Out November / 14 / 2023
Mary Marianna, Great Owl, and the Chess Master
Starring a decidedly different kind of heroine, this charming tale from author William Morkill delivers valuable lessons on compassion and helping others. When Mary Marianna discovers a homeless man with a chess board sitting on the sidewalk, her abundant happiness is overwhelmed by an insistent sadness. She retreats into the woods where she meets Great Owl, who helps her discover a solution and, in the process, reignite her joy. With the support of her parents, Mary Marianna rescues the homeless Chess Master who in turn teaches her family and classmates how to play the beloved game. Mary Marianna, through her efforts to aid a stranger, comes to understand that the path to sustainable happiness starts with helping others, and even more importantly, she learns that small acts of caring and kindness have the power to change the world!
"Beautiful illustrations, a heartwarming story and a very worthwhile cause. And it included my favorite—an owl!"
REBECCA ELLIOTT / NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF THE OWL DIARIES SERIES, NOW THE APPLE TV+ ANIMATED SHOW, EVA THE OWLET
"William Morkill has written a powerful book that asks what can one child do to help solve the huge problem of homelessness in the United States. This beautifully illustrated picture book has a gentle, affirming message that we are all connected and that our own happiness depends on reaching out to others."
LOIS BRANDT / AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR OF MADDI’S FRIDGE, A UNITED NATIONS ZERO HUNGER READING LIST SELECTION
"As Mary Marianna encounters a homeless man slumped on the sidewalk, she embarks on a mission to make a difference. The author beautifully captures the innocence, empathy and resilience of a young girl's heart as she navigates her way through challenging circumstances. Through the introduction of chess as a shared activity, the book not only reinforces the importance of strategy and patience but also symbolizes the growth and empowerment of each character, including Mary Marianna herself."
WASHINGTON CHESS FEDERATION
"As an educator, advocate and homeless service provider, I am always on the lookout for books that not only entertain but also educate and inspire kindness in young readers. Mary Marianna, Great Owl, and the Chess Master is a must-read for any child who wants to learn about this important issue and make a positive impact in their community. The author skillfully weaves a heartwarming story that teaches empathy, compassion and the power of small acts of kindness. The illustrations are beautiful and capture the emotions of the characters perfectly. I highly recommend this book to parents, teachers and anyone who wants to raise empathetic and socially conscious children."
JULIE BRANDT / EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF JEWELS HELPING HANDS
"As an educator, advocate and homeless service provider, I am always on the lookout for books that not only entertain but also educate and inspire kindness in young readers. Mary Marianna, Great Owl, and the Chess Master is a must-read for any child who wants to learn about this important issue and make a positive impact in their community. The author skillfully weaves a heartwarming story that teaches empathy, compassion and the power of small acts of kindness. The illustrations are beautiful and capture the emotions of the characters perfectly. I highly recommend this book to parents, teachers and anyone who wants to raise empathetic and socially conscious children."
CHOUCHANIK AIRAPETIAN / DIRECTOR OF WOMENS/GIRLS FOR THE WASHINGTON CHESS FEDERATION; FIDE INSTRUCTOR, WFM; THREE-TIME WASHINGTON STATE WOMEN’S CHESS CHAMPION
"Mary Marianna, Great Owl, and the Chess Master is an uplifting story for children … a refreshing look at a difficult problem through the eyes of a child that inspires hope and encourages responsible action to make the world a better place."
JONATHAN FERRY / BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF ACROSS THE BATTLEFIELD: A PAWN’S JOURNEY
"This beautifully illustrated book has a timely message that one hopes will resonate with all ages."
SPOKANE CHESS CLUB
"Mary Marianna, Great Owl, and the Chess Master evokes the tender heart of a child who knows and believes that 'happiness finds us when we help others.' This is the greatest lesson that any child can ever learn or experience. When encountering a homeless man on the sidewalk, young Mary Marianna is called to action to find a way to help, and it is by helping each other that the world becomes better for everyone."
BRENDA STURGIS / AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR OF STILL A FAMILY
"I agree that children and adults often can help others who experience homelessness and am impressed with the author's donation of a portion of the sales to Habitat for Humanity International. This donation is a way for children and adults to help, consistent with the author's message."
TONYA LIPPERT / MENTAL HEALTH THERAPIST; AUTHOR OF HOME
"Mary Marianna, Great Owl, and the Chess Master explores homelessness with great sensitivity. I love that Viktor, the character who is homeless, is treated with the respect he deserves and seen as someone who has something valuable to teach and give. Children, after reading this, are more likely to see people who are homeless as people like themselves and like other people they know. They'll remember Viktor."
DIANE O’NEILL / AUTHOR OF SATURDAY AT THE FOOD PANTRY
"I loved everything about Mary Marianna, Great Owl, and the Chess Master - especially the owl. Viktor is quite mysterious, and the competition - which we didn't know at first - makes itself clear in the end and shows a nice story: that helping others brings us happiness too.”