It turns out I may have developed a slight addiction to finding new puzzle brands for Book Hero, because we have another two on the way!
This time, we’re heading to France with Trevell and Pieces & Peace, two brands I came across while looking for something a little different to add to our puzzle collection.
Both have gorgeous illustrated artwork, plenty of cosy and whimsical designs and, because apparently I can’t resist them at the moment, mini puzzles!
They’re now available to pre-order and are expected to arrive at the end of September, so I thought I’d introduce you to our newest puzzle brands and a few of the designs I’m most excited about.
Meet Trevell 🧩
Trevell started in Brittany, France, after founder Sarah rediscovered puzzling during lockdown in 2020 and struggled to find illustrated puzzles that matched the colourful, modern style she was looking for.
What started as an online puzzle shop soon turned into a puzzle brand of its own, with the first Trevell collection launching in 2021.
Even the name has a lovely connection to puzzling. Trevell means "occupation" in Breton, with the idea of taking some time away from screens, keeping your hands busy and giving your mind a chance to relax.
Which sounds like a pretty good description of why I love puzzling in the first place.
Tiny Puzzles Are Taking Over 🐭
One of the things that immediately caught my attention was Trevell's range of 99-piece mini puzzles.
I've been slightly obsessed with mini puzzles lately, and these are exactly the kind I love. They're small enough to pop into your bag, quick enough to finish in one sitting and still have all the gorgeous artwork and little details you want from a bigger puzzle.
There are some seriously cute designs coming too.
Books & Tea is an obvious favourite, combining a tea room, bookstore and a cat, which feels like someone was ticking things off a list specifically for us.
Then there's Seeking Adventure, featuring a reader who has fallen asleep and found herself on an incredible maritime adventure inspired by her book, as well as Pantry Window, Seaside View, Spring, Road Trip and the ridiculously adorable Mouse in Spring.
Basically, choosing which mini puzzle to start with might be the hardest part.
A Little Bit of Magic ✨
Trevell isn't only about tiny puzzles though.
We've also got some larger designs coming, including Magical, a 500-piece puzzle featuring a witch brewing a potion surrounded by mysterious ingredients, a phoenix, magical plants and, of course, a little cat.
It's colourful, whimsical and slightly chaotic in the best possible way.
It's giving Hermione Granger vibes and I didn't know until finding all these puzzles that I am so keen to start a little Halloween collection of puzzles!
Say Bonjour to Pieces & Peace 🕊️
Our second new arrival is Pieces & Peace, another French brand that puts the artists behind its puzzles at the heart of what it does.
The brand works with illustrators from around the world to turn their artwork into bright, modern and incredibly detailed puzzles, with everything from travel and nature to cosy bookshops and reading scenes.
And I have to admit, it was probably the bookish ones that got me.
We have Traveling Books, Storytellers Bookstore, Cozy Reading Nook, Night Reading and even a Christmas Bookstore coming.
At this point, I don't think anyone will be surprised when I say that I want all of them.
Made in France
Something else I really liked when I discovered Pieces & Peace was the thought they've put into how their puzzles are made.
Their puzzles are made in France using thick FSC-certified paper and cardboard, and the cardboard used for their boxes is 100% recycled.
They also put a big emphasis on showcasing the illustrators behind the artwork, which I love. A huge part of choosing puzzles for Book Hero is finding artwork that people are going to genuinely enjoy spending hours looking at, so it's nice to see the artists themselves being such an important part of the brand.
And Yes, There Are More Mini Puzzles...
Because clearly one new range of mini puzzles wasn't enough.
Pieces & Peace also has 96-piece minis coming, including Cappadocia, Burano and Bergen.
And if you fall in love with the artwork, there are larger puzzles in the range too, including a 1000-piece version of Bergen.
Two Very Welcome Additions to Book Hero
One of my favourite parts of growing our puzzle range has been discovering brands like these and being able to provide the largest range of them in New Zealand.
There are so many incredible puzzle artists and brands around the world, and I love being able to find something a little different and bring it here for you to discover too.
Trevell has completely won me over with its whimsical, cosy artwork and tiny 99-piece puzzles, while Pieces & Peace has some absolutely gorgeous illustrated designs, particularly for my fellow book lovers.
Both ranges are available to pre-order now and are expected to arrive at the end of September.
Watch this space for more of the brands we have coming, and let us know if there are any you think we're missing!