This quirky but fact-filled and inspirational book opens up the world of Observology, aka the study of looking. The good news is that it’s very easy to become an observologist, you just need to be curious and to spend a lot of time gazing at the ground. Once you’ve mastered those skills, Giselle Clarkson explains what taxonomy means, and what an invertebrate is. Then there are pages encouraging readers to look at and learn about the living things to be found in damp corners, on the pavement, in weedy patches and behind the curtains.
The pages are full of information, mostly but not entirely on insects, with fascinating text and cartoon-style, though accurate, illustrations. Readers will learn a huge amount by absorbing the information but also because they’ll be keen to get out and look for themselves at what’s presented on the pages.
Not just for budding scientists, this book will open the eyes and catch the imagination of all who read it.
A handbook for mounting very small scientific expeditions.
A highly illustrated, playful field guide for budding natural scientists and curious observers of the world right under our noses.
Observology is the study of looking. An observologist makes scientific expeditions, albeit very small ones, every day. They notice interesting details in the world around them. They are expert at finding tiny creatures, plants and fungi. They know that water snails glide upside down on the undersurface of the water; not all flies have wings; earthworms have bristles; butterflies taste with their feet.
An observologist knows that there are extraordinary things to be found in even the most ordinary places.
The Observologist puts over 100 small creatures and features of the natural world under the microscope, piquing our curiosity with only the most interesting facts. Subjects range from slugs, ants and seeds, fungi and flies through to bees and bird poop. But this is no everyday catalogue of creatures. It is an antidote to boredom, an invitation out of the digital world and screentime, an encouragement to observe our environment, with care and curiosity, wherever we are.
Facts combine with comics, detailed illustrations, science and funny stories in this unique, warm and fascinating account of the small things all around us.
Graphic and comic illustrations with funny talking insects make this a playful and informative book for 7- to 11-year-olds and one to be treasured in the classroom. Giselle Clarkson has a comics and conservation background.
Through her unique sensibility you'll find that once you start thinking small, there's no limit to what you can notice-right under your nose.
Watch author Giselle Clarkson introduce The Observologist
Giselle Clarkson is an illustrator and comic artist based in Greytown, New Zealand. Known for her non-fiction comics on conservation and environmental topics, she has illustrated a number of awardwinning books including Egg and Spoon: An Illustrated Cookbook by Alexandra Tylee and The Gobbledegook Book: A Joy Cowley Anthology.
Giselle was honoured at Arts Foundation Laureate Awards 2023, which celebrate New Zealand’s most exceptional artists. She was made Te Tumu Toi Laureate, receiving the Mallinson Rendel Illustrators Award.
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