Life Story (edition 2009)

I think this is THE best book about evolution and time for little kids. If only I could read it without crying- as Burton brings the focus in and moves inexorably nearer in time to the reader, the intensity ramps up to a point where the brevity and beauty of life is so apparent that it's painful. An exquisite and breathtaking book. ( )

Originally released in 1962, the Life Story of our earth is laid out by Burton (Mike Mulligan & His Steam Shovel) as a play in five acts. I had never seen this book until recently, but it’s a gem. This beautifully illustrated book has been updated to reflect the latest in scientific research. ( )

The story of life on earth - from pre-primordial ooze to modern day. Really nice treatment, with a sweet ending about how you are in charge of your own life story. Only complaint was the "discovery of the new world" page - but to be expected from a book that is dated. ( )

This informational story picture book presents a nice look at the development of earth and life on it. The writing is concise and the tone is neutral and narrative. The organization is chronological with no chapters or headings. The illustrations are prominent. The right side of the spread accompinies the text on the left with an illustration of the scene that was earth at the time being described. The illustrations are framed by curtains to give the image of a theatrical scene. The text on the left side of the spread i surrounded by other illustrations often of fossils or other ancient organisms and their taxonomic lineage. The writing is fairly simple and probably directed toward elementary and maybe middle school. I liked the book for its presentation more than its content. The descriptions are brief but gives students an engaging glimpse at what the earth was like at certain points in its natural history. I would use this book as an intro to a natural history or earth science unit. It would be a good tool to capture students attention and get their imaginations working with the material. ( )

Life Story is a beautifully illustrated book about the history of earth and the evolution of life on earth up to now. The book begins by setting the stage for how earth was created and over five acts, it's history is told. I really enjoyed reading this book and found the illustrations really interesting. They reminded me of folk art and there is a fluid sort of flow to them. I really loved it. I could see using this book in my science classes to hook students on subject matter. ( )