What do you think?
Rate this book
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 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.
120 pages, Hardcover
Published February 6, 2024
6 people are currently reading
209 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
March 2, 2025
Just started and learned something new already - earthworms have very fine hairs. *I* never felt them when I was a young observologist but I'll be checking now! It's an extremely charming book, too; my inner child is enchanted with the artwork and design.
---
Done as much as I can. I'll have to check it out again come spring, or better yet buy it, assuming my upcoming cataract surgery goes well.
"Be patient! Try to resist the temptation to poke an insect in order to make it do something. It won't do anything cool while it's scared of you."
I like the page about cute scientific names, for example Wunderpus photogenicus, a photogenic octopus.
"If it's a sunny day take care not to let your shadow pass over the creature you're stalking. They'll notice the change in light and fly, jump, or scuttle away."
There's also a spread on Aural Observology - different hums, thrums, and buzzes are made by different critters.
A whole world under our noses!
I would ask only that an updated edition include more about where different species can be found around the world. But I'm still giving the book five stars, because it is so much more engaging than a field guide; it's very likely to get even those silly squeamish people out looking under rocks and trying to save honeybees.
---
Done as much as I can. I'll have to check it out again come spring, or better yet buy it, assuming my upcoming cataract surgery goes well.
"Be patient! Try to resist the temptation to poke an insect in order to make it do something. It won't do anything cool while it's scared of you."
I like the page about cute scientific names, for example Wunderpus photogenicus, a photogenic octopus.
"If it's a sunny day take care not to let your shadow pass over the creature you're stalking. They'll notice the change in light and fly, jump, or scuttle away."
There's also a spread on Aural Observology - different hums, thrums, and buzzes are made by different critters.
A whole world under our noses!
I would ask only that an updated edition include more about where different species can be found around the world. But I'm still giving the book five stars, because it is so much more engaging than a field guide; it's very likely to get even those silly squeamish people out looking under rocks and trying to save honeybees.
March 4, 2024
An inspiration. I would like to create something as lovely as this.
October 23, 2024
This whimsically illustrated book teaches young readers how to observe some of the smallest things in nature--insects, arachnids, leaves, mold, fungi specifically. After an introduction on how to observe, the book is organized into habitats where creatures might reside: "A Damp Corner," "Pavement," "A Weedy Patch," "Behind the Curtains" are the main sections followed by a final exam and an index.
One of the pages in a damp corner is labeled "Ponds and Long-Standing Puddles." About 80% of the pages is colored dark green. Under the surface there are a number of creatures: freshwater snail, waterboatman, plankton, backswimmer, mosquito larva, (and a mature mosquito perched on the surface of the water next to a raft of mosquito eggs), damselfly larva, diving beetle, and aquatic worms. Each one has some text next to it that describes a feature or habit. Young readers and go on an expedition to see if they can find any or all of them.
In "Behind the Curtains" there are two facing pages about cockroaches. The first page has a couple of paragraphs about these pesky little pest before illustrations and the names of the three most common (to North America) household cockroaches (common name and scientific along with the country / continent where they are the most prevalent--even if they were native in another country / continent). On the facing page, there are four more examples; however, they are labeled "NOT common household cockroaches." These two pages show how nature has a variety, adapted to various habitats.
If you know a kid who is always bringing you a creature and asking you questions about it, this book is a great guide for further safaris in the house and yard. How many do you think the kid(s) in you life will find?
One of the pages in a damp corner is labeled "Ponds and Long-Standing Puddles." About 80% of the pages is colored dark green. Under the surface there are a number of creatures: freshwater snail, waterboatman, plankton, backswimmer, mosquito larva, (and a mature mosquito perched on the surface of the water next to a raft of mosquito eggs), damselfly larva, diving beetle, and aquatic worms. Each one has some text next to it that describes a feature or habit. Young readers and go on an expedition to see if they can find any or all of them.
In "Behind the Curtains" there are two facing pages about cockroaches. The first page has a couple of paragraphs about these pesky little pest before illustrations and the names of the three most common (to North America) household cockroaches (common name and scientific along with the country / continent where they are the most prevalent--even if they were native in another country / continent). On the facing page, there are four more examples; however, they are labeled "NOT common household cockroaches." These two pages show how nature has a variety, adapted to various habitats.
