King Mateo & the Mystery of the Missing Animals Curriculum
Little Ones Chess is a story-based chess curriculum for children that teaches both strategic thinking and emotional intelligence through character-driven lessons. Prepare to Join King Mateo & his friends as they solve the mystery of the missing animals!
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Lesson 1: "The Letter"
Young King Mateo has spent two long years in lockdown, and now, as the world around him prepares to reopen, he’s anxious and unsure. How will he navigate this "new normal"? Rooted in self-doubt, his struggles begin to get the better of him. Until a mysterious letter from a mysterious Shadow King arrives—one that threatens to change everything.
Young King Mateo has spent two long years in lockdown, and now, as the world around him prepares to reopen, he’s anxious and unsure. How will he navigate this "new normal"? Rooted in self-doubt, his struggles begin to get the better of him. Until a mysterious letter from a mysterious Shadow King arrives—one that threatens to change everything.
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Lesson 2: "Monsters Are People Too"
King Mateo and his sidekick Harry are determined to find their family and friends. Pursued by a mysterious presence, they learn to rely on and trust one another. Their bond is put to the test when they come face-to-face with their worst nightmare. Will they reunite with their loved ones? And will they make it back to the safety of the castle before the shadowy figure closes in?
King Mateo and his sidekick Harry are determined to find their family and friends. Pursued by a mysterious presence, they learn to rely on and trust one another. Their bond is put to the test when they come face-to-face with their worst nightmare. Will they reunite with their loved ones? And will they make it back to the safety of the castle before the shadowy figure closes in?
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Lesson 3: "Set Sail"
Korben stares at the urgent message. “Come home now.” Sounds simple - but the world has just declared a “Long Break” in efforts to contain a fast moving illness, and travel restrictions are falling in place. Yet somehow he must cross an ocean. With the help of his best mate Ralph, the two adventurers set sail on a perilous journey. What could go wrong? More than he realizes.
Korben stares at the urgent message. “Come home now.” Sounds simple - but the world has just declared a “Long Break” in efforts to contain a fast moving illness, and travel restrictions are falling in place. Yet somehow he must cross an ocean. With the help of his best mate Ralph, the two adventurers set sail on a perilous journey. What could go wrong? More than he realizes.
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Lesson 4: "The Portal"
Luca, the Bull Rook, has an embarrassing problem. He’s being bullied by a group of ferrets. In an effort to cheer him up, his brother, Sho, along with their cousins, Henry and Helena, use a time portal to travel to another time and place. Their objective, the famous Red Hen’s cheesecake. But instead of a cheeky treat, they find more than they bargained for on the other end of the portal.
Luca, the Bull Rook, has an embarrassing problem. He’s being bullied by a group of ferrets. In an effort to cheer him up, his brother, Sho, along with their cousins, Henry and Helena, use a time portal to travel to another time and place. Their objective, the famous Red Hen’s cheesecake. But instead of a cheeky treat, they find more than they bargained for on the other end of the portal.
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Lesson 5: "The Night Realm"
Sho wakes from a dazzling dream only to discover that the day ahead might be even more extraordinary. As they prepare to search for the missing animals in an off-limits section of the kingdom, King Mateo’s team must rally—and the Bull Rooks may hold the key to their success. Can their glowing force fields light the way through the kingdom’s darkest corner? And what new power awaits the Puppies on the other side?
Sho wakes from a dazzling dream only to discover that the day ahead might be even more extraordinary. As they prepare to search for the missing animals in an off-limits section of the kingdom, King Mateo’s team must rally—and the Bull Rooks may hold the key to their success. Can their glowing force fields light the way through the kingdom’s darkest corner? And what new power awaits the Puppies on the other side?
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Lesson 6: "The Review"
An eerie darkness swallows the horizon. The Knights of Tribeca must rely on clever strategy and unshakable trust to navigate the terrifying unknown. Meanwhile, a high-stakes rescue mission will test King Mateo and his company’s courage, teamwork, and heart. What secrets lie within the inky Night Realm? And will they all make it back?
