Hidden-Object Books Supercharge Kids’ Focus — New Study Reveals the Surprising Edge over Puzzles

Could something as simple as searching for a tiny object in a picture book really improve your child’s focus? According to recent research, the answer is a loud yes.

A new 2024 study from the University of Cambridge has found that children aged 3–8 who regularly engage with hidden-object books experience a 23% increase in sustained visual attention—outperforming peers who spend the same amount of time solving traditional puzzles. In plain terms? Books that ask children to find things actually help train their brains to focus better.

This finding might surprise some parents, but it supports what many of us already know from experience: when a child is on a mission to spot something small in a detailed picture, they’re completely absorbed. They’re scanning, concentrating, and ignoring distractions. And unlike puzzles, which can become repetitive, hidden-object books keep kids engaged with colourful scenes and evolving storylines.

Why Hidden-Object Books Are Better Than Puzzles

Both puzzles and seek-and-find games have their benefits—but hidden-object books combine storytelling, visual scanning, and independent thinking in one powerful package. Here’s why they come out ahead:

They strengthen attention skills. Kids learn to focus their eyes and brain to spot specific shapes, colours, or patterns—an ability called visual selective attention.

They build vocabulary. Each search involves naming new objects (“spot the copper telescope!”), naturally expanding your child’s language.

They develop eye tracking. Scanning left to right across a page mimics early reading patterns, laying the groundwork for literacy.

They encourage self-paced learning. Unlike puzzles that can become frustrating, children can choose how and when they complete each page.

They’re fun! The sense of reward when a child finds something hidden fuels motivation—and motivated kids focus better.

Tips for Parents: How to Boost Focus with Hidden-Object Books

Want to use this powerful learning tool at home? Here’s how to make the most of it:

Start with bold, colourful books. Choose titles with large objects and fun scenes for beginners. Work up to more detailed illustrations over time.

Make it a game. Set a 2-minute timer: “Can you find all 5 butterflies before time’s up?” Turning it into a challenge keeps kids focused.

Talk about the finds. Ask your child to describe what they see: colour, size, or where it’s hiding. This builds descriptive language and sharpens memory.

Read regularly. Just 10 minutes a day of seek-and-find reading can make a measurable difference.

Celebrate progress. Each completed page is a victory—praise your child’s effort and concentration.

The Perfect Example: Find Gizmo!

If you’re ready to try this learning-through-play method, our bestselling book Find Gizmo! is the perfect place to start.

Packed with exciting “find-it” challenges, this beautifully illustrated book invites children to help track down Gizmo, the cheeky character hiding in every scene. With colourful environments, engaging themes, and hidden surprises on every page, Find Gizmo! offers hours of screen-free fun—and a big boost to your child’s focus and development.

Here’s why parents love it:

45 pages of high-quality, durable paper

Perfect for focus-building fun, ages 3–8

Supports visual perception, vocabulary growth, and problem-solving

Designed to be revisited again and again—each page is full of new surprises

Find Gizmo! isn’t just a book—it’s a tool to help your child grow curious, confident, and focused

The Bottom Line

Hidden-object books are more than just fun—they’re scientifically proven to improve attention span, memory, and reading readiness. And with books like Find Gizmo!, kids aren’t just sitting still—they’re actively learning, thinking, and exploring with every turn of the page.

So if you’re looking for an easy, affordable way to help your child boost focus and have fun while doing it, try adding a hidden-object book to your shelf today. Your little explorer—and their growing brain—will thank you.