If you know a kid who is always bringing you a creature and asking you questions about it, this book is a great guide for further safaris in the house and yard. How many do you think the kid(s) in you life will find?
April 25, 2024
This is my kind of tiny-detail science book.
January 16, 2025
Great book - Fun facts, great illustrations, and witty captions. (What more could you ask for?)
August 12, 2025
I would have loved to have been gifted this book as a kid when my interest in insects and all things small were at an all time high. I think I have been an observologist without knowing :)
June 3, 2024
The Observologist is a spectacular offering for any kid interested in the natural world. This illustrated guide to exploring the small wonders around you appeals to your curiosity and feeds it well. Because the book is divided by locations like "sidewalk" or "behind a curtain," it's easy to navigate and find a section that piques your interest. Just after looking at this book, T and I noticed a really cool beetle in the garden and then turned the leaf over to see if anything was on the underside. We wouldn't have taken that extra step of observation if not for The Observologist, and we were rewarded with a clutch of tiny eggs!
The Observologist fosters a deep appreciation for nature.
The Observologist fosters a deep appreciation for nature.
March 18, 2024
What worked:
The author speaks directly to young readers in a light-hearted voice as she shares facts about tiny, common creatures. This technique helps to create a connection between the book and young readers. They’ll like that the book suggests they look down by their feet (maybe even lie on the ground), be curious and patient, and flip over rocks and wet logs. The topics are organized into four groups based on where they can be found. Kids can look in Damp Corners (slugs, fungi, and lice), around Pavement (ants, lichen, and worms), in Weedy Patches (bees, caterpillars, and wasps), and Behind the Curtains (cockroaches, moths, and spiders). Other random information is described that readers might not think about. They can learn how to safely move a spider, how to save a moth from drowning, or how to recognize insects by their sounds. The final pages include an index where readers can locate specific topics.
Color sketches, comics, and diagrams help young readers visualize the information being shared. An illustration of a fruit fly shows its “striking red eyes” and “handsomely tiger striped abdomen” as the fly says its elderly granny is “twenty days old”. Other diagrams point out body parts found on ants and earthworms. Kids can also see how millipedes and centipedes differ and how to tell apart common wasps and honey bees. A short comic strip depicts how a spider traps its prey. Many young readers like gross things so how about including drawings of different bird poop to tell which birds made them? One page displays the droppings from worms, roaches, and spiders while a variety of tiny eggs are shown on another. Everyone knows spiders have eight eyes but readers can see different possibilities of their pattern. The “hand-written” captions accompanying every illustration are very informative without being overly serious.
What didn’t work as well:
Some readers might not appreciate all of the topics or the more serious information but it’s better to be thorough than leave interesting things out. If you don’t like reading about slimy, creepy things then my recommendation is to deal with it! This is a fun book to read.
The final verdict:
I just realized this could be a good book for bathroom reading in addition to an entertaining resource for school. The casual voice of the narrator makes the information easy to read and enjoyable. Overall, I highly recommend you give this book a shot!
The author speaks directly to young readers in a light-hearted voice as she shares facts about tiny, common creatures. This technique helps to create a connection between the book and young readers. They’ll like that the book suggests they look down by their feet (maybe even lie on the ground), be curious and patient, and flip over rocks and wet logs. The topics are organized into four groups based on where they can be found. Kids can look in Damp Corners (slugs, fungi, and lice), around Pavement (ants, lichen, and worms), in Weedy Patches (bees, caterpillars, and wasps), and Behind the Curtains (cockroaches, moths, and spiders). Other random information is described that readers might not think about. They can learn how to safely move a spider, how to save a moth from drowning, or how to recognize insects by their sounds. The final pages include an index where readers can locate specific topics.
Color sketches, comics, and diagrams help young readers visualize the information being shared. An illustration of a fruit fly shows its “striking red eyes” and “handsomely tiger striped abdomen” as the fly says its elderly granny is “twenty days old”. Other diagrams point out body parts found on ants and earthworms. Kids can also see how millipedes and centipedes differ and how to tell apart common wasps and honey bees. A short comic strip depicts how a spider traps its prey. Many young readers like gross things so how about including drawings of different bird poop to tell which birds made them? One page displays the droppings from worms, roaches, and spiders while a variety of tiny eggs are shown on another. Everyone knows spiders have eight eyes but readers can see different possibilities of their pattern. The “hand-written” captions accompanying every illustration are very informative without being overly serious.
