Read the latest book reviews of Minipreneur’s favourite children’s books published by Usborne this season. Usborne’s new collection of adventures, mysteries and big ideas invites readers to journey across oceans, wander through history and unravel thrilling tales. With action-packed adventures, gripping mysteries and beautifully illustrated knowledge guides, these new books combine entertainment with education, sparking imagination while deepening children’s understanding of the world around them.
24 Hours in the Wilderness
Written by imaginative author Ashe de Sousa and brought to life by talented illustrator Anastasia Thomas, this comic-strip survival story plunges readers into the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest. When city children Gigi and Moyo, along with their Uncle Dee, lose their kayak and supplies, they face the challenge of surviving in one of Earth’s wildest landscapes. Uncle Dee guides them with practical bushcraft, explaining how to source food, build shelter and respect the wilderness. The narrative, shaped with input from survival experts and conservationists, blends high adventure with environmental wisdom. Vibrant illustrations capture both the drama and beauty of the forest, while Quicklinks extend learning with engaging resources. Perfect for school projects and curious minds, it celebrates both resilience and nature’s power. Parents will admire the valuable lessons about conservation and survival, while children will revel in the excitement of adventure and discovery. £7.99 published by Usborne.
AI for Beginners
Written by Usborne’s expert team, this highly illustrated guide tackles the fascinating and sometimes unsettling world of artificial intelligence. Using comic strips, diagrams and flow charts, it makes sense of complex ideas such as machine learning, neural networks and deep learning. Readers are invited to question whether computers should create art, whether AI deserves rights, and what jobs humans might lose or gain as technology advances. Examples of current and future AI tools highlight just how much of our lives are already shaped by machines. The accessible language and visual presentation ensure that young readers can understand difficult concepts without losing the depth of debate. This is more than an introduction – it is a springboard for critical thinking about the future of humanity and technology. Parents will appreciate the balanced discussion and children will be inspired to explore technology with curiosity. £9.99 published by Usborne.
See Inside Ancient Rome
This lift-the-flap book transports readers into the bustling streets of Ancient Rome. Each spread reveals carefully researched scenes – from the grandeur of the Roman Forum and the spectacle of gladiators in the Colosseum to the intimacy of a villa party or a day at the baths. Flaps open to expose hidden details, adding layers of discovery that make history feel immediate and exciting. The book combines humour with authenticity, encouraging empathy as readers imagine themselves walking alongside Roman citizens. Perfect for budding historians, it provides a vivid sense of daily life in one of history’s greatest civilisations. The meticulous illustrations, based on real locations, provide a wealth of knowledge to return to again and again. Parents will value its educational richness and children will enjoy the interactivity and vivid storytelling. £10.99 published by Usborne.
The Big Bad Wolf Murder
Written by bestselling author P.G. Bell, this thrilling fairy-tale crime mystery combines wit, danger and imagination. When Alarick, the infamous wolf of the Tooth & Claw games, is murdered mid-contest, Ruby Red finds herself wrongly accused. Determined to prove her innocence, she flees with wolf-cub Fillan, pursued by detectives, assassins and gangsters. The narrative races along with chases, brawls and double-crosses, all wrapped in a deliciously twisted take on Red Riding Hood. Fans of The Train to Impossible Places will recognise Bell’s knack for pacy storytelling and inventive re-imaginings of folklore. This standalone sequel to The Beanstalk Murder cements his reputation as a master of cosy crime with a fantastical twist. Parents will relish the clever weaving of classic tales into a fresh narrative, and children will be gripped by the excitement, suspense and daring escapes. £7.99 published by Usborne.
The Midnight Sweet Factory
Written by acclaimed storyteller Clare Povey, this exhilarating sequel to The Wanderdays: Journey to Fantome Island can also be enjoyed as a standalone. When siblings Flo and Joseph Wanderday unwrap a Midnight Treats gobstopper, they discover a hidden plea for help that leads them into the mysterious Midnight Forest. There they face brainwashed factory workers, treacherous traps and sugar-fuelled dangers. Combining the inventiveness of Dahl with the action-packed pace of Spy Kids, Povey blends thrilling adventure with a message about protecting nature and resisting exploitation. Bravery, friendship and environmental awareness are threaded through this deliciously dangerous mystery. Readers are drawn into a world where sweets conceal secrets and courage proves the greatest ingredient. Parents will applaud the timely environmental themes and inventive plotting, and children will delight in the magical confectionery, perilous twists and triumphant sense of adventure. £7.99 published by Usborne.
The Usborne Children’s Encyclopedia
Written by expert contributors and lavishly presented with extraordinary photographs, detailed diagrams and illustrations, this comprehensive volume is an essential reference for curious young minds. Covering a wide range of topics – from History and Geography to Nature, Science and How Things Work – it introduces complex subjects with clarity and style. Carefully curated facts, maps, and flags offer breadth and depth, while QR-linked resources extend exploration with interactive websites and videos. Unlike many encyclopedias, it includes fascinating sections on How People Live and practical insights into global cultures. With over 150 Quicklinks, it blends traditional reference with modern digital learning. The engaging design invites browsing as much as project-based research, ensuring it will be pulled from the shelf time and again. Parents will appreciate its academic value, and children will be inspired to explore the world with wonder and independence. £24.99 published by Usborne.
