A perfect book, dedicated to Jeffers' newborn son, and digestible by all...

What would you tell a newborn or an extra-terrestrial (same thing) about life as Earth Human? And in 500 words or less. Jeffers pulls it off flawlessly. First, what is Earth relative to the universe? What is the physical Earth made of? What kinds of creatures live on Earth and what are they made of? How do those creatures interact with each other?

Using short, candid sentences – readable by most 2nd graders – Jeffers touches on all these questions. The immediately appealing pages are covered in his unique drawing and painting style. Some pages are filled with colourful sky, or of stars and planets. Other pages offer little readers lots of the ol', ‘which one do you want to be?’ with their catalogue-like display of different people types, animals, buildings, fish, and so on.

In the first 3 pages, we’re zoomed way out to view our blue planet from space. Our place in the universe – a concept that can turn us all into sniffling little babies - fragile and dependent on the love and aid of others. Finally, after bringing us back down to Earth and introducing us to our fellow creatures, Jeffers concludes with, “if you need to know anything else…just ask. You’re never alone on Earth.”

It's just great!

More reviews at... www.storytimesurvival.com

What a beautiful book! I'm a 72 year old active Grandmother and plan to gift it to my daughter who is expecting a new child very soon.

The book seems to be aimed at babies....or children who do not talk yet, but it can be read out loud and a child can grow into it.

The subtitle says it all: Notes for Living on Planet Earth.

The print is large with at most three lines per page.

This book is brilliant! On life, learning, diversity and exploration here on this wild, wacky and wonderful planet! Beautifully illustrated, simple and sophisticated all at the same time.

What a wonderful book for all ages!!!!! LOVE IT!!!

balls - planets

model of solar system hand around

this is the book we used last year

"People come in many shapes, sizes, and colors. We may all look different, act different, and sound different... but don't be fooled, we are all people." This book is a very entertaining and heartwarming introduction to life as we know it on our planet. Although Oliver Jeffers wrote it as a guide for his infant son, it contains lessons that we all need to be reminded of, no matter our age. The pictures are vibrant and detailed enough to engage older readers, while the text is succinct enough not to lose younger readers. Overall, an excellent read.

Welcome to the Earth, my child. It will be your home from now on. There's so much that you don't know yet, but let me tell you just this - be kind! Take care of our planet and your body as 'most parts don't grow back'. Look at the stars if you get lost and be nice to all people and animals, regardless of their shape, size and colour.
Jeffers has done it again with his simple, short and most valuable "notes for living on planet Earth". Read it with you child (or alone) and don't forget to be kind!

Sure, it's a kids book, but it's got a lot of wisdom. If you find yourself caught up in the whirl and twirl of things, take a moment and read this. It's a little zen gem that'll leave you feeling a bit more calm and grounded.