What didn’t work as well:
Some readers might not appreciate all of the topics or the more serious information but it’s better to be thorough than leave interesting things out. If you don’t like reading about slimy, creepy things then my recommendation is to deal with it! This is a fun book to read.
The final verdict:
I just realized this could be a good book for bathroom reading in addition to an entertaining resource for school. The casual voice of the narrator makes the information easy to read and enjoyable. Overall, I highly recommend you give this book a shot!
May 28, 2025
If you plan to download this to Kindle, don't. It's completely done in graphics, so you can't enable the automatic reader. It will only let you read in landscape, which shows 2 pages at a time. And the print is way, WAY too small. So you have to zoom in to read and manipulate the screen to see the illustrations while you scroll down. You think that doesn't sound so bad? Every time you swipe to turn pages, it resets itself, so you have to zoom in all over again. Imagine a disabled child trying to deal with this. Imagine an adult trying to read to a small child who wants to look at the pictures while you read.
But, content-wise, you probably don't want to read this to a small child because the author seemed to think that it was more important for a child to know words like phylum, and the entire order of taxonomic ranking, than to really understand the concept of those words. The language in this book is as if the author is talking to 4 year olds while lecturing college level material. One minute the reader's being told to look under leaves (which is cool), the next the reader is having words like phylum thrown at them with no clear sense of what that means.
I got to page 12 before I decided the headache I was getting trying to read it on a Kindle wasn't worth trying to absorb the content to see if I could recommend it to young readers that I know. Gave up. I don't know if a kid would like the print version. If it's a larger book where the print is normal sized, maybe.
But, content-wise, you probably don't want to read this to a small child because the author seemed to think that it was more important for a child to know words like phylum, and the entire order of taxonomic ranking, than to really understand the concept of those words. The language in this book is as if the author is talking to 4 year olds while lecturing college level material. One minute the reader's being told to look under leaves (which is cool), the next the reader is having words like phylum thrown at them with no clear sense of what that means.
I got to page 12 before I decided the headache I was getting trying to read it on a Kindle wasn't worth trying to absorb the content to see if I could recommend it to young readers that I know. Gave up. I don't know if a kid would like the print version. If it's a larger book where the print is normal sized, maybe.
March 10, 2024
A delightful, humorous and detailed coverage on observing the creatures in our own back yards. Clarkson has done an excellent job of maintain a light, playful and chatty tone that still provides accurate and information guidance and information on studying creatures. Divided into five sections the first details Observology - the Study of Looking - "an observologist is someone who makes scientific expeditions very day, albeit very small ones" (p.4). After providing the reader with the requisite skills to go out in the field and observe the minutiae of their urban space the others sections explore: A Damp Corner; Pavement; A Weedy Patch and Behind the Curtains.
Cartoonish line illustrations are abundant and present detailed drawings, labelled diagrams, equipment, strategies for viewing and organising, comparative charts and humorous asides and speech bubbles.
Accessible, very useful for young scientists wishing to explore their world and highly entertaining.
Cartoonish line illustrations are abundant and present detailed drawings, labelled diagrams, equipment, strategies for viewing and organising, comparative charts and humorous asides and speech bubbles.
Accessible, very useful for young scientists wishing to explore their world and highly entertaining.
November 27, 2025
„Наблюдатологът“ е най-новото книжно бижу на издателство „Книгозавър“ и едно от онези редки издания, които успяват да съчетаят научна достоверност, изящна илюстрация и перфектен подход за разпалване на детското любопитство. Автор и художник е Жизел Кларксън – създателка, която умее да превръща енциклопедичното знание в игра, без да го опростява и без да подценява младия читател. В 120-те страници, преведени от Мария Змийчарова и научно прегледани от Ростислав Бекчиев от Националния природонаучен музей при БАН, се разгръща едновременно забавно и сериозно въведение в света на „наблюдатологията“ – умението да гледаш внимателно и да откриваш цели вселени там, където възрастният минувач би видял просто локва, плочник или прашен ъгъл. Прочетете ревюто на "Книжни Криле": https://knijnikrile.wordpress.com/202...
