Book Review: Here We Are Notes for Living on Planet Earth

Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth is written and illustrated by Oliver Jeffers, the illustrator behind The Day the Crayons Quit, you can see his talent shine through.   It discusses many aspects of Earth and those who inhabit Earth. Including great wisdom for what is to come for young minds. We received this new book for an honest review and featured it at our story time.  Thumbs up (and a few pointer fingers) from the moms and many 2-4 year olds.

As an educator I love books that have a message, teachable topics and capture the interest of the children.  Here We Are has all of that and more.

“You may not be able to speak yet either, even though your head is filled with questions. Be patient, you’ll learn how to use words soon enough.”

After reading the story, it can be broken into different themes.  Water is one theme in the story about Earth, readers can examine animals and their locations of the water.   Where do kids find water? Oceans, lakes, ponds, rivers and even pools.  What does water help us do daily?  Drink water, cook, showering, playing, swimming and more.  Which animals live in water? Whales, fish, beavers, otters and the list goes on, can the kids come up with more than twenty?

Apple Moms did a craft on water, asking what can be made from water and animals that live by the water?  We made igloos on plastic blue plates, with white paper.  This was perfect for all ages and fine motor skills cutting and gluing together.

Other themes of Oliver Jeffers’ book Here We Are includes humanity, we are all people.  Oliver Jeffers’ book touches on heavier topics in kid words.

I love to give books as baby gifts and new mom presents to build libraries, this will be added into my gift rotation.

Connect With Story

You can buy it on Amazon Here We Are Notes for Living on Planet Earth (affiliate link).  Find out more on Oliver Jeffers Facebook Page, Official Website and