Life Story

November 23, 2009
“Our sun is not the biggest star, nor is it the smallest, but to us it is the most important star of all.” Burton's 1962 exploration of the history of life on Earth, framed as a five-act play, returns in a newly updated edition that takes current scientific information into account (Pluto, for instance, is not among the planets shown orbiting the sun). Beginning with the birth of the Sun and continuing through the Earth's creation, the emergence and evolution of animal life, up to the changing seasons of the present, it's a lyrical and informative journey. Ages 8–12.

October 1, 1989
``The drama of Life is a continuing story,'' says Burton in her epilogue; she amply demonstrates this in her magnificent description of the evolutionary process, with text and paintings presented as a five-act play. All ages.

January 1, 2010
"The story of Life on our Earth from its beginning up to now" is presented as a marvelous drama. Each right-hand page is a stage setting showing changes across geological periods, with clear, explanatory text opposite the picture. Burton's research skill and artistic genius contribute to a book for many ages that can be enjoyed year after year; this is an updated edition.

(Copyright 2010 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)