Observologist, The

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

Review:

"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


"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


"[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


"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

Contents:

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

Prizes: ALA Notable Children's Book and School Library Journal Best Book 2024 and Kirkus Best Children's Books 2024 and Children's Book Committee at Bank Street College Best Children's Book of the Year 2024 and PANZ Book Design Awards 2024 and Riverby Award 2025 and Storylines Notable Book Award 2023 and Evanston Public Library 101 Great Books for Kids List 2024 and Reading Rockets Summer Reading Guide 2024. EUREKA! Nonfiction Children's Book Award Honor. New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adult Finalist and Wainwright Prize 2024 and Aotearoa Booksellers' Choice Award 2024. CYBILS Award Finalist.

Author Biography: Giselle Clarkson is an illustrator from Wellington, New Zealand. She once drew a picture of some biscuits that was shared online so many times that they put her on TV. As well as illustrating children's books, Giselle is a regular contributor to the NZ School Journal. She writes a comic about children's books for The Sapling, and makes educational comics about important and exciting environmental topics. She loves to have adventures at sea and on remote islands best of all. Giselle has a degree in photography from the University of Canterbury in Christchurch. Giselle Clarkson is an illustrator from Wellington, New Zealand. She once drew a picture of some biscuits that was shared online so many times that they put her on TV. As well as illustrating children's books, Giselle is a regular contributor to the NZ School Journal. She writes a comic about children's books for The Sapling, and makes educational comics about important and exciting environmental topics. She loves to have adventures at sea and on remote islands best of all. Giselle has a degree in photography from the University of Canterbury in Christchurch.