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 more than 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 to fungi, flies, bees, and bird poop.
But this is no everyday catalog 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 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.
Praise for The Observologist:
“A charming work sure to spark a lifelong habit of looking closely at the natural world.”—starred, Kirkus Reviews
“With lots of useful pieces of information, you can dip in and out and learn something new each time.”—National Library of New Zealand, Best Children’s Books of 2023
Format | Your Price | Add |
---|---|---|
978-1-77657-519-0
|
$18.74 | |
979-8-7656-6355-4
|
$28.99 |
Author, Illustrator: Giselle Clarkson
Giselle Clarkson is an author, illustrator and comic artist based in Greytown, New Zealand, known for her work on conservation and environmental topics. She has written and illustrated award-winning picture books and non-fiction and is an Arts Foundation Laureate.
Lerner eSource™ offers free digital teaching and learning resources, including Common Core State Standards (CCSS) teaching guides. These guides, created by classroom teachers, offer short lessons and writing exercises that give students specific instruction and practice using Common Core skills and strategies. Lerner eSource also provides additional resources including online activities, downloadable/printable graphic organizers, and additional educational materials that would also support Common Core instruction. Download, share, pin, print, and save as many of these free resources as you like!
The Observologist
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… View available downloads →
Shimmer and Shine: The Stars of 2024 So Far
There’s no better way to spend clear summer nights than stargazing! It’s time to reflect on the year so far. Read on to discover which 2024 titles have earned review recognition from industry professionals. Picture Books Best Believe: The Tres Hermanas, a Sisterhood for the Common Good… View →
Happy Book Birthday: February New Releases in Young Adult, NonFiction, Picture Books, and more!
Don’t let the winter cold get you down. This February we are releasing new titles in fiction, nonfiction, picture books, and young adult. Expand your imagination by reading about dinosaurs surfing, Super Potato’s cosmic battle, pigeons in the war, and much more! New in Board Books My… View →
Awards
- New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adult Finalist
- Wainwright Prize Longlist
- Aotearoa Bookseller's Choice Award Shortlist
- PANZ Book Design Award Winner of the Scholastic New Zealand Award for Best Children's Book
- EUREKA! Nonfiction Children's Book Award Honor
- Storylines Notable Book Award List
Reviews
National Library of New Zealand
“Giselle Clarkson’s talent to make the tricky more easily accessible is evident in this remarkable book, The Observologist: A Handbook for Mounting Very Small Scientific Expeditions (Gecko Press). Clarkson has the ability to draw you into things you might not previously have had an interest in. She also makes you want to delve deeper. This is thanks to the quality, succinct, approachable text, the humour and the unique illustrative layout. The book encourages you to look around, observe, take note, stop and enjoy the world around us.”—The National Library of New Zealand
The School Librarian
“A brilliant blend of factual and hilarious . . .The tone of the book speaks directly to the curious child in us all and clearly indicates the author’s passion, care, and compassion for the natural world.”—The School Librarian
Publishers Weekly
“Clarkson’s fond factoids and mindful sketches express joy in learning while promoting empathy for tiny creatures . . . Nature nerds will rejoice in this compendium of creepy-crawlies.”—starred, Publishers Weekly
School Library Journal
“An amusing approach to a traditional field guide, displaying intricate illustrations. Clarkson’s environmental book is well suited for developing naturalists as well as curious observers. It deserves a place of honor on every library shelf and will be a valuable asset in classrooms.”—starred, School Library Journal
Kirkus Reviews
“[T]his book will have readers sharpening their senses in no time. A charming work sure to spark a lifelong habit of looking closely at the natural world.”—starred, Kirkus Reviews