The ultimate boredom-buster
The Observologist
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.
-
Book Details
Country of Origin New Zealand Reader Age 6-8 year, 8-12 year Book Size ISBN
-
Reviews
Available worldwide from your local bookstore or online.
Subscribe to our newsletter/s
Hear from us about new books, guest recommendations, behind-the-scenes and competitions.
Books for Keeps –
Publisher Gecko Press, known for its beautifully produced books, often foreign translations for an English-speaking market, has also achieved excellent international distribution for its New Zealand-made books. Notable recent works include Giselle Clarkson’s delightful The Observologist, a quirky handbook for exploring the treasures in our backyards, (just longlisted for the Wainwright Prize too)
Swings & Roundabouts –
Although the book is designed for children 7 to 11 year-olds there is much to offer to the inquisitive pre-schooler.
The Arts Foundation Summer Picks –
Perfect for the budding scientists and observers in your life.
The Spinoff –
It is so, so funny, I almost died.
National Library, Services to Schools –
Beautifully presented.
London Review Bookshop –
New and recommended for children
Kirkus Reviews, starred review –
A charming work sure to spark a lifelong habit of looking closely at the natural world.
Poetry Box – Paula Green –
Informative, illuminative, inspirational … you MUST SIMPLY get a copy of it.
NetGalley Reviewer –
I absolutely loved this book! It’s quirky, fun, and educational.
The Sapling –
Giselle has exquisitely merged science and whimsy with her characteristic cartoon style accompanying richly detailed text.
NZ Geographic, Catherine Woulfe –
There is a lot of science in The Observologist…it’s very funny, too.
NZ Booklovers –
What makes it especially awesome is how accessible it is… an absolute delight for readers of every age.
Kete Books –
The Observologist is a job very well done indeed.
Love Reading 4 Kids –
Inspirational—not just for budding scientists, this book will open the eyes and catch the imagination of all who read it.
Radio New Zealand, Louise Ward –
Perfect for curious little souls – her illustrations are quite Quentin Blake like in their movement, in their energy.
Radio New Zealand, Jesse Mulligan –
A magnum opus—Giselle has a great ability to see the world from a child’s perspective.
CLPE (Centre for Literacy in Primary Education) –
A brilliant blend of factual and hilarious.
Red Reading Hub –
This smashing book is absolutely brimming over with information, whimsical details—verbal and visual.
My Shelves Are Full –
With wondrous graphic style illustrations, this book will appeal to a range of ages.
Ben Harris, Twitter –
An outstanding example of non-fiction for children.
Books + Publishing –
The ultimate boredom-buster