Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth; Oliver Jeffers

Following the birth of his son, Oliver Jeffers created ‘Here We Are’ as he tried to make sense of the world around him. The book is what Jeffers thought his son needed to know. Welcome to earth, and as Jeffers writes, “Make sure you look after it, as it’s all we’ve got.”

For a little person the world can seem like a very big place. Here We Are is essentially a quick guided tour of earth and the incredible world in which we live. There are messages and lessons on planets and the solar system, oceans and land, stars and the sky at night, weather, the body, survival essentials, the global society in which we as individuals form an incredibly small part of, animals and time.

Whilst none of these are explored in great detail it does not mean that they lack information. Each topic is given its own double page spread which is then explored through illustrations and important facts. There is a lovely amount of information on each topic and I love that Jeffers has packed this book full of educational vocabulary. Amongst the facts and the illustrations there are messages about kindness, being tolerant and our responsibility to looking after the planet.

Jeffers is a master illustrator and like his previous books this one is packed with beautiful illustrations. I have no doubt that it will leave the reader curious to find out more about certain things. This is a perfect introduction to earth.

Recommended for 5+.