As soon as I opened the cover I was hooked. I’m not sure if it was a deliberate pun referring to the pages (or leaves) of a book but the first thing I was presented with was a fold out flap with the illustration of a leaf and one simple statement. ‘Reasons to turn over this leaf’. The leaf in question had markings, droppings, a slime trail and a nibbled edge. So I turned it over as any curious child would and found a collection of little critters just waiting to be examined.
There was also the inclusion of outlines of several
common items that could be used as a size guide or comparison for any findings
you come across. All this and I hadn’t even reached the title page.
So, moving on. After a brief introduction to observing the
outdoors, Pocket Observology is broken down into five sections. First
there is Invertebrates-what they are and the best way to find them. Then a more in-depth look at invertebrates with a directory of common
species. We then have a section on birds, and plants and fungi. Closing out the
99 pages is a how to section split into a series of questions that would
undoubtably be asked from a child. My personal favourite is How to…Save a
Worm.
As mentioned, this is a pocket guide but as any parent knows
a child’s pocket seems to be magically never ending and can fit much more than
physically possible. Giselle has also managed this magical feat. There is so
much information included that it can’t possibly be digested in one sitting,
making this the perfect book to be referenced over and over. I must give a shout out to a personal favourite page titled Nice Sticks- you’ll know when you find
one. One small warning. Don’t ask a kid what makes a nice stick unless you
have time to kill.
As Giselle is from New Zealand, I was interested to see how
this book would hold up in other parts of the world but again I was not disappointed.
Pocket Observology is not a guide to the animals and plants of one
particular region but an overall guide to observing the world around us. From
the different shapes of spiders webs and birds feet to the different parts of a
typical insect and how to describe plant leaves. This book would feel at home in
any bookshelf across the world. I did, however love the inclusion of the talking
kiwi on a few pages though. One can’t be expected to forget where they come
from altogether.
It is rare that I come across a book that ticks every box. It’s
the perfect size for little hands to hold. It is sturdy enough to be taken on
adventures and has a cover that can be wiped over. The illustrations are the perfect
mix of cartoon and detail and the information included is not just overwhelming
blocks of text (as seen in other non-fiction books) but instead snippets of facts
configured in a very approachable way.
Just when you think you have read all you can, the back
cover holds one last surprise. Not only is there a built in ruler perfect for
any observations but lifting the flap reveals every outdoor kids dream. A snail
racetrack. Well this big kid thought it was super cool anyway.
If you know a little one that is curious about the outdoors than this is the book for you. If you are a teacher and want to help your students explore nature, than this book is for you. If you are a kid, big or small that loves to observe and discover new things then this book is definitely for you.
Title: Pocket Observology: A field Guide
Author/ illustrator: Giselle Clarkson
Publisher: Gecko Press
Publication Date: 1 September 2026
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9798348044145
For ages: 7+
Type: Junior Non-Fiction