February 11, 2024
The captivating illustrations and expository text features make this an engaging nonfiction science title. The touches of humor are wonderfully entertaining however there were a few times that the humor made me doubt the information being delivered-- like is that a joke or is that true? So I would prefer the humor stay a step back from the delivery of information so that kids can giggle and laugh and ooh and ahh over the facts but still know that those are the facts and that truth is often stranger than fiction.
Each flora and fauna discussed had cool tidbits to share and even has a certificate at the end to certify the reader as an observologist-- giving them space to wonder, explore, look and then look more closely. I certainly learned things about lichens and bird poop and animal eggs and moths.
Each flora and fauna discussed had cool tidbits to share and even has a certificate at the end to certify the reader as an observologist-- giving them space to wonder, explore, look and then look more closely. I certainly learned things about lichens and bird poop and animal eggs and moths.
July 24, 2024
This beautiful and encouraging book urges older kids to take a deeper look around their home and grounds to see the tiny weird life around them. Ms. Clarkson provides so much information -- you could read this book through and then re-read sections of it as you spend time watching spiders, flies, ants, wood lice, snails, slugs, fungi, millipedes, bird poop and so much more! This book teaches how to truly observe nature, but it is the nature we don't realize is accessible to us all since these creatures and life forms spend time near us, in sidewalk cracks, damp basements, and in weedy patches. You don't need a beautiful garden, a bird feeder, or a trip to a national park to observe, learn and then share your knowledge! A humble masterpiece that can gross you out and cause you to wonder all at once.
April 28, 2024
Look around you. What do you see? Nothing eye-catching I’m assuming. Now look 🔍 closer. There is a whole 🐜 world right within our yards, even in our 🕸️ homes. A smaller, more intricate ☘️ world that we often look past. This non-fiction teaches the art of observing closely in common places to see the often unseen: insects, 🍄 fungi, and signs of 🪶 life with tons of information and a bit of humor.
Who knew a puddle could be so interesting? Lyrical text and factual snippets really bring the seemingly simple puddle to life. I can definitely see myself using ‘Hello, Puddle' as the perfect intro to a lesson about nature in our backyard, followed by ‘The Observologist’ for referencing more detailed information. They have both got me inspired to take a closer look at the world around us.
Who knew a puddle could be so interesting? Lyrical text and factual snippets really bring the seemingly simple puddle to life. I can definitely see myself using ‘Hello, Puddle' as the perfect intro to a lesson about nature in our backyard, followed by ‘The Observologist’ for referencing more detailed information. They have both got me inspired to take a closer look at the world around us.
September 23, 2024
THE OBSERVOLOGIST is a comprehensive guide that will enlighten, equip, and engage readers of all ages. Beginning with the definition of “observology,” readers are swept into a damp corner, the pavement, a weedy patch, and behind the curtains to explore a world that is much smaller than our own. Diving deep into classification of insects and fungi, to differences between insects that appear similar to each other, to instructions on “how to sneak up on a bug,” and more, this book really has it all! With plenty of humor and playful illustrations included throughout, readers will delight in this playful field guide for curious observers.
December 18, 2024
Every child has found themselves outside, wondering at the small creeping things around them. Childhood is full of just such very small and very crucial scientific expeditions. The Observologist reminds us how to explore and wonder about the small pieces of nature we find in most of our yards, just steps from the sidewalk. Cartoon illustrations trick us into forgetting this is nonfiction, but remind us of the fun, the wacky, and the wild in everyday nature.
Read as a nomination in the nonfiction book award category as a panelist for Children's and Young Adult Bloggers' Literary Awards (Cybils Awards).
Read as a nomination in the nonfiction book award category as a panelist for Children's and Young Adult Bloggers' Literary Awards (Cybils Awards).
January 4, 2024
I am in love this with book and my kiddos will be too. Also, I learned How to Win the Love of a Jumping Spider and I think my life if forever changed just from that one page. This book is everything you need to know and everything you didn't realize you needed to know. It is just a fun look at the world and one of my favorite field guides in awhile. Packed with information. Great layout, Fun graphics. And playful additions.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
March 24, 2025
I wish I'd had this book back when I first became a science teacher. While this book is aimed at children, I would recommend it to teachers who need to be reminded on how to get up close, slow down and observe nature like a child might. This book provides lots of good information for teachers without a science background and presents the reader with information about how to act like a scientist: observe, draw, and ask questions. The author has a funny and unique voice that will appeal to kids and adults alike.
