Scholastic New Zealand Award
for Best Children’s Book 2024
Finalist
Designer: Vida Kelly
Title: The Observologist
Publisher: Gecko Press
Format: 260 x 200mm, 120pp, hardback with sewn binding, printed on 150gsm Yulong Pure 1.3 FSC.
Spot varnish was used on the cover as a way to highlight the shiny bits on the fly, especially the wings.
Typography: Adelle 10/14pt. Additional text hand-lettered by author.
"For the cover type we wanted it to reflect the content of the book i.e. a mixture of serious information with plenty of humour. So I set it in a font which the author then used to create her hand-lettered quirkier version. I then asked the author to add the little caterpillar hanging off the letter S as a way to incorporate the subheading in a speech bubble.
We wanted to create an informative yet fun and approachable look for this non-fiction title. The format and hand lettering lends itself to the feel of a handbook, along with the diagrams and information panels. The main text was set in a font for ease of reading and to contrast nicely with the hand lettering. Having some formality to the design also ensured the book showed it’s scientific and informative side as well as it’s humour."
Judges' comments This book is a standout—fun, informative, and delightfully quirky. It captures the playful spirit of the content, engaging curious readers of all ages, from 8 to 80! Balancing childlike curiosity with Instagram-era humour, it cleverly uses colour and integrates facts seamlessly. The eye-witness style, cutaway visuals, and handwritten notes add a personal touch, enhancing the author's unique voice. Just as the content encourages observing our environment with care and curiosity, the design mirrors this ethos with equal thoughtfulness.
