Read the latest book reviews of Minipreneur’s favourite non-fiction children’s books published by Usborne this season. Step into a world of puzzles, codes and curious challenges with Usborne’s latest titles designed to stretch young minds. From cracking cryptic codes to joining daring puzzle-filled adventures, these books promise hours of stimulating fun. Perfect for inquisitive children who love problem-solving, logic and discovery.
Aliens Puzzle Book
Aliens Puzzle Book is a space-themed collection brimming with fun challenges. Perfect for young puzzlers aged 7+, it combines code-cracking, spaceship design and hidden planet hunts with fascinating facts about the search for extra-terrestrial life. Children can tackle activities that nurture maths, language and reasoning skills while exploring both the known universe and imagined worlds. Parents will appreciate the clever educational angle, and children will enjoy hours of intergalactic puzzle-solving with a dash of science fact and fiction. £4.99 published by Usborne.
Brain Stretchers: Logic Puzzles
Written in consultation with education experts, Brain Stretchers: Logic Puzzles is a lively challenge book for ages 8+. With riddles, mazes, codes and clue-solving tasks, it develops logical thinking while introducing tips on how the brain works best. The write-in format encourages creativity, and a variety of puzzles ensures broad appeal. Parents will value its educational benefits in literacy and numeracy, and children will relish cracking codes and stretching their thinking skills in engaging, hands-on ways. £7.99 published by Usborne.
Lots of Secret Codes
Created by inventive puzzle-makers Sam Smith, Sarah Russell and Kirsteen Robson, Lots of Secret Codes is an exciting collection of over 80 code-breaking challenges. Designed for ages 7+, it spans cryptic treasure maps, ancient hieroglyphs, coded crosswords and high-tech computer puzzles. Each challenge nurtures problem-solving while entertaining aspiring spies and mystery-solvers. Parents will enjoy watching children immerse themselves in safe, screen-free activities, and children will be thrilled by the chance to unlock secrets and crack mysterious codes. £6.99 published by Usborne.
Puzzle Adventures: Agent Arthur’s Desert Challenge
Written by dynamic duo Russell Punter and Martin Oliver and illustrated by Paddy Mounter, Agent Arthur’s Desert Challenge is a sun-soaked puzzle quest for ages 7+. As Arthur investigates kidnappings and stolen treasure, readers must solve brain-teasing puzzles woven through comic-strip adventures. This updated Usborne classic combines story and problem-solving, encouraging both reading and reasoning skills. Parents will admire the blend of literacy with fun, and children will eagerly join Arthur in outwitting crooks under the scorching desert sun. £5.99 published by Usborne.
Puzzle Adventures: The Ghost in the Mirror
Written by engaging author Karen Dolby and illustrated by Brenda Haw, The Ghost in the Mirror is a spine-tingling puzzle adventure for readers aged 7+. Joe, Polly and Sam stumble into a haunted manor where mysterious lights and ghostly figures spark a thrilling hunt. Readers must crack codes, logic puzzles and riddles to help solve the mystery. Parents will love how the interactive elements support reading for pleasure, and children will enjoy the eerie excitement of ghost-hunting combined with comic-strip puzzles. £5.99 published by Usborne.
Puzzle Slug and the Intergalactic Poop Robbery
Written and illustrated with humour by Candice Whatmore, Puzzle Slug and the Intergalactic Poop Robbery introduces the least likely hero in the galaxy. Aimed at ages 6+, this comic-style puzzle adventure follows Puzzle Slug as he defends his planet Plopalot from evil Dr Nox. Packed with jokes, zany puzzles and riotous illustrations, it is both laugh-out-loud funny and interactive. Parents will chuckle at its quirky creativity, and children will delight in helping Puzzle Slug save the day through brain-powered problem-solving. £7.99 published by Usborne.
Adventure Gamebooks: Storm Quest
Written by imaginative author Andy Prentice and illustrated by Tom Knight, Storm Quest is an epic gamebook where readers aged 9+ control the adventure. Combining a heartfelt storyline with dice-based combat, puzzles and ocean perils, it offers a fresh twist on interactive fiction. Beautiful illustrations heighten the drama, while the branching narrative keeps readers gripped. Parents will appreciate how it draws in reluctant readers, and children will be enthralled by the chance to battle sea monsters, solve puzzles and decide their own fate. £7.99 published by Usborne.
