In Which a Humble Cat of Astonishing Genius Recounts a Tale of Chess Mates and Checkmates
Ilona Bray,
Stephen Soong
Oct 13, 2026
Hardcover with dust jacket
Juvenile Fiction / Social Themes / Friendship / Family / Multigenerational / Fantasy
Ages 8 to 12
A stray, chess-playing cat coaches a girl out to win her first chess tournament in this clever debut.
Morphy, a witty stray cat with an aptitude for chess, steers clear of humans—except for Edgar, his elderly chess-playing friend. When Edgar is taken away in an ambulance, Morphy sets out to find him. Only by teaming up with Edgar’s headstrong granddaughter, who’s trying to gain her judgmental parents’ respect via chess mastery, and a young street-chess player, can Morphy help bring Edgar home, elude a catnapper, and create a new found family.
This story of friendship and resilience includes chess scenarios and brain-teasers, complete with diagrams and accessible explanations. Whether readers are new to the game, or longtime players, Morphy’s story is sure to win hearts.
