The Observologist: A Handbook for Mounting Very Small Scientific Expeditions
Author(s): Giselle Clarkson
NZ Non Fiction | 03 - October | Bugs and Insects | Plants & Trees | Animals | Summer Reading Guide 2023 | Storylines Notable Books 2023 | NZ Book Awards for Children & Young Adults 2024 Shortlist
A highly illustrated and creative scientific guide to the small creatures and natural wonders we find when we take time to open our eyes to the world around us—and ode to the power of quiet observation.An observologist is someone who 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.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.Reviews for The Observologist“The ultimate boredom-buster and a wholesome antidote to the digital world…teaches young readers to embrace curiosity, show patience and care for their environment in unexpected ways.” Books + PublishingAwards for Egg and SpoonNew Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults, Elsie Locke Award for Non-fiction 2021Storylines Notable Book Awards 2021
Product Information
"The Observologist is led by a true-to-child curiosity; spanning science and environmental care, it's visually rich and very funny." Rachel Lawson, Publisher
>> Finalist for the Elsie Locke Non-fiction Award of The NZ Book Awards For Children and Young Adults 2024 <<
"A charming work sure to spark a lifelong habit of looking closely at the natural world." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review "A magnum opus-Giselle has a great ability to see the world from a child's perspective." -- Radio New Zealand "The ultimate boredom-buster and a wholesome antidote to the digital world...teaches young readers to embrace curiosity, show patience and care for their environment in unexpected ways." "A brilliant blend of factual and hilarious." -- Centre for Literacy in Primary Education, UK "A carefully curated museum for all ages." -- The Sapling, New Zealand "All-encompassing." -- The Listener, 50 Best Kids' Books of 2023 "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
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 award winning books including Egg and Spoon: An Illustrated Cookbook by Alexandra Tylee and The Gobbledegook Book: A Joy Cowley Anthology.
Observology: The Study of Looking Principles of Observology Preparing for Observology Keeping Things Orderly (Taxonomy) Scientific Names Observological Instruments An Observologist's Introduction to Invertebrates (Anatomy) A Damp Corner Slugs and Snails Fungi Wood lice Centipedes vs Millipedes Ponds and Long-standing Puddles Things to Spot at Night Patience Pavement Ants Birdwatching without Birds Collections Lichen Phenology Droppings and Eggs Worms A Weedy Patch Bees Common Wasp vs Honey Bee Wasps Things to Fiddle With Wet Days Growing Up as an Insect Caterpillars Seeds Notable Leaves Behind the Curtains Cockroaches Flies Aural Observology Spiders Moths Moth vs Butterfly How to Get a Fly to Go Outside How to Hide in Plain Site Save a Worm Sneak Up on a Bug Help an Exhausted Bee Relocate a Spider Save a Moth from Drowning Final Exam Index
General Fields
- :
- : Gecko Press
- : Gecko Press
- : 01 August 2023
- : h260mm x w200mm
- : books
Special Fields
- : Giselle Clarkson
- : Hardback
- : Giselle Clarkson
- : English
- : 508
- : 120