The Observologist

A highly illustrated creative guide to the small creatures and the natural wonders we find when we take time to open our eyes to the world around us—and ode to the power of quiet observation.

Try to imagine the weirdest and most impossibly alien creature that could exist on other planets and it’s almost certain it’s an animal here on earth already. And it’s probably very small.

This book puts over 50 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 encouragement to observe our environment, with care and curiosity, wherever we are. The Observologist is an invitation out of the digital world and into the wonder of what’s right under our noses.

Water snails glide upside down on the undersurface of the water; not all flies have wings; insects have breathing holes called spiracles all over their bodies; butterflies taste with their feet. Facts combine with comics, detailed illustrations, science and funny stories in this unique, warm and fascinating account of the small things all around us.

Giselle Clarkson has a comics and conservation background, and she is a very good looker. 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.