Stop by to meet Giselle Clarkson, author and illustrator of The Observologist (among many other things). Bring a book for her to sign while you say hello. Don’t have a book to bring? You’ll be able to purchase one on site at the University Book Shop. Or bring a tea towel, kids’ t shirt or tote bag, Sea Creatures of Aotearoa poster, or whatever else you think you’d like to have Giselle’s signature on! (No live animals or little brothers, please.)

Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult.

Giselle Clarkson is an award-winning author, illustrator and cartoonist living in South Wairarapa. In 2023, she was made an Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi Laureate, receiving the Mallinson Rendel Illustrators Award for an outstanding contribution to New Zealand children’s books. Giselle blends humour with detailed observation and a bold immediacy to achieve her signature style. She is a regular contributor to the NZ School Journal, NZ Geographic magazine and children’s literature website The Sapling, and once experienced viral success with an illustrated poster of NZ baked goods. Her bestselling non-fiction book The Observologist: A Handbook for Mounting Very Small Scientific Expeditions (Gecko Press, 2023) is her first as both author and illustrator, and has been translated into four languages.