Expected duration: 3 - 4 weeks I am looking for an experienced children’s puzzle writer and/or activity book creator to develop 50 original, immersive detective mystery cases for children aged 7–9. The working tile of teh book is 'The Holiday Detective Activity Book for Kids Ages 7–9”'.
This is not a story book but a kids activity book for school holidays based on solving mysteries . The aim of this book is to make children feel like they are real detectives solving mysteries, rather than simply completing standard activity book puzzles.
This should NOT feel like a typical kids’ activity book filled with word searches, crosswords, or random puzzles.
Core Creative Requirement:
**Each case should: Make the child feel like a detective investigating a mystery Be driven by a storyline with clues Encourage logical thinking, deduction, and reasoning Feel purposeful and investigative rather than “puzzle for puzzle’s sake”
**Not all cases need to use traditional puzzles. Some mysteries may be solved through: Process of elimination Careful reading of clues Logical reasoning based on evidence Comparing statements from suspects
**In some cases, the child may be given: A list of suspects A set of clues or witness statements A timetable, map, or simple diagram
**The child should use these to work out: Who did it What happened Where or when it happened
**Scope of Work You will create 50 unique detective cases, each including: Case Title - Fun, mystery-themed, age-appropriate Short Storyline / Scenario Engaging and easy to read Positive, child-friendly tone No violence, crime, or dark themes Relatable everyday situations for children
**Investigation Method Each case should clearly explain how the child investigates the mystery, which may include: Solving an integrated puzzle Eliminating suspects based on clues Matching evidence to characters Reasoning through statements or timelines
** Interactive Elements Each case must include opportunities for children to: Write notes Circle or cross out options Draw lines or arrows Complete tables, checklists, or grids
**Solution & Explanation Clear and unambiguous final answer Short explanation showing how the clues lead to the solution
**Puzzle & Content Guidelines Target age: 7–9 years All content must be 100% original Black-and-white interior only No colour-dependent logic Avoid overused activity book formats such as: Word searches; Simple crosswords; Random mazes; Standalone cryptograms Puzzles or investigative methods should always feel meaningful to the story.
** Themes Cases should be relatable and suitable for school holidays, such as: School and clubs Family and friends Pets and animals Sports and hobbies Travel and days out Seasonal and holiday situations
**Design & Illustration Design/illustration skills are not required as a separate designer may be hired, however would be a bonus if the puzzles could also be illustrated.
** Ideal Freelancer would have: Experience writing for children (especially ages 7–9) Experience with activity books, puzzle books, or educational content Strong storytelling and logical thinking skills Clear, friendly writing style
To Apply, Please Include
A brief description of your relevant experience Examples of previous children’s work (if available) A short sample detective mystery idea
I AM OK WITH THE USE OF AI TO HELP WITH THIS PROJECT BUT PLEASE DO NOT JUST GIVE A CHAT GPT SAMPLE ABOUT A MISSING LUNCH BOX OR MISSING LIBRARY BOOK. The mysteries while aimed at kids age 7-9 shouldn't be too simplistic. They need to use their logic skills to solve. They shouldn't be able to solve the mystery in 5 mins. This is a school holidays activity book that should keep them occupied.
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