs one real chess idea with the life skill it teaches. The chess is accurate and builds from book to book.
Missions to play
Short quests to try at a real board, with steps, points and three tick boxes, so the practice carries on after the story ends.
A letter to close
A goodnight letter. "I will always be with you, on the board and off it."
The Calm Reset
Goal: use your Calm Reset once in a game.
- Touch the edge of the board
- One slow breath
- Notice three things
- Whisper "continue"
- Make a good move
- I tried my best
- I used my calm mind
- I learned something new
Four books written. Book Five on the way.
Each book takes on one real situation. Start with Book One, or with the book that fits the week you're having.
Paperback AU$19.99, eBook AU$7.99, or Books One to Four in a box set for AU$69.99.
What every book is aboutEvery piece is someone who loves you.
In the books the court is Matthew's family. In a personalised edition it becomes yours.
The Pawn Multiverse
The hero
Brave, Shy, Curious, Hungry, Future, Sleepy, Determined and "I Need Space." Eight small steps that can become anything.
King Clifford
Dad
Moves slowly, panics easily, loves fiercely. Keeps a "Reasons To Worry" list that is always full.
Queen Magnifica
Mum
Unstoppable. Sees everything. The real boss. Never rushes, and her one perfect move always wins.
Thunder & Lightning
The Rooks: big brother
One is structure, one is speed, and both protect you. "We weren't calm. We were steady."
Slash & Shadow
The Bishops: middle brother
One is diagonal lightning and the other a midnight ninja. Both see what others miss.
Chip & Dale
The Knights: the family dogs
Sir Jump-a-lot and Lord Leapsalot: two black labradors in red capes and oversized helmets. They jump. They yell. They jump again.
The Arbiter
Calm authority
A polar bear who speaks once, quietly, and the whole board listens.
Sir Strictalot
The rule-keeper
A black-square knight with a gold star. He cares so much that he tries to control everyone. Book Five is his.
The Shadow King
The worry
He has studied your mind and thinks he knows it. He's wrong. In Book Two, he kneels.
Read Matthew's story. Or give your child their own.
Same kingdom, same chess lessons. What changes is whose story it is.
As written
Matthew's adventures, exactly as his dad wrote them.
The Named Edition
Your child is the hero, and the letters come from you.
The Heirloom
Your child, your family, your words, made with the author.
A kingdom written for your child.
Teacher, OT or chess coach?
Class sets, practice packs and club bundles, with discussion prompts and Mission cards. Tell us what your group needs.
Letters from the King.
One short letter a month, for parents. A letter from the books, the real moment behind it, and one Mission to try at the kitchen table. Founding families hear first when the store opens, and get first access to the numbered Founders' Edition.