Here We Are by Oliver Jeffers is elegantly presented in prose and illustration, and filled with simple yet profound observations. A true love letter from a parent to child. Highly recommended!

Parents need to know that author-illustrator Oliver Jeffers’ Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth is a humorous guide to our planet aimed at one of its new arrivals: the author’s baby. He adopts a tongue-in-cheek tone as he takes a “quick tour” of our planet, offering a few highlights about the land, sea, and the sky that surrounds us. It also talks about the humans who live on Earth, with simple advice, such as: “The most important things for people to remember are to eat, drink, and stay warm.” This book is sure to be a popular gift at baby showers, and little kids who are gathering facts about the world will enjoy it as well.

This lighthearted guide to our planet is a charming way of imagining what a new baby will need to know about Earth and grow up to learn and experience. There’s dry humor in the narrator’s tone, such as telling the new baby to take care of his body, “as most bits of it don’t grown back. ” Animals, he notes, “can’t speak, though that’s no reason not to be nice to them.” And, “You will figure lots of things out for yourself. Just remember to leave notes for everyone else.” Author-illustrator Olive Jeffers’ colorful illustrations draw readers in and give them lots to look at, from an underwater scene with octopus, whale, seal, and dolphin to a two-page spread of diverse humans in various activities, professions, and ethnic dress.

Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth is loaded with positive messages about tolerance, responsibility, and taking care of the Earth, but it’s all done with humor and never preachy. There’s much to enjoy for a variety of ages, including new parents. (Commonsense Media)