Don’t miss this shadowy new chapter full of mystery, movement... and a few unexpected transformations.
An eerie darkness swallows the horizon. The Knights of Tribeca must rely on clever strategy and unshakable trust to navigate the terrifying unknown. Meanwhile, a high-stakes rescue mission will test King Mateo and his company’s courage, teamwork, and heart. What secrets lie within the inky Night Realm? And will they all make it back?
Don’t miss this shadowy new chapter full of mystery, movement... and a few unexpected transformations.
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Lesson 7: "Knight-Vision"
While lost in the Night Realm, the Knights of Tribeca navigate mysterious sounds, hidden threats, and total darkness with rhythm, friendship, and their Knight-Vision goggles. Will they escape this inky blackness? A sudden brush with danger leads to unlikely alliances and a heartfelt lesson about growing into responsibility at your own pace.
While lost in the Night Realm, the Knights of Tribeca navigate mysterious sounds, hidden threats, and total darkness with rhythm, friendship, and their Knight-Vision goggles. Will they escape this inky blackness? A sudden brush with danger leads to unlikely alliances and a heartfelt lesson about growing into responsibility at your own pace.
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Lesson 8: "Break"
Even heroes need a break. After a harrowing journey through the Night Realm, King Mateo feels completely drained - body, mind, and spirit. But with a little help from his brother Korben, he learns that rest can be a superpower, too. Meanwhile, the Knights return with a secret new game and a few surprises of their own. What have they been hiding… and what is The Knight’s Tour?
An episode full of heart, hot chocolate, and hidden moves—don’t miss it!
Even heroes need a break. After a harrowing journey through the Night Realm, King Mateo feels completely drained - body, mind, and spirit. But with a little help from his brother Korben, he learns that rest can be a superpower, too. Meanwhile, the Knights return with a secret new game and a few surprises of their own. What have they been hiding… and what is The Knight’s Tour?
An episode full of heart, hot chocolate, and hidden moves—don’t miss it!
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Lesson 9: "The Sleeper Car"
When their beloved grandma doesn’t come home after the Long Break, four determined sisters set off on a journey through the city—and into the unknown. Guided by memories, clues, and a few unlikely allies, they search for answers... and maybe even a way to bring her back. Along the way, they’ll discover a powerful new team, a secret game, and the strength that lives in love, loss, and sisterhood.
Meet the Billy Goat Bishop girls. Their climb is just beginning.
When their beloved grandma doesn’t come home after the Long Break, four determined sisters set off on a journey through the city—and into the unknown. Guided by memories, clues, and a few unlikely allies, they search for answers... and maybe even a way to bring her back. Along the way, they’ll discover a powerful new team, a secret game, and the strength that lives in love, loss, and sisterhood.
Meet the Billy Goat Bishop girls. Their climb is just beginning.
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Lesson 10: "Fed Up"
Losing stings - and Ari’s had enough of it. When a tough match leads to hurt feelings, King Mateo steps in with an unexpected idea: what if doing hard things is how we build real superpowers? With help from brain science, deep breaths, and a counting game that turns setbacks into strategy, Ari discovers that even frustration can grow her inner strength. But will it be enough to finally beat Nema and her force fields?
Let the Superbrain challenge begin. Are you ready to level up your game?
Losing stings - and Ari’s had enough of it. When a tough match leads to hurt feelings, King Mateo steps in with an unexpected idea: what if doing hard things is how we build real superpowers? With help from brain science, deep breaths, and a counting game that turns setbacks into strategy, Ari discovers that even frustration can grow her inner strength. But will it be enough to finally beat Nema and her force fields?
Let the Superbrain challenge begin. Are you ready to level up your game?
