Sudoku puzzles are the newest puzzle craze. Penguin has compiled a book filled with a year’s supply of these easy-to-understand-but difficult-to-figure-out puzzles, enough to keep you occupied during the year.

Each puzzle consists of nine large squares with nine smaller squares in each, arranged in a 3 X 3 square. The object is to have every number, one through nine, in each box. But the trick is, there cannot be more than one of each number in any one row or column. Sounds easy? Well, it’s not as easy as you might think. The puzzles in Penguin Sudoku 2006 are given a difficulty rating from one star (very easy) to five stars (most difficult). An answer key is in the back for when you get truly stuck.

Also included are some nonogram puzzles, which are games of logic that use a set of numbers to produce a picture. The third type of number puzzle included are cross sums, which are like number crossword puzzles. It’s similar to sudoku, but using addition.

Enough fun and challenging puzzles and games are provided in Penguin Sudoku 2006 to give hours of entertainment and mind-stretching activity. If you haven’t had a chance to give them a try, this book is an excellent place to start. The puzzles are appropriate for both teens and adults.