6. Seriously, Where Is Waldo?

If you were a 90s kid who wasn’t into reading full-length novels, *Where’s Waldo?* was the next best thing. Created by British illustrator Martin Handford, this clever series of books became a global sensation, captivating both kids and adults. Each page was a visual feast, packed with hundreds of tiny characters engaged in all sorts of crazy activities and filled with intricate details. The task was to find Waldo, with his signature red-and-white striped shirt, bobble hat, and round glasses, hidden among the chaos.
The beauty of Where’s Waldo? was its ability to provide hours of endless entertainment. Finding Waldo was just part of the fun—it was also about discovering all the hidden jokes, recurring characters, and ridiculous scenarios scattered throughout each scene. While kids loved the satisfaction of finally spotting the elusive traveler, parents appreciated these books for keeping their children quiet and engaged. The frustration of not being able to find Waldo often led to cries of “He’s not even in this one!” But the triumphant feeling when you finally spotted him was unmatched. This shared experience brought 90s kids together, creating a common language of “Did you find him yet?”