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Lesson 11: "A Royal Visit"
When twin giraffe sisters Queen Sofia and Queen Zaziwe leave their home in the Serengeti to answer a royal SOS, they embark on the adventure of a lifetime. Braving icy mountains and crossing unfamiliar lands, they arrive at King Mateo’s castle ready to help—and to play. But these aren’t ordinary visitors. With sharp eyes, swift moves, and unstoppable teamwork, the Giraffe Queens reveal just how powerful a Queen can be on and off the board. Ready to explore their secret strengths?
When twin giraffe sisters Queen Sofia and Queen Zaziwe leave their home in the Serengeti to answer a royal SOS, they embark on the adventure of a lifetime. Braving icy mountains and crossing unfamiliar lands, they arrive at King Mateo’s castle ready to help—and to play. But these aren’t ordinary visitors. With sharp eyes, swift moves, and unstoppable teamwork, the Giraffe Queens reveal just how powerful a Queen can be on and off the board. Ready to explore their secret strengths?
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Lesson 12: "Check"
Rain pours, tempers flare—and King Korben is ready to quit the game for good. But when Queen Sofia introduces a new way to play, the tides begin to turn. Welcome to Tribecean Chess: a version where Kings can’t be captured, but they can be trapped. With help from force fields, rule changes, and a team that’s always got his back, Korben learns that strategy isn’t about being fearless—it’s about staying one step ahead. Can he lead his team to victory… or at least, stay out of checkmate?
Rain pours, tempers flare—and King Korben is ready to quit the game for good. But when Queen Sofia introduces a new way to play, the tides begin to turn. Welcome to Tribecean Chess: a version where Kings can’t be captured, but they can be trapped. With help from force fields, rule changes, and a team that’s always got his back, Korben learns that strategy isn’t about being fearless—it’s about staying one step ahead. Can he lead his team to victory… or at least, stay out of checkmate?
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Lesson 13: "Rolling Earth"
A strange rumble wakes Queen Sofia—and within hours, the kingdom is under threat. Earthquakes, blizzards, and a shifting mountain range force King Mateo and the Royals into a race against time to find their missing friends. As danger closes in, the team must rely on trust, teamwork, and sharp strategy to survive.
But when the mountain makes its move… will the Royals find their winning one?
A strange rumble wakes Queen Sofia—and within hours, the kingdom is under threat. Earthquakes, blizzards, and a shifting mountain range force King Mateo and the Royals into a race against time to find their missing friends. As danger closes in, the team must rely on trust, teamwork, and sharp strategy to survive.
But when the mountain makes its move… will the Royals find their winning one?
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Lesson 14: "Kangaroo Moves"
King Mateo feels more than just the sting of losing—he feels alone. But just as he begins to lose faith, unexpected visitors arrive: a remorseful King Korben, two wise penguins, and the ever-thoughtful Wilbur. With heartfelt stories and humble apologies, they remind Mateo that love and faith are the strongest forces of all. But will it be strong enough to convince King Mateo to try again? Can a secret move and some kangaroo trousers bring him back to the board? Let’s find out!
King Mateo feels more than just the sting of losing—he feels alone. But just as he begins to lose faith, unexpected visitors arrive: a remorseful King Korben, two wise penguins, and the ever-thoughtful Wilbur. With heartfelt stories and humble apologies, they remind Mateo that love and faith are the strongest forces of all. But will it be strong enough to convince King Mateo to try again? Can a secret move and some kangaroo trousers bring him back to the board? Let’s find out!
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Lesson 15: "Bethesda's Riddle"
In the quiet dawn of the city, the Giraffe Queens and the Bishop sisters set out on a secret mission, guided by a cryptic clue. But when a familiar bridge stands in their way and a stranger’s test awaits, they find that the path forward isn’t as simple as it seems. With puzzles to solve and unexpected challenges ahead, will they uncover the truth about a missing loved one—or is something deeper at play?
