The Observologist

A highly illustrated, playful field guide for budding natural scientists and curious observers of the world right under our noses.

The Observologist by Giselle Clarkson is an enchanting journey into the miniature marvels that populate our everyday world. Designed to delight and educate, this book invites readers on scientific explorations that reveal the extraordinary in the ordinary. Clarkson, with her whimsical and detailed illustrations, introduces over 100 fascinating small creatures and features of the natural world. From the intricate ballet of water snails gliding upside down on water surfaces to the surprising fact that not all flies have wings, this book is a treasure trove of natural curiosities waiting to be discovered by young minds.

Observology, the study of looking, is at the heart of this book. Clarkson presents herself as an observologist, a role that anyone can assume. Through her eyes, readers learn to pay attention to the unparalleled beauty and complexity that hide in plain sight. For example, did you know that earthworms have bristles or that butterflies taste with their feet? Every page of The Observologist challenges readers to find such wonders in their own surroundings.

This book is not just a catalogue of creatures—it's a call to action, beckoning children away from screens and into the natural world. It serves as an antidote to boredom, encouraging kids to embark on mini-expeditions in their back gardens, parks, and everyday outdoor spaces. Each fact is carefully selected to pique curiosity, and subjects range from slugs and ants to seeds, fungi, and bird droppings, covering a wide spectrum of natural phenomena.

Clarkson combines facts with comics, interweaving detailed illustrations, scientific insights, and amusing stories. The result is a vivid, warm, and utterly engaging account of the small things all around us that is as informative as it is entertaining. The playful, graphic, and comic illustrations, featuring funny talking insects, make this a perfect read for children aged 7 to 11. It’s a book to be treasured not just at home but in classrooms as well, fostering a love and appreciation for the minutiae of the natural world.

With a background in comics and conservation, Giselle Clarkson brings a unique perspective to The Observologist. Her blend of humour, artistry, and passion for nature ensures that readers will never look at their environment the same way again. Once you start thinking small, she shows, there’s no limit to what you can discover—right under your nose.