Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Weedy gardens, leaf-strewn backyards, and "the shady side of a building where the sun barely touches" become spaces for discovery in this affectionate solo debut by New Zealand cartoonist Clarkson (The Tiny Woman's Coat). Styled as a naturalist's sketchbook, earth-toned comics of larger-than-life bugs and their damp, shadowy habitats, accompanied by hand-lettered descriptions, encourage inquisitive readers to "spend a lot of time gazing at the ground." Clarkson distills complex topics--such as how to tell a carnivorous centipede from a vegetarian millipede or a cocoon from a chrysalis--using text that emanates amazement. A diagram of an earthworm that "breathes through its skin" includes subjective, nonscientific appreciation of its "lovely, pretty shade of pink like a rose or an iced bun," and various fauna interject their own humorous remarks, keeping the mood playful, as when a cockroach inquires, "Would you think I was yucky if I lived in your cupboard?" Clarkson's fond factoids and mindful sketches express joy in learning while promoting empathy for tiny creatures, with step-by-step instructions on moving worms out of harm's way and saving moths from water "without accidentally making the situation worse." Nature nerds will rejoice in this compendium of creepy-crawlies. Ages 7--12. (Feb.)
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Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 3--7--What do a damp corner, wet pavement, and a weedy patch have in common? They are perfectly ordinary places for an observologist to hang out. An observologist is someone who is keen to notice the tiniest and most extraordinary scientific details specific to slugs, earthworms, flies, bees, ants, fungi, and other living organisms known to populate in small, often overlooked natural locations. Award-winning author/illustrator Clarkson's unique visual representations of over 100 small creatures and their habitats will have readers thinking in miniature while realizing there is no limit to what can be noticed in the world around them. Her technically impressive renderings of earth's small-to-microscopic creatures are vibrant, lively, and imaginative, while intricate text wraps around an environmental conservation approach that encourages us to observe with our undivided attention. VERDICT An amusing approach to a traditional field guide, displaying intricate illustrations. Clarkson's environmental book is well suited for developing naturalists as well as curious observers. It deserves a place of honor on every library shelf and will be a valuable asset in classrooms.--Lyn Smith
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
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. (index) (Nonfiction. 8-12) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
