Book review: “Pocket Observology; A Field Guide by Giselle Clarkson, published by Gecko Press, price $27.99
reviewed by Tony Orman.
I’m a fan for getting kids outdoors, away from the cursed mobile phones and the social media’s mucky mire and instead developing an empathy for the natural world.
This book by Wairarapa author and illustrator Giselle Clarkson is a book designed to do nurture that interest outdoors and thus is an ideal gift for children and grandchildren whichever the case may be.
And a wee bonus, in encouraging and supervising their youngsters exploration of the natural world about them, adults are likely to learn a few things too from this amazing book.. For example among several things I learned was that there are several cockroaches ranging from the Australian subspecies, to the German, American and Oriental ones.
I noted the cicada according to the author lays its eggs in “a slit in a tree branch”. That may be so but I always believed the larva lived in the ground for several years before hatching. According to AI, cicadas in New Zealand spend three years underground. I thought it more kline several. Is AI wrong? Do the hatched cicadas from the tree branch then wend their way to their underground larva stage?
This book is so good and the communication to a young reader is enhanced by the author using expressions young folk might use such as in describing the function of a fly’s maggot as “essential for ridding the world of dead stinky things.” Add frequent touches of humour such as a worm coiling up when you try to pick it up, saying “Argh, something touched me. Stop! Stop it! Leave me alone.”
Which leads to an admirable section towards the end of carefully releasing creatures such as helping an exhausted bee, relocating a spider, protecting a fledgling bird preparatory to release or releasing a worm by gently scooping it onto something like a flat leaf. “Don’t pick up a worm between your fingers — It’s too easy to squish it.” What a contrast to the pest competitions, some Kiwi schools stupidly hold with the emphasis on kill, kill, kill.
The book has delightful often comic, illustrations by the author and her skills with the text in relating to kids, is almost sure to encourage youngsters to explore and observe.
The book is beautifully produced by the publisher and in a practical sturdy style so that a youngster can slip the guide into a pocket and set out on small scientific forays. Observology can be done every day and often without leaving home.
The book serves as a quick reference to identification with various creatures such as how to tell a wasp from a bee and a cricket from a grasshopper.
Such is the attributes of this gem of field guide that it’s bound to awaken kids’ curiosity to the natural world.
Very highly recommended. Get a copy for all your youngsters
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Getting outdoors is one of the most important parts of a child’s development and education. It encourages curiosity, imagination and s foster a connection to Nature.
Looks a top book. Thanks.
Couldn’t agree more Jack.
In Nature, a child finds freedom, joy, and endless curiosity to learn more. The outdoors is like a classroom, and every leaf, rock, insect and bird is waiting to be discovered. Outdoor exploration unlocks senses of appreciation of Nature and a wonder that sparks a lifelong love to be outdoors.