In an inspiring creative turn, iGaming veteran Paul Anthony Schembri has stepped into the world of children’s literature with the launch of his first Maltese-language book, Niko l-Kavallier – a playful and educational story designed to spark a love for both reading and chess among young audiences.

At the heart of the story is Niko, a brave young knight whose adventures unfold across a magical chessboard. Through humour, imagination and relatable storytelling, children are introduced to the unique movements and personalities of each chess piece – from pawns marching forward to queens dancing across the board and knights leaping in unexpected ways.

Unfortunately my childhood days are over, but upon reading this book I was myself transported into the chess world, which always intimidated me and never really interested me, but this book made a quiet game sound like the best adventure to be on.

Speaking to WhosWho.mt Mr Schembri says his inspiration stems from his initiative ChessBuddies and Mates, a now-registered voluntary organisation dedicated to promoting chess among children in a safe and engaging environment. What began as a hands-on way to teach his own children, Sadie and Brenton, how the pieces move soon evolved into something much bigger.

“I found that when I explained the pieces through stories, it clicked with them,” he explains. “Other parents told me their children still remembered the stories and kept playing chess even after learning the basics. That’s when someone suggested turning it into a book.”

The result is Niko l-Kavallier, a story rooted in imagination but grounded in a clear educational purpose – making chess accessible and enjoyable for beginners.

Mr Schembri’s long-standing love for storytelling also played a role in shaping the book. As a reader, he has always gravitated towards fantasy, having grown up immersed in classics such as The Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, and works by Stephen King and George R.R. Martin – worlds where imagination knows no bounds.

That same sense of wonder is evident in how he brings chess pieces to life. The king, for instance, is imagined wearing long robes and carefully holding a cup of tea, forcing him to move slowly – a visual and physical cue that helps children grasp the rules of the game. Each piece is given its own personality, turning learning into an interactive and memorable experience.

While storytelling came naturally in conversation, translating those ideas onto paper proved more challenging.

“Writing was something completely new to me,” he admits. “I’m much more comfortable acting things out and explaining them. But when you believe in a project and put your heart into it, it comes together.”

He credits the collaborative effort behind the book, working closely with Horizon Publishing and illustrator Louiselle, who helped bring Niko’s world vividly to life.

Importantly, the book is written entirely in Maltese – a conscious decision aimed at encouraging children to engage more with their native language while discovering new interests.

That impact is set to reach classrooms across the islands. Through the National Literacy Agency scheme, a copy of Niko l-Kavallier will be distributed to every primary school class in Malta and Gozo during the upcoming scholastic year.

With an English version also in the pipeline, Mr Schembri hopes the story will continue to grow beyond local shores.