We are thrilled to announce that HarperCollins Children’s Books UK and Philomel Books (an imprint of Penguin Young Readers in the US) will publish a major new title from world-renowned artist Oliver Jeffers MBE. Meanwhile Back on Earth will publish in hardback in October 2022 and is another masterpiece from one of the most ground-breaking artists in picture-book publishing.
Meanwhile Back on Earth is a story that explores the universe bringing us on a journey through time as a father takes his two squabbling children into space, inviting them to take a look back at Earth and the conflicts that have taken place since the beginning of time. The father hopes this will show his children that what binds us together matters more than what might set us apart – a message that will resonate with all ages.
The book was inspired by a breathtaking new art installation, Our Place in Space, set to launch in the UK in 2022. A collaboration between Oliver Jeffers, astrophysicist Professor Stephen Smartt, the Nerve Centre and creative partners, has led to the commissioning of the installation – an epic scale model of the solar system. This immense 10km sculpture trail will be installed for the public to explore in Northern Ireland and Cambridge and is part of the ‘Unboxed’ programme funded by the UK government, which is designed to celebrate innovation and creativity across the UK.
A hugely ambitious and bold concept for a book, the story is told with Oliver’s trademark wit, lightness of touch and unique take on life. Meanwhile Back on Earth will sit alongside Oliver’s multi-million copy bestsellers, Here We Are (2017) and What We’ll Build (2020).
Speaking about Meanwhile Back on Earth, Oliver said:
‘Anyone who has undertaken a long road trip with small children in the back seat (who don’t necessarily agree with each other), shouldn’t have difficulty making the leap to seeing how these small interactions about space and identity can easily play the analogy for how our larger society seems to have (dis)functioned for a very long time. They also, I hope, will remember, that despite whatever tempers were flared, there’s nothing quite like returning to the safety of home, and how that small act in itself provides perspective.’
