Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2020

87%

WISE Score

A gentle animated love letter to Earth, perfect for curious kids who wonder why the sky is blue and where we all came from.

Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth

movie

G, 2020

87%

WISE Score

A gentle animated love letter to Earth, perfect for curious kids who wonder why the sky is blue and where we all came from.

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Screenwise Verdict

This is a lovely, low-key special that does exactly what it sets out to do: help young kids marvel at the planet we live on. It's not trying to be Encanto or Inside Out—it's more like a beautifully animated bedtime story with a side of environmental appreciation.

The Oliver Jeffers visual style is distinctive and charming, and the parent-child framing is sweet without being cloying. That said, this is decidedly gentle entertainment. If your kid needs constant stimulation or big laughs, they might fidget. But if you've got a curious 6-year-old who asks why the ocean is salty or where clouds come from, this hits the sweet spot.

It's also refreshingly short and purposeful—no filler, no forced conflict, just a warm invitation to notice the world around us. Perfect for Earth Day, bedtime, or a quiet Sunday morning.

Age Fit

Best for ages 5-10, especially kids who love nature, ask big questions, or already enjoy Oliver Jeffers books. Older elementary kids might find it a bit young unless they're in a contemplative mood.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Based on Oliver Jeffers' beloved picture book, this animated special centers on parents lovingly explaining the world to their child on Earth Day. The tone is gentle, warm, and models family connection. The 92% RT audience score and 7.3 IMDb rating suggest broad appeal with emotionally healthy content. CSM recommends it for ages 5+, indicating age-appropriate messaging.

Imaginative

The premise—exploring a 'Museum of Everything' to learn about the planet—invites wonder and curiosity about the natural world. Oliver Jeffers' distinctive visual style (based on his picture book) is known for whimsical, creative storytelling. The framing device of parents teaching their child encourages kids to look at Earth with fresh eyes. Letterboxd's 3.6/5 suggests solid creative execution.

Safe

CSM age 5+ rating and the Earth Day educational premise indicate no concerning content. As an Apple TV+ original animated special based on a children's picture book, this is designed for family viewing with no violence, scary elements, or inappropriate material. The subject matter (learning about our planet) is inherently gentle.

Enriching

Earth Day-themed educational content about the wonders of our planet offers clear cognitive and environmental learning opportunities. The parent-child framing models curiosity and intergenerational knowledge-sharing. Based on an acclaimed picture book known for its thoughtful approach to big topics. Strong ratings suggest meaningful, not preachy, delivery of pro-environmental and pro-wonder messages.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Based on Oliver Jeffers' acclaimed picture book—beautiful, whimsical animation that doesn't talk down to kids
Earth Day timing makes it perfect for sparking conversations about nature, conservation, and our place in the universe
Models parents as teachers and guides, showing intergenerational knowledge-sharing in a warm, non-preachy way
Short runtime means it won't overstay its welcome for younger attention spans
Strong audience ratings (92% RT, 7.3 IMDb) suggest it lands emotionally without being saccharine

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What to Watch For

This is contemplative and gentle—not high-action entertainment. Kids expecting Pixar-level hijinks may zone out
The educational bent is clear; some kids might feel like they're being taught rather than entertained
Apple TV+ exclusive, so you'll need that subscription

Conversation Starters

"What's your favorite thing about living on Earth? What would you miss most if you lived on the moon?"
"The movie talks about how we're all connected. Can you think of ways people and animals depend on each other?"
"If you could add one exhibit to the Museum of Everything, what would it be?"
"Why do you think the parents wanted to teach their kid about Earth on Earth Day specifically?"

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