Every once in a while I get asked what chess books for kids would I recommend.  I haven't read too many, but here are a few recommendations:

• Starting Chess, by Harriet Castor.
• Checkmate at Chess City, by Piers Harper. This one is especially good if your child enjoys puzzles.
• Bobby Fischer Teaches Chess, by Bobby Fischer.  This is not a good book to learn chess from, but a great way to improve skills.  Jacob just read this cover to cover and enjoyed working through the puzzles.