All our books are created by New Zealand authors and illustrators
A handbook for mounting very small scientific expeditions
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, 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.
Written and illustrated by Giselle Clarkson
$40.00 incl. GST
2 in stock
All orders sent by courier, usually delivered within 2-3 days. Allow an extra day for rural delivery. You’ll receive a tracking link when your order is packed.
All orders are packed in sturdy, recyclable cardboard courier packs or recycled packacing and boxes.
All books are shown with the number we have in stock.
If this section shows “available on backorder”, we will order the book in for you when you place your order. This usually takes 1-3 weeks, but depends on the supplier. Some take up to 6 weeks. We’ll keep you informed. Please check with us before you order if you need the book within a specific timeframe.
If this section shows “out of stock”, we can often order the book in for you (unless it’s out of print). Please email us to check availability.
Pay by credit or debit card via secure Stripe/Link process, or by online bank transfer. We will email you our bank details for bank transfers. Your order will be dispatched once your payment is received.
(Schools with trade accounts: please select online bank transfer and add “send invoice” in comments field.)
We’ve capped our P&P rates at our A4 satchel rate of $9.25* no matter how many books you order or their size. Smaller books, such as paperback novels, go in an A5 satchel for $5.50*.
*Rural delivery extra.
If the book is a gift, you can request a Booksellers NZ Exchange Card so the recipient can exchange the book with us or any Booksellers NZ member bookstore within 28 days. See FAQs for more details.
If your book(s) arrived damaged, please contact us immediately via email with your order number and a photo of the damaged book(s) and/or packaging itself so we can replace or refund your book(s).
If you wish to return or exchange a book because you’ve changed your mind, or there’s been a mistake with your order, please contact us within 7 days of receiving your book. We will accept returns and exchanges only when books are returned to us in pristine, unread condition. See FAQs for more details.
We’re delighted to help with book recommendations for specific ages and interests. Simply send us a message via the Contact page and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.
If you have a question not answered here, have a look on our FAQs page or contact us.
A highly illustrated, playful field guide for budding natural scientists and curious observers of the world right under our noses. For ages 7 to 11.
Finalist for the Elsie Locke Non-fiction Award of The NZ Book Awards For Children and Young Adults 2024
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.
| Dimensions | 26 × 20 cm |
|---|---|
| First published | 2023 |
| Format | Hardcover edition |
| ISBN | 9781776575190 |
| Page count | 120 |
| Published by | Gecko Press |