In the quiet dawn of the city, the Giraffe Queens and the Bishop sisters set out on a secret mission, guided by a cryptic clue. But when a familiar bridge stands in their way and a stranger’s test awaits, they find that the path forward isn’t as simple as it seems. With puzzles to solve and unexpected challenges ahead, will they uncover the truth about a missing loved one—or is something deeper at play?
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Lesson 16: "The Choice"
When Gemma loses her Queen during a chess match onboard a magical plane, she spirals into a full-blown puppy identity crisis. But when danger strikes mid-flight and a mysterious fire threatens the entire crew, Gemma learns that true strength doesn’t come from a title—it comes from courage, cleverness, and being exactly who you are. Don’t miss a daring rescue, sky-high surprises, and the first steps of a royal adventure across the Serengeti!
When Gemma loses her Queen during a chess match onboard a magical plane, she spirals into a full-blown puppy identity crisis. But when danger strikes mid-flight and a mysterious fire threatens the entire crew, Gemma learns that true strength doesn’t come from a title—it comes from courage, cleverness, and being exactly who you are. Don’t miss a daring rescue, sky-high surprises, and the first steps of a royal adventure across the Serengeti!
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Lesson 17: "Stalemate"
Gemma and her Serengeti crew find their way to a dangerous Elephant Pride. Will her newfound powers be of help of a hinderance? Will the Prideful Elephants surrender their beloved prize or will they gatekeep the recipes holding our universe together? This no-win situation teaches our adventurers the true meaning of planning, patience, and perseverance. But in a realm where wisdom is power and pride runs deep, will that be enough to guarantee their survival?
Gemma and her Serengeti crew find their way to a dangerous Elephant Pride. Will her newfound powers be of help of a hinderance? Will the Prideful Elephants surrender their beloved prize or will they gatekeep the recipes holding our universe together? This no-win situation teaches our adventurers the true meaning of planning, patience, and perseverance. But in a realm where wisdom is power and pride runs deep, will that be enough to guarantee their survival?
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Lesson 18: "Fool's Mate/Song of the Serengeti"
A final journey through unfamiliar lands. A mysterious codebook. As our adventurers race to crack the code and reach the finish line, they’re confronted with truths that bend and dangers that hide in plain sight. The end of an era is near. Don’t miss our adventurers second to last adventure! This is Little Ones Chess like you’ve never seen it before.
A final journey through unfamiliar lands. A mysterious codebook. As our adventurers race to crack the code and reach the finish line, they’re confronted with truths that bend and dangers that hide in plain sight. The end of an era is near. Don’t miss our adventurers second to last adventure! This is Little Ones Chess like you’ve never seen it before.
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Lesson 19: "Bughouse"
Our adventurers return for a whimsical twist on an ancient game. With cheers from their teammates ringing in their ears, they face one final mission: overcome their deepest doubts and fears. Who will triumph against time? And who will rise to the top? And what is the mysterious grand prize!
Don’t miss the earth-shattering, giggle inducing, Season One finale of Little Ones Chess!
Our adventurers return for a whimsical twist on an ancient game. With cheers from their teammates ringing in their ears, they face one final mission: overcome their deepest doubts and fears. Who will triumph against time? And who will rise to the top? And what is the mysterious grand prize!
Don’t miss the earth-shattering, giggle inducing, Season One finale of Little Ones Chess!
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What You'll Learn
Chess Foundations, Built Piece by Piece
Through 19 story-led lessons, students progress from their very first move to confidently playing a full game of chess!
Social-Emotional Learning Through Story
Every lesson is anchored in an original, serialised adventure story. As the narrative unfolds, children explore themes of patience, courage, teamwork, and resilience — not as lessons to be taught, but as experiences to be felt.
Skills That Transfer Beyond the Board
Each lesson draws a clear connection between chess thinking and real-life decision making. Children don't just learn how to play chess , they learn how to think, feel, and respond more thoughtfully in the world around them.