April 3, 2025
A good, light-hearted overview of what small things an observant kid might find around them, with short explanations (like the body parts of insects) and occasional examples of more exotic fare from areas outside of the US (like a green banana cockroach from Cuba). This encourages kids to get outside and even make notes, take pictures, or draw what they see or hear. Sometimes observologists can find creatures in nooks and crannies inside, too! Pair with the fictional Allen's "The Nature Journal."
December 20, 2024
I really liked this one! The illustrations are fantastic, and I learned a whole lot, including the identification of one of the resident spider species in my basement.
This would be a five star review if not for the page on collecting various Things, which included an tagged illustration of feathers. Collecting native feathers is illegal in both the US and New Zealand. Yes, every kid does it, but.
This would be a five star review if not for the page on collecting various Things, which included an tagged illustration of feathers. Collecting native feathers is illegal in both the US and New Zealand. Yes, every kid does it, but.
February 8, 2025
This is such a fun book for kids! Using a premise that all will enjoy, Giselle Clarkson has created ways for kids (and their adults . . . if they want) to go on incredibly cool “Small Scientific Expeditions”! Expeditions may include insects, plants (fauna), or non-living specimens in a variety of locations: a damp corner, pavement, behind the curtains, or a weedy patch. The illustrations throughout are incredible! Frankly, adults will enjoy this as well!
April 19, 2025
4.5/5!
Cute drawings and very informative especially to children. Aku suka karena meskipun buat anak-anak, penulis tidak meremehkan anak-anak dengan penjelasan & istilah biologi yang terlalu disederhanakan. Memang informasinya sederhana, tapi sungguh berbobot untuk anak-anak. Buku ini juga mengajarkan untuk selalu observant & sabar ketika mengamati lingkungan sekitar.
I hope I can get the physical copy tho, this book is too precioussssss.
Cute drawings and very informative especially to children. Aku suka karena meskipun buat anak-anak, penulis tidak meremehkan anak-anak dengan penjelasan & istilah biologi yang terlalu disederhanakan. Memang informasinya sederhana, tapi sungguh berbobot untuk anak-anak. Buku ini juga mengajarkan untuk selalu observant & sabar ketika mengamati lingkungan sekitar.
I hope I can get the physical copy tho, this book is too precioussssss.
June 23, 2025
This is such a fun book for kids! Using a premise that all will enjoy, Gisele Clarkson has created ways for kids (and their adults… If they want) to go on incredibly cool “small scientific expeditions “! Expeditions may include insects, plants (fauna), or non-living specimens in a variety of locations: a damp corner, pavement, behind the curtains, or a weedy patch. The illustrations throughout are incredible! Frankly, adults will enjoy this as well!
May 7, 2024
Since picking up this book I've purchased 2 copies for friends' children. It is a treat. A treat for the eyes, for the mind and for your heart.
Buy it for the people you love who like quirky things. Buy it for children you want to get off a device. Buy it for yourself to have it sit by your chair and peruse night after night. Buy it.
Buy it for the people you love who like quirky things. Buy it for children you want to get off a device. Buy it for yourself to have it sit by your chair and peruse night after night. Buy it.
September 26, 2024
What an ideal and delightful book for anyone who watches and wonders about the world around us - the very small world around us. By framing the reader as a "giant" in such a perspective, readers realize quickly that this book invites/challenges readers to take the time to observe AND to learn about the living things that so often go unnoticed.
October 14, 2025
Perfect book for young (or any age) readers who are just curious about everything around them. Guides the reader through little mysteries around the house (think little animals, corners, under leaves and rocks, etc.) with fantastically drawn illustrations. I wish I had this book when I was younger. Honestly, I wish I had this book in the present as an adult.
May 9, 2024
I hadn't heard of this term before reading this book. An observologist is anyone who looks closely at life around them. This would be a great book for young kids interested in bug collecting, and learning more about other life forms.
December 5, 2024
Read this book with my 7 year old and he loved it so much. He keeps quoting me things from the book now and I can see him applying what he learned to the way he wants to interact with his world. I love that! Thanks for the great book!
November 1, 2023
I love this book!!! Great for the curious person, no matter what age you are…packed with information, ideas, and loads of clever humour.
November 11, 2023
A fantastic and engaging read, very entertaining illustrations also. My daughter and I loved reading this.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews