Puzzle Adventures are back!

Usborne Puzzle Adventures are back! That’s right, Usborne’s cult classic series from the 1980s is about to hit the nation’s bookshelves once more. And this time it’s bolder and more puzzle-tastic than ever before. Brand new stories, eye-popping illustrations and a whole new world of intriguing puzzles await the next generation of problem solvers. Here’s Usborne author, Russell Punter, to tell you all about them.

I’m old enough to remember this series from first time around, so it was an enormous thrill to be tasked with writing the first batch of new stories.

If you’re not familiar with the series, it’s the original interactive experience. Each book contains a story with a difference – every so often there’s a puzzle to be solved by the heroes – and you! Crack the problem, then move on to the next part of the story.

I’ve written over one hundred children’s books in my time, but writing this series was a bigger challenge than you might think. Write a page-turning adventure story? Easy. Come up with twenty-four brain-bending puzzles? Consider it done. Seamlessly integrate the two? Er, give me a moment...

This series contains all the classic puzzles, with a twist – observation, memory, mazes, spot the difference and many more. For anyone left scratching their heads, I’ve included a list of clues to guide you to the solution, plus all the answers if you get really stuck.

While retaining all the elements that made the first series so successful, this time around I’ve added lots more comic strip action which I’m sure will appeal to all fans of graphic novels.

Providing the brilliant artwork is the fabulous Fabiano Fiorin. I’ve worked with Fabiano on several projects, and he has a wealth of experience in comic book illustration. He also possesses a great eye for detail that really brings the characters to life.

And who are those characters? I’m glad you asked. Meet Jade, Jack and Leo – two kids and a dog who are about to make the most amazing discovery.

When Jade’s family move into her Auntie Blossom’s old house, she finds a shedful of old stuff. What she doesn’t realize is that some of these objects have the power to transport people back in time. Jade, Jack and Leo soon find themselves whisked to the Middle Ages. Before long, they’re on the trail of a stolen unicorn and a villainous princess. And it’s up to you to help them solve the puzzles and save the day.

And that’s just the start of their puzzling time travel adventures. I hope you’ll come along for the ride.