The Wooden Treasure

Long ago, in a country far away, a mysterious stranger surprises a poor boy with an unusual gift: wooden chess pieces. With this unexpected treasure, the boy embarks on a world of adventure. What will he discover? This picture book is based on the true story of young Indian chess master Mir Malik Sultan Khan who thrilled the world with his masterful play during his brief competitive career.\nFrom School Library Journal\nK-Gr 2—Marais tells the story of a young chess master. With a muted color palette of blue, orange, black, and white, the story opens to a double-page spread of a city and a young boy "who had nothing." While begging in the streets, the child is met by an old man who promises him a treasure, which turns out to be a chess set. After his initial disappointment, the boy is enthralled by the elder man's stories about the pieces, with vivid illustrations reflecting his imagining himself a knight on his noble steed. He soon becomes world-famous for his chess skills, earning the praise and admiration of all. Ultimately, he returns home to pass on his treasure to the next generation. Minimal text—approximately one sentence per double-page spread—accompanies Marais's stunning illustrations, further making this an excellent title to read aloud. Back matter indicates that the tale is inspired by Mir Malik Sultan Khan, a globally renowned chess master. VERDICT A beautifully illustrated story that is sure to pique the interest of and inspire many future chess players, and a valuable addition to most collections.—Olivia Gorecke, Cape May County Library, Ocean View, NJ