If You Come to Earth (Hardcover)
Staff Reviews
Sophie Blackall's If You Come to Earth is a touching picture book exploring the depths of human existence--not in a "why are we here sort of way," but rather "we're here so let's just make the best of it." With stunning illustrations and a simple but gripping writing style, this book is sure to be one that keeps all readers of all ages engaged.
Cindy
— From If You Come to EarthDescription
From two-time Caldecott Winner author-illustrator Sophie Blackall!If You Come to Earth is a glorious guide to our home planet, and a call for us to take care of both Earth and each other.
This beautiful book is inspired by the thousands of children Sophie Blackall has met during her travels around the world in support of UNICEF and Save the Children.
If you come to Earth, there are a few things you need to know . . .
We live in all kinds of places.
In all kinds of homes.
In all kinds of families.
Each of us is different. But all of us are amazing.
And, together, we share one beautiful planet.
This masterful and moving picture book is a visually comprehensive guide to the earth, imbued with warmth and humor, that celebrates the magic of ordinary days on our beloved home planet.
- An engaging storybook about a single curious and imaginative child
- Simultaneously funny and touching
- Carries a clear message about the need to care for the earth and each other
Perfect for:
- Ideal for children ages 3 to 5 years old
- Resonates year-round as a go-to gift for birthdays, holidays, baby showers, and more
- A great pick for teachers looking for a crowd-pleasing picture book with lessons about the world for little students
- Parents, grandparents, and caregivers
- A new Earth Day book resource for exploring the science and wonder of nature, life, and the universe
- Add it to the shelf with books like Here We Are by Oliver Jeffers, Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney, The Travel Book Lonely Planet Kids, and Hello, World! by Jill McDonald
About the Author
Sophie Blackall has illustrated many books, including the Ivy + Bean series, Ruby's Wish, and has twice won the Caldecott Medal. Originally from Australia, she now lives in Brooklyn, New York. Learn more about her at www.sophieblackall.com.
Praise For…
“To take care of one another and the Earth, we must truly see one another as unique and valued. . . . Throughout [If You Come to Earth], diverse people are distinctively, carefully portrayed, emphasizing representation and visibility. . . . Two-time Caldecott Medalist Blackall’s rich illustration invites return visits to investigate all the small, and big, details they contain. . . . An introduction to Earth for children big and small who live in this galaxy, or beyond.”—Kirkus Reviews
“[E]xquisite . . . Magnificent . . . [D]azzling. . . . [If You Come to Earth] is a book that can be shared with strangers, visitors, friends old and new—a work in which differences build to reveal an inclusive human family on a single, precious planet.”—Publishers Weekly, starred review
”The true delight of [If You Come to Earth] lies in its stunning illustrations. Each page features a dynamic, energetic composition, a wealth of precise detail arranged in unexpected ways. . . . Sweet, funny, moving, timely, and beautiful.”—Horn Book Magazine, starred review
“It’s far and away the best work she’s done. . . . No detail escapes Blackall’s attention, though; close reading is richly rewarded. . . . Though its scope is expansive, “If You Come to Earth” feels, in the end, intimate.”—The New York Times
“[V]ivid, delicate, and precise, Blackall composes intricate spreads that express the vast diversity of the planet. . . As a two-time Caldecott winner, [she] is deservedly celebrated, and here she pairs her accomplished artwork with a story children will want to read and a message that resonates. [If You Come to Earth] is one to take your time with, savor, and share with others.”—Booklist, starred review
“Blackall writes in honest, uncomplicated prose, her unpretentious statements all the more resonant for their frankness. She covers nearly every aspect of existence. . . . Blackall’s colorful, clever illustrations feel as though she has focused a giant microscope on the planet. You could spend hours poring over the details on every page. . . . [If You Come to Earth is] a sprawling, ambitious take on some of life’s biggest questions.”—BookPage
“[Sophie Blackall’s] signature Chinese ink and watercolor illustrations will draw children in for repeat readings to pore over each detail. . . . Each page is well researched and inclusive, as Blackall depicts the many different people who live in the world. . . . With its gorgeous and intricate illustrations, [If You Come to Earth] is perfect for sharing.”—School Library Journal, starred review