Observology: the process of carefully watching and
analysing the world around you.
This is a Handbook for Mounting Very Small
Scientific Expeditions. That means, setting out to find hidden creatures in
places not previously thought of, and learning how to identify them.
Boring is a word often repeated by children. But it is one
that can be silenced simply by looking down to discover a fascinating, alive
world at one’s feet.
Observology encourages children to explore the
natural world through short excursions to find not only what is above
and
around them, but also what can be uncovered beneath their feet.
The rules of this boredom- buster are interesting. Searches
need preparation and patience. The imperative instruments are a magnifying
glass, camera, flashlight and small mirror.
A Damp Corner, Pavement, Behind the Curtains, and A
Weedy Patch are four places where the most amazing things lay
hidden, ready to be discovered on each of the small scientific excursions.
Over 100 small creatures, plants and animals are
explored. The book can be opened to any of the sections for a detailed description
of the presented image plus countless facts about them.
The
scientific name of each entry is in Greek or Latin, and the very funny at times
pronunciation of them, can be a challenging experience.
Parts of insects, vertebrates
and arachnids are also displayed fully labelled.
Ideal for children with inquiring minds, The Observologist puts forward ways to differentiate insects
from molluscs and clarifies that an insect breathes through holes in its body
called spiracles, while butterflies have taste receptors on their feet. All grey
areas are made clear.
The contents address
nocturnal creatures found in damp places, such as slugs and snails of various
types, when they circulate, how to spot spiders spinning webs, and moths and
crickets.
Children may want to keep a book to record or draw
what they see, to identify and name it, or even follow the stages of the growth
of plants.
Children will come away with
an impressive list of new words and their meanings, increased knowledge of
the natural world, and understanding the importance of knowing the names of individual
insects casually included under a single umbrella name.
The most amazing facts
are huddled here, and complementing them are the outstanding illustrations by
the author that bring each creature to life. This a valuable encyclopaedic
publication worth having.
Title: The Observologist
Author/Illustrator: Giselle Clarkson
Publisher: Gecko Press, $37.99
Publication Date: 1 October 2025
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781776575190
For ages: 7+
Type: Junior Non Fiction
