If you could write a letter to an alien, what are three important things you would tell them about Earth?

This is a discussion prompt for If You Come to Earth by Sophie Blackall. Use it to spark conversation with your child after reading.

What makes our planet special, and what makes the people on it special?

This is a discussion prompt for If You Come to Earth by Sophie Blackall. Use it to spark conversation with your child after reading.

How are you similar to your friends, and how are you different? Why are both important?

This is a discussion prompt for If You Come to Earth by Sophie Blackall. Use it to spark conversation with your child after reading.

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If You Come to Earth

Name: If You Come to Earth
ISBN: 9781713778479

by Sophie Blackall

A young boy writes a letter to an alien traveler, sharing a stunningly detailed and inclusive guide to our planet and the diverse people who live here.

About This Book

In this picture book, a boy writes a letter to an imagined alien, explaining all the things he will need to know about Earth and the people who live here--and adding a postscript asking what the alien might look like.

Concepts

Curiosity & Wonder Empathy & Kindness Self-Confidence & Identity Friendship & Loyalty Love & Family Making Friends Being Different Space

Wonderlit Review

Sophie Blackall's 'If You Come to Earth' is a beautifully illustrated picture book that takes the form of a letter from a young boy to an alien visitor. The boy attempts to explain the vastness and variety of life on Earth, from the smallest creatures to the biggest cities, and the many different kinds of people who inhabit it. The book gently explores themes of diversity, connection, and the shared human experience, encouraging readers to observe their world with fresh eyes and appreciation. It's a wonderful choice for sparking conversations about empathy and understanding our place in the universe. Parents will find it a comforting and thought-provoking read-aloud, especially for children aged 4-8, who are beginning to grasp broader concepts of community and global citizenship.