The book
Two Castles: A Chess Story for Toddlers
Two Castles is a charming chess story for toddlers ages 2–5. It teaches the names and placement of the pieces through a whimsical kingdom story — not a lesson. Perfect for chess-loving parents and a unique educational gift.
Two rooks stand at opposite ends of a kingdom. Each one is guarded by a knight — and these knights are horses that jump in mysterious ways. Every knight has a best friend called a bishop. And at the very centre live the queen and the king, who rule over eight subjects who all share the same name.
Two Castles introduces every chess piece as a character, and shows a child exactly where each one lives on the board. By the last page the kingdom is complete — and a second kingdom is waiting across the way.
It doesn't teach how the pieces move. That comes later. It teaches the thing that has to come first: who everyone is, and where they go.
What it teaches, piece by piece
Rook
A castle tower with a flat crown of blocks.
Lives: The four corners of the board.
Knight
A horse's head and neck.
Lives: Right next to each rook.
Bishop
A tall piece with a pointy hat and a small slit.
Lives: Next to each knight, beside the royals.
Queen
A crown with many points.
Lives: The middle, on the square matching her colour.
King
A crown with a cross on top.
Lives: The middle, on the remaining square.
Pawn
Eight small pieces with round heads.
Lives: All across the second row.
Details
- Ages
- 2–5
- Pages
- 24
- Formats
- Paperback and hardcover
- Trim size
- 8.5 × 8.5 in
- Author
- Garrett Gillin
- Illustrator
- Laura Lugo
- Paperback ISBN
- 979-8-9883436-0-8
- Hardcover ISBN
- 979-8-9883436-1-5
Where the pieces go
The last spread of the book looks like this. Print the free chart and keep it beside the board.
About the book
This isn't a typical chess book; it's a charming story set in a whimsical kingdom. Here, castles (rooks), brave knights, noble bishops, a queen, a king, and their subjects (pawns) all come to life. Each page of this beautifully illustrated book helps toddlers become familiar with the names and placements of chess pieces, all while enjoying a short and captivating story.
Ideal for ages 2–5
If you have a toddler aged 2–5 that you want to introduce to the game of chess, then this book is a perfect fit. It's designed to make learning the names and placement of chess pieces as simple and enjoyable as possible.
The perfect gift
Searching for a unique and educational gift? Whether you're a parent, grandparent, or a friend, this book is a hit with young minds eager to learn and explore.
Why you'll love it
It's short & sweet
Perfect for those little attention spans, the book is concise enough to keep your toddler engaged from start to finish.
It's a story, not a lesson
Your little one won't even realize they're learning the game of chess. To them, this book is just a silly story about a kingdom with funny characters.
Quality time
This book offers a unique way to bond with your child. Once you feel ready, your child could not only start reading along — calling out the names of the pieces — but even try using the story to set up a chess board in real life.
Ready to give Two Castles a try?
Ready to introduce your little one to the world of chess in a way that's fun and stress-free? Give Two Castles a try!
Buy links
Libraries and schools order by ISBN through Ingram. Bulk and library ordering →