Mary Marianna, Great Owl, and the Chess Master, by William Morkill (Brown Books Kids, 2023, 32pp HB, $16.99, ages 4-8, grades: Preschool - grade 2) Review by Skye Anderson
Wow, there is so much packed into this little book! And on so many levels with lessons for both adults and kids.
Her superpower: compassion.
Her mission: helping others.
Her game: chess.
Her name: the amazing Mary Marianna!
Mary Marianna is voted the Happiest Kid in first grade and it's true - until she meets a homeless man with a chessboard. She runs into the forest to sit on 'her' tree stump and in flies wise old Great Owl who challenges her. Mary Marianna rises to the occasion with the surprise ending being the homeless man, homeless no more, coming to the elementary school every day to teach chess to the students.
But just how this happens is a story to treasure in a book dedicated to Great Thunberg who first realized that little acts can make a big difference.
Lovely Words, Lovely Illustrations and Even a Chessboard!
". . . words dripping like tears, . . . " and "Happiness finds us when we help others." Knights hop, bishops glide, castles collide with timid kings and courageous queens.
As an added bonus, the author has included chess pieces to cut out and use on a chessboard with instructions on his webpage.
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