Here We Are is a set of notes—a kind of guide to our immense world—that Oliver Jeffers wrote to his son shortly after his birth. He takes readers from land to sea, to sky, exploring elements of each along the way. He shares observations about people, animals and the way things work, with sweetness, candor and humor.
“People come in many shapes, sizes and colors.
We may all look different and sound different…
…but don’t be fooled, we are all people.”
Our world, as vast as it is, has so much to it—an overwhelming amount of details. But Oliver imparts two last pieces of advice to his son at the end, simple and succinct—an encouragement to be kind and a reminder that he is not alone. With rich, twilight color stories and immersive, gorgeous art throughout, Here We Are is a new classic.
Here We Are, written and illustrated by Oliver Jeffers, was published by Philomel Books and will be out November 14. Click here to watch a book trailer and to pre-order. Book tour dates for the US and UK are on Oliver Jeffers’ website.
In honor of the upcoming release of Here We Are, I’m sharing some extraordinary places on earth that I want my kids to visit in their lifetime.
The Algarve in South Portugal — A beautiful place to unwind and breathe in the deep blue Mediterranean. There are miles of coastline dotted with dramatic cliffs and tiny, hidden beaches. Some standout local fare — grilled sardines and patéis de nata (incredible custard tarts).
The Alhambra in Granada, Spain — The Alhambra, a sprawling, maze-like palace and fortress built on a rocky hillside in Granada, a enchanting city in the south of Spain. Plus an amble through the narrow, hilly cobbled streets of the Albaicín, one of the oldest parts of the city, and a stop at one of the neighborhood’s many teterías (tea salons) serving jasmine and rose-scented Mil y Una Noches tea and slices of torta de almendra (almond cake).
Redwood National Park in Northern California — There are countless hikes through the awe-inspiring, majestic redwood trees shrouded in fog and an air of mystery. There are spots where the forest meets the sea, perfect for sitting on a mound of driftwood or huge, smooth stones for an afternoon of quiet rumination and just taking in the beautiful moment of being there.
Hope you all get a chance to read Here We Are!