THE OBSERVOLOGIST

What can you see right under your nose?

In this engaging guide, Clarkson invites young readers to pay attention to the small things around them. Drawing her audience of potential naturalists in with wonderfully humorous cartoon drawings and carefully chosen examples, she addresses them directly. Her handbook has the appearance of a journal, interspersed with sketches and text in a font that resembles handwriting. After an overview on “observology” (the study of looking) and suggestions on honing the powers of observation, she organizes her remaining four chapters by easily accessible locations (“a damp corner,” “pavement,” “a weedy patch,” and “behind the curtains”). She describes what might be seen and suggests some methodology. Most of her discoveries, from slugs to butterflies, will be familiar to North Americans, although this book was first published in New Zealand. She provides instructions for convincing a fly to go outside, sneaking up on a bug, relocating a spider, and even collecting one’s finds (suitably discarded or dead). Clarkson notes that drawing helps one notice small details—indeed, this title was inspired by her own experiences, and several illustrations are based on her photos. The text is full of information and the presentation immensely appealing; this 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.