Here We Are Notes for Living on Planet Earth

#1 New York Times Bestseller | TIME Magazine Best Book of the Year | NPR Best Book of 2017

When Oliver Jeffers welcomed his son into the world, he created something extraordinary: a tender, whimsical guide to life on our beautiful, bewildering planet. Here We Are is part love letter, part instruction manual, and entirely unforgettable—a book that speaks to the wonder of existence itself.

With his signature candy-colored illustrations and gentle wit, Jeffers takes young readers on a journey through the bumpy, sharp, wet terrain of Earth. He explores our place in the vast cosmos (spoiler: space is really, really big), introduces the marvelous diversity of people who share this spinning rock, and delivers timeless wisdom about kindness, tolerance, and belonging. His message is simple but profound: You’re never alone on Earth, and we’re all in this together.

What makes this picture book so special is its rare intimacy. Created for Jeffers’ own child, it carries the weight of a parent’s deepest hopes while embracing a universality that resonates with families everywhere. The pages overflow with moments of cosmic awe and human connection, rendered in Jeffers’ distinctive artistic style that has made him one of today’s most influential picture book creators.

School Library Journal calls it “a must-purchase for new parent shelves,” while the New York Times Book Review praises Jeffers as “the master of capturing the joy in our differences.” Whether you’re welcoming a new baby or simply want to celebrate the beauty and mystery of our world, this is a book that belongs on every shelf.

Additional information