50 Optical Illusions
illustrations by
What’s inside...
50 Optical Illusions is an interactive set of sturdy cards created by Sam Taplin and published by Usborne. Each card features a striking, full-color illusion on one side and a short, reader-friendly explanation on the other, inviting children to test their eyes, flip the card, and discover the science of perception. Simple instructions challenge readers to stare, tilt, count or trace lines, then reveal how the brain can be fooled by contrast, depth cues, motion and color. Perfect for shared family fun or solo exploration, the cards blend art, psychology and basic physics, making complex ideas about vision and cognition enjoyable for ages 7-12.
Age
6-9
Length
112 pages
Discussion points
Why do you think your eyes were fooled at first?
Can you find examples of this illusion in real life?
How might artists or advertisers use similar tricks?
Which illusion surprised you most and why?
What does this teach us about trusting our senses?
Tip: Role play these questions
Turn explaining duties over to the child to build confidence.
Compare favorite illusions and rank them together.
Use a ruler to test ‘identical’ lines and reinforce measurement skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Question first impressions.
Explanation: Illusions show our senses can mislead us.
Real-World Application: Pause and gather facts before making decisions.
Example Lesson: Science can be playful.
Explanation: Colorful tricks accompany concise explanations of light and vision.
Real-World Application: Seek fun ways to explore other scientific topics.
Example Lesson: Persistence pays off.
Explanation: Some illusions reveal hidden images only after sustained focus.
Real-World Application: Keep trying when tasks seem puzzling at first.
Example Lesson: Different perspectives matter.
Explanation: Tilting the card or stepping back changes what we see.
Real-World Application: Listen to others; they may see things you don’t.