Here are some hints: They're all Canadian, and they're all found in Cross-Canada Crosswords, a collection of 26 engaging and whimsical brain-teasers with a distinct maple flavour from Calgary-based crossword designer Gwen Sjogren.

Most crosswords appearing in Canadian newspapers and puzzle books originate in the USA, and it shows in the spellings and cultural references. Cross-Canada Crosswords is for those who know that football has three downs, wouldn't expect to find alcohol in a Nanaimo bar and recognize that Sjogren's relentless puns betray her puckish sense of humour.

Every crossword is sprinkled with references to the Great White North. Themes include Canada's entertainment exports, peacekeeping, talk-show hosts and, of course, hockey. But you don't have to be Canadian to enjoy these crosswords. Several puzzles offer non-Canadian themes, such as British authors, cacti and movies.

High-quality puzzles (and paper stock to match) make Cross-Canada Crosswords the perfect gift for crossword lovers across--and down--Canada.