Meanwhile Back on Earth…
on Goodreads (790)
What’s inside...
Meanwhile Back on Earth by Oliver Jeffers is a captivating story that follows a father taking his two children on an incredible adventure into space. From this vantage point, they look back at Earth and explore the conflicts that have occurred throughout history. Combining a brief history of the world with a guide to the universe, the book is told with Jeffers's unique perspective, wit, and beautiful artwork. It offers a cosmic perspective on life on Earth, emphasizing the importance of unity and the connections that bind us together over the differences that set us apart. This timely story is perfect for families everywhere.
Discussion points
How do you think the family in the book felt as they traveled through space and looked back at Earth?
What similarities and differences can you find between the family’s journey and historical events on Earth?
Why do you think the author chose to show different parts of Earth's history from space?
What can we learn about getting along with others from the book's depiction of Earth's conflicts?
If you could take a space journey like the family, what would you hope to see or learn?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their own feelings about the family's adventure and relate them to personal experiences of travel or learning about history.
Discuss the illustrations showing Earth from space and ask what emotions these images provoke.
Highlight the historical events mentioned in the book and encourage your child to think critically about their causes and consequences.
Use a globe or map to help locate the places mentioned in the book, enhancing geographical knowledge alongside the story.
Connect the theme of understanding and tolerance from the book to everyday situations your child might encounter.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding Different Perspectives
Explanation: In 'Meanwhile Back on Earth…', Oliver Jeffers takes readers on a journey through space, juxtaposing cosmic travels with historical earthly conflicts to show how disputes might seem trivial when viewed from a broader perspective.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to step back and assess conflicts from multiple viewpoints in their daily interactions to foster empathy and resolve disputes amicably.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for History
Explanation: The storyline weaves through various historical events, giving children a sense of how past events shape our present world.
Real-World Application: This can ignite a child’s curiosity about history and cultures, prompting them to explore more about the world's history and its impact on current times.
Example Lesson: The Value of Peace
Explanation: Through the depiction of historic conflicts and resolutions, the book highlights the importance of peace over conflict.
Real-World Application: Children understand the significance of peaceful resolutions and can apply this understanding by practicing peace in interactions with their peers.
Example Lesson: Environmental Awareness
Explanation: The view from space provides a unique perspective on Earth, showing its vulnerabilities, such as environmental changes and borders that divide people.
Real-World Application: Children can learn about environmental conservation and the artificial nature of human divisions, promoting a sense of global citizenship and responsibility.
Example Lesson: Critical Thinking
Explanation: By juxtaposing cosmic exploration with earthly conflicts, the book encourages readers to think critically about human behavior and historical outcomes.
Real-World Application: This nurtures a child’s critical thinking skills, helping them analyze situations and make informed decisions in their own lives.