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Duke and Duchess of Cambridge pen foreword for Puffin and GCHQ puzzle book
Puffin has teamed up with the Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) to create Puzzle for Spies, a new puzzle book for children including a foreword by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
Tom Rawlinson, commissioning editor at Puffin, acquired world rights from Adam Gauntlett at Peters Fraser + Dunlop. It will be published in September 2022.
Puzzle for Spies will introduce readers to the many aspects of GCHQ with chapters filled with everything from codes and brainteasers, to word riddles and language puzzles. It offers a "rare glimpse" into the lives of GCHQ staffers and shows young readers "how, with a mix of minds, anything is possible". "No matter where your strengths lie," the publisher wrote, "there’s something to excite and inspire everyone within its pages".
Proceeds from the advance and royalties from GCHQ’s share, which the publisher estimates will reach at least £20,000, will be donated to the Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to support the charity’s ongoing mental health work.
In their foreword, the Royal Highnesses wrote: “We are delighted that the brilliant minds at GCHQ have been busy working on a third puzzle book, and that this edition is designed for younger readers… Talking openly about mental health can be the first step in removing stigma, fear and isolation. Just like at GCHQ, bringing different perspectives together can often be the key to unlocking a solution you can’t quite find on your own.”
GCHQ has previously created two puzzle books for adults, The GCHQ Puzzle Book and The GCHQ Puzzle Book II. Director of GCHQ, Sir Jeremy Fleming, said: "While problem-solving exercises our brains, it is equally important to take care of our minds. Our first two books raised a staggering amount of money for mental health charities and enabled them to do valuable work in communities across the country. I’m delighted that through this book we will continue supporting this cause. The work of Their Royal Highnesses has helped many people, including children, be more open about mental health. I want to thank them for both their ongoing commitment to this cause and their support to GCHQ."
Rawlinson added: “We can’t wait for kids to get their hands on this incredible book. Packed full of fiendish puzzles from the brilliant minds at GCHQ, there really is something for everyone. Whether you want to break codes, tackle brainteasers or just learn more about the secret world, this has it all. Out just in time for Christmas, it will make the ideal gift for young puzzlers—and even some older ones!”
