A father takes his two children on a thrilling out-of-this-world adventure into space and invites them to look back at Earth and the conflicts that have taken place since the beginning of time. This becomes a brief history of the world and a whistle-stop guide to the universe, all rolled into one - and told with Oliver Jeffers's inimitable perspective, wit and exquisite artwork. MEANWHILE BACK ON EARTH gives a unique look at life on Earth with a cosmic perspective - and an enduring message that what binds us together matters more than what sets us apart. A timely story for families everywhere.