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

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

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

book2017

93%

WISE Score

4.8

Amazon

A father's witty, tender guide to Earth for his newborn—part science lesson, part love letter, all heart.

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

book

2017

93%

WISE Score

4.8

Amazon

A father's witty, tender guide to Earth for his newborn—part science lesson, part love letter, all heart.

4.8

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4.8

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Screenwise Verdict

This is one of those rare picture books that actually deserves its bestseller status. Oliver Jeffers created something special here—a book that's both a primer on Earth (complete with legit science about the solar system and geography) and a deeply personal letter to his son about kindness and belonging.

What makes it work is that it's never cloying. The humor is dry and smart ('the sea is quite wet'), the illustrations are stunning without being precious, and the messages about tolerance and human connection feel earned rather than preachy. Parents report getting emotional reading it, while kids just absorb the wonder of it all.

It's been a go-to baby gift since 2017 for good reason. Whether you're welcoming a new baby, teaching early science concepts, or just want a book that reminds everyone (including you) that we're all in this together, Here We Are delivers.

Age Fit

Perfect for babies through age 7 or 8. The simple text works for the youngest listeners, while the bigger concepts (our place in space, human connection) grow with kids. Adults often keep it on the shelf for nostalgic re-reads or new siblings.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

A father's gentle, loving letter to his newborn son that radiates warmth and kindness. The book explicitly models tolerance, compassion, and care for others ('don't be fooled, we are all people'). The tone is sweet without being saccharine, humorous without being chaotic, and emotionally grounding for both children and adults. Multiple parent reviews note how it touches families 'in different ways' and emphasizes we're never alone.

Imaginative

Jeffers takes the enormous concept of 'everything on Earth' and makes it accessible through his signature whimsical illustrations and candy-colored humans. The book invites cosmic wonder (our place in space, the night sky, terrain types) while maintaining a playful, curious lens. Reviewers highlight the 'wondrous' quality and how it sparks Science and Geography discussions. It's more contemplative than interactive, but it opens doors for big conversations about our world.

Safe

This is a picture book with zero concerning content. No violence, no scares, no mature themes. The messages are universally positive (kindness, tolerance, we're all in this together). The 4.8 Amazon rating and glowing parent reviews confirm no red flags. Books like this are about as safe as media gets—designed to be read aloud to babies and toddlers.

Enriching

This is fundamentally a book about understanding our world and our place in it. It covers geography, space, human diversity, and emotional connection in ways that are age-appropriate but not dumbed down. Multiple educators note its value for Science and Geography curriculum. The value system of kindness and tolerance is woven throughout. Parent reviews emphasize how it prompts meaningful conversations and provides comfort. It's both a learning tool and an emotional anchor.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Oliver Jeffers distills the entire world into a gentle, humorous welcome letter that works for babies through early elementary
Covers real science (solar system, geography, human diversity) without being preachy or boring
The illustrations are gorgeous and the humor lands for adults too—this is a read-aloud that won't make you want to hide the book
Messages about kindness and 'we're all people' feel natural and comforting rather than forced
#1 New York Times bestseller with a 4.8 Amazon rating—parents genuinely love this one

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What to Watch For

It's more contemplative than action-packed, so wiggly toddlers might need a calm moment to settle in
The 'user's guide' framing is clever but means it's not a traditional story with plot—some kids prefer narrative structure
If you're looking for pure entertainment, this leans more toward sweet and meaningful than laugh-out-loud funny

Conversation Starters

"What's your favorite thing about living on Earth? Is it the ocean, the mountains, or maybe just ice cream?"
"The book says we're never alone—who are the people that make you feel not alone?"
"If you had to explain Earth to an alien, what would you tell them first?"
"What does it mean that 'we are all people' even when we look different from each other?"

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