Burton sets the stage and tells the drama of the history of the earth. Starting at the beginning of the universe, she bring us forward through time through each era and describes the major geological features as well as the forms of life present at the time. As she approaches the present, the time periods become shorter until we we are in the present century, the present lifetime, the present year, the present season, the present day. The illustrations are vibrant and play into the "drama" setting by showing an image of the era as if it's playing out on a stage. The text page features interesting details in black, white and yellow. Despite the scope and scale of the book, the narrative imparts you with the significance of your life in the present moment, small as it is in comparison to all you've just witnessed.

"And now it is your Life Story and it is you who play the leading role. The stage is set, the time is now, and the place wherever you are. Each passing second a new link in the endless chain of Time. The drama of Life is a continuous story--ever new, ever changing, and ever wondrous to behold."

I owned a paperback copy of this growing up and spent countless hours reading and noticing every little detail on every page. it's so comprehensive but told in such an engaging way, and my young mind just soaked it all up! I have so many fond memories of this book and didn't know until just recently that she's the same author of mike mulligan and his steam shovel, another book easily in my top 10 kids books! ( )

34 months - I found this to be an informative but boring read. O wasn't overly interested either, maybe an age thing, last summer she was really into dinosaurs and prehistoric creatures and no doubt she will be again. I kept asking her if she wanted me to stop reading but she was determined to make it through to the end. We made it but I think we'll leave this one for another time. ( )

This book was originally published in 1962, and has been updated a few times since, due to scientific changes. "Life Story" is a book about the evolution. It includes the progression of time of our solar system and life on earth. Written in play and poetry format, "Life Story" gives a fresh approach to the evolution subject. The overall theme of the book is to discuss the evolution theory and changes in seasons and the earth.

I like this book, being a science major, and a former environmental educator. The language is concise and takes a neutral, narrative tone. Evolution books can be difficult for children, as it is a dense subject. I like how Virgina Lee Burton presented the information as a play. This allows for the discussion of "interpretation" on a touchy subject. She also includes different life forms on the text pages and pronunciation guides. The play language is apparent through her text with "the scene has changed... the climate has turned hot and humid" as an example. She manages to present language is a simple and direct way.

The illustrations are also interesting. Burton divides the book pages with a text page and an illustration page. The text pages include smaller pictures of animals, life forms, or important things not depicted in the illustration page. The small pictures provide dates, identifications, and pronunciation guides. This is helpful in preventing the main text from becoming dry and text-book like. Her use of language also helps with accuracy by including different, useful information. For extinct life forms as it approaches present day, Burton even includes distant modern day relatives. This helps readers identify with the text and illustrations.

The illustration pages are done as stage and set designs. This creates a theater like presence for the reader. The perