Books

Secrets of Chess Mountain

FREE EBOOK!

A perfect introduction or companion to The Princess, the Knight, and the Lost God!

Discover hidden stories of students who shared Princess Kassie’s classroom during her time on Earth!

Before Sandra Winchester (secretly Princess Kassie of Chess Mountain) arrived at P.S. 64, her classmates each had their own journeys filled with challenges, hopes, and unexpected moments of magic that brought them to share Miss Alexander’s most unusual classroom.

In these exclusive character stories, you’ll discover:
✅ How Sheena’s family finally found their perfect home—after years of perseverance
✅ What Hunter is really like beneath his tough exterior
✅ The chess connection that helped Natalie navigate life’s biggest changes
✅ How Jerry always manages to see the bright side—no matter what

Plus, even more special bonus content, including:
✅ Chess Basics with Maurice
✅ Chessling Academy Training Puzzles
♟️ Character Chess Piece Guide

Perfect for readers who are about to begin—or have already finished— The Princess, the Knight, and the Lost God and want to dive even deeper into the world of Chess Mountain! And it’s FREE!

Murray the Cat: First Adventures

by Victoria Winifred. Illustrated by Tammy Brown.

A determined older feline picks out his dream family and tries to convince them that they belong together. A portion of the proceeds from this book go to Nathan Winograd’s NK Advocacy Center, which helps animal shelters greatly increase their pet placement rates.

Murray the Cat Finds His Furever Home

An Early Reader Edition of “Murray the Cat: First Adventures”

Perfect for Read Alouds and Emerging Readers

This simplified adaptation now brings the beloved Murray the Cat to your youngest readers! With carefully leveled text perfect for children ages 3-5, this heartwarming story follows persistent Murray as he adopts a family who doesn’t think they’re ready for a pet. But Murray doesn’t give up!

Come Home, Papa Jed: Bear Adventures in the Smoky Mountains

Uh-oh! Papa Jed Bear has been out fishing for far too long, and Momma Daisy Bear, along with cubbies Huck and Lily, are starting to worry. As the sun dips low over the Smoky Mountains, the bear family sets out on a search. Along the way, they help other forest friends, and soon all the critters rally to join the effort. Together, they vow to find Jed and bring him safely home to his family. Join this heartwarming adventure filled with friendship, teamwork, and the beautiful wilderness of the Smokies!

In this first book of the “Bear Adventures in the Smoky Mountains” series, you’ll encounter many familiar furry, feathered, and leathery faces, representing the magnificent wildlife of the Smoky Mountains.

Smoky Mountain ABCs

An ABC Adventure with Huck and Lila!

Join Jed and Daisy’s adorable bear cubs, Huck and Lila, as they explore the Great Smoky Mountains, practicing their ABCs as their parents have taught them. Along their journey, they uncover wildlife, plants, and insects that represent each letter of the alphabet, including many of Tennessee’s official species. From the dazzling Azalea to the graceful Zebra Butterfly, this beautifully illustrated picture book introduces young readers to the wonders of nature while helping them learn their ABCs. A celebration of family, wildlife, and the Smokies’ natural charm, this delightful adventure will inspire children to connect with the world around them.

Papa Jed's Christmas Eve Awakening: Bear Adventures in the Smoky Mountains

When their winter sleep is interrupted by hunger on Christmas Eve, Papa Jed and his family let the North Star guide them on a magical journey through the Smoky Mountains. Alongside creatures of all kinds, they meet and learn about legendary bears and a special human whose story fills their hearts with wonder. After sharing a feast with their forest friends, they return to their den with a deeper sense of community, the true spirit of Christmas, and renewed hope for the future, thanks to the timeless tale of a baby born in a manger.

Papa Jed and Bigfoot's Mountain Mischief

When Papa Jed’s best childhood pal, Bigfoot, arrives at the family den, everyone—especially Huck and Lila—is overjoyed to meet him! Soon, everyone shares stories from Cades Cove’s past, along with tales of Squatchy’s family history and the harmless pranks and antics passed down through generations.

But when Papa Jed and Bigfoot decide it’s time for one more round of mountain mischief for old times’ sake, the whole family eagerly tags along. Mama Daisy has a funny feeling those two rascals might get carried away—and that a few lucky tourists are about to have an adventure they’ll never forget!

Filled with charming illustrations, Cades Cove history, a special map, and fun facts, this hilarious yet heartwarming picture book invites young readers to experience one of Tennessee’s most treasured places through an unforgettable adventure filled with laughter, family, and a little Bigfoot magic!

No Time for Halloween: The Frankenstein-Dracula Defense

Book 1 of the Cozy Chess Club Mysteries series

Meet Jasmine, Zack, Dondre, and Abbie – a third-grade detective foursome from the Cozy Chess Club after-school program. Join them as they embark on a quest to find a priceless chess clock that goes missing just before their epic Halloween party. If they can’t find it in time, their celebration will be ruined!

Using strategic and logical thinking, they tackle the mystery, but the minutes are ticking away. Are they headed toward a grandmaster disaster? Enjoy this journey packed with unexpected twists, heart-pounding teamwork, and a surprising solution. Plus, learn a beginner’s Halloween-themed chess opening called the Frankenstein-Dracula Defense. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure into the worlds of mystery and chess!

Abbie’s Angel: A Christmas Puzzle

Book 2 of the Cozy Chess Club Mysteries series

Abbie’s holiday spirit disappears when she overhears a troubling conversation. But her friends are sure she must have misunderstood. The Cozy Chess Club brainstorms theories, but finding clues is challenging.

When all hope seems lost, a mysterious angel appears and takes them on an extraordinary journey, revealing and connecting important truths from the past, present, and future. Can Abbie’s friends make sense of it all and help her get her Christmas spirit back before the holiday break begins? Once again, the Cozy Chess Club kids have their work cut out for them, and they are determined to solve the case.

A Christmas-themed chess puzzle with four checkmates-in-one is shared, along with the astonishing solution of the mystery at the end of the feel-good story.

Lunar New Year Rescue: The Dragon Defense

Book 3 of the Cozy Chess Club Mysteries series

When Jasmine brings her grandmother’s jade animal zodiac collection to school for the Lunar New Year celebration, disaster strikes—the priceless twelve figurines are stolen from the display case!
The clues the team finds include a mysterious fortune cookie, a wrapper with green lipstick, and a suspicious someone who seems to be everywhere. Can the club rescue the animals and save the new year from crashing—before it even begins?
Includes a special chess opening and Lunar New Year cultural elements. Recommended for grades 2-5.

Cinco de Mayo Magic: The Mexican Defense

Oddly and Eve: Magical Addition Pairs

by Victoria Winifred. Illustrated by Barry Davian.

Oddly, an odd number, feels sad because he can’t find a total that makes him happy. He envies the even numbers and struggles with his feelings. But with help from a wise professor and Eve, a friendly even number, Oddly opens his mind and makes an amazing discovery.

Chess Heart

by Victoria Winifred. Illustrated by Barry Davian.

In a small Tennessee town, a mysterious woman with a chessboard has long intrigued the locals. When she unexpectedly appears at the school’s Valentine’s Day community luncheon, the third graders, especially Justin, are captivated and ask her to teach them the game. Struggling with her undisclosed past, she hesitates. But as the children’s curiosity grows, she realizes that the part of her life she thought was lost is closer than she ever imagined.

The Prodigal Son: Illustrated Lyrics of Faith

In this, Victoria’s first venture into the genre of Christian books for children, she and her husband offer a captivating reflection of one of the world’s most beloved parables in this beautifully illustrated picture book, where each page is adorned with stunning artwork that vividly brings Joe Guadagno’s touching song, The Prodigal Son, to life. His lyrics, which form the text of this masterful picture book, are complemented by images that enhance the story’s emotional depth. Based on the timeless biblical account, this book explores themes of decisions and consequences, repentance, and the profound power of forgiveness. It will resonate with families and readers seeking a message of hope and reconciliation, as well as those who love Scripture. As the first book in a series, it is an excellent read for families, Sunday school classes, and anyone interested in exploring biblical stories. Future installments will also draw from Joe’s Christian songs, available on popular streaming platforms, offering additional inspirational picture books for the whole family. The actual verses of the biblical account of the prodigal son are included, and readers can access the song as they read for a truly immersive experience.

Jonah: Illustrated Lyrics of Faith

An Amazing and Colorful Account of Jonah’s Story

Immerse yourself in one of the Bible’s most renowned stories with this beautifully illustrated book. Each page features vivid artwork that brings Joe Guadagno’s dynamic song, Jonah, to life. The lyrics, which form the heart of this captivating picture book, are brought to life through striking images of Jonah and the whale, capturing the essence of the wayward journey and the redemptive return.

Ideal for family reading, Sunday school classes, and anyone interested in biblical narratives, this book integrates the actual verses of Jonah and includes a QR code that allows readers to listen to the song for a fully immersive experience.

Additional features include a page with discussion questions and space for composing a personal prayer, making this a thoughtful and engaging read for all ages. Future installments will continue to draw from Joe’s inspirational Christian songs, available on popular streaming platforms, offering more enriching picture books for the entire family.

Eyes of a Miracle: Illustrated Lyrics of Faith

“This unique Christian book makes for a beautiful gift affirming the wonder of a child, a perfect present for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, a birth, adoption, baby shower, or baptism.”

The heartfelt, poetic lyrics of this book—drawn from Joe Guadagno’s touching song of the same title—capture the profound joy of having a little one in your life, whether a boy or a girl. The words are beautifully complemented by illustrations that deepen the emotional impact of the story. Each page unfolds with soft, breathtaking imagery and inspiring text, celebrating the journey of a child guided by faith, love, and divine wonder. Scripture from the King James Version further enriches the book’s message, emphasizing the sacred value of children.

To create an immersive experience, a QR code inside the book allows readers to enjoy the original song, bringing the story to life through music.

An excellent read for families, Sunday school classes, and special gift-giving occasions, Eyes of a Miracle is a timeless treasure. With its poetic grace, luminous art, and musical connection, this story speaks to the heart of every family and is meant to be cherished for generations.

From Peacock Lane

by Emily Evans. Edited by Victoria Winifred and illustrated by Luisa Galstyan.

Victoria Winifred brings her late mother Emily Evans’s poetry to life in From Peacock Lane, the first volume of her collected works. Blending Dickinson-inspired lyricism with engaging narrative verse, Emily recalls childhood in Buffalo and Ohio, colorful Irish relatives and acquaintances, and an encounter with the Pope. Wistful memories of a second marriage cut tragically short evoke a tropical Florida paradise once shared, while keen observations of nature and unusual strangers reveal her distinctive poetic voice. A captivating collection of poetry and memories for mature readers.

Whirling in the Blue

by Emily Evans. Edited by Victoria Winifred and illustrated by Luisa Galstyan.

Victoria Winifred continues to celebrate the poetic legacy of her late mother, Emily Evans, in Whirling in the Blue. This second volume blends Dickinson-inspired lyricism with narrative poetry, capturing nature’s beauty, wistful European adventures, travels aboard the QE2, an chance observation of Sarah Ferguson, and experiences in convent orphanages. Personal excerpts from Emily’s journals offer intimate glimpses into a life richly lived and appreciated, creating a captivating collection of poetry and memories for mature readers.

The Princess, the Knight, and the Lost God: Curriculum Guide for Grades 3-6

Bring literature to life with this 376 page all-in-one curriculum for Victoria Winifred’s award-winning novel The Princess, the Knight, and the Lost God: A Chess Story, perfect for grades 3–6.

This standards-aligned guide includes 19 chapter lessons, bonus plans on mythology and nonfiction, comprehension quizzes, writing prompts, and support for diverse learners. Students explore themes like courage and identity through a mythological fantasy rooted in chess lore.

Ideal for classrooms, book clubs, or homeschool, this resource turns reading into an unforgettable journey of learning and imagination.

LA PRINCESA, EL CABALLERO Y EL DIOS PERDIDO: Leyendas de la Montaña Ajedrez

¡Recién traducido al español! La edición original en inglés cuenta con más de 200 reseñas de cinco estrellas en internet.

Ganador del Premio ‘Get It!’ de Kirkus Reviews, primer lugar en los American Writing Awards y los Children’s Books International Awards, esta novela galardonada ofrece un emocionante preludio a Las Crónicas de la Montaña del Ajedrez, una épica serie fantástica para lectores a partir de 14 años y adultos. Perfecta para fans de Rick Riordan y J.K. Rowling.

Inspirada en la antigua mitología del ajedrez, La Princesa, el Caballero y el Dios Perdido: Leyendas de la Montaña Ajedrez relata una aventura independiente llena de magia, peligro y decisiones que cambiarán el destino de dos mundos.

La princesa Kassie—hija de Marte, dios de la guerra, y Caïssa, diosa del ajedrez—emprende una misión secreta a la Tierra que alterará el equilibrio entre los reinos. Entre el bullicioso caos de una escuela en Nueva York, Kassie descubrirá secretos antiguos, portales ocultos y enemigos mortales decididos a destruirla.

Mientras el reloj avanza, los Señores del Ajedrez desterrados ven una oportunidad única para romper su exilio. Kassie deberá reunir todo su valor para proteger su mundo… y el nuestro.

Esta novela de grado medio combina mitología, acción y desafíos actuales en una historia de valentía, lealtad y autodescubrimiento. Perfecta para lectores jóvenes, familias y amantes de la fantasía limpia.

🏰 ¿Quieres más? El viaje apenas comienza.

En 2026, la historia continúa con la trilogía Las Crónicas de la Montaña del Ajedrez, una nueva saga de fantasía para lectores adolescentes y adultos. El primer libro, Caïssa y Marte: La Batalla de los Señores del Ajedrez, revelará la historia secreta de la traición original que desató la guerra entre la luz y la oscuridad.

🌟 Descubre cómo empezó todo… y prepárate para lo que viene.

Esta edición está redactada en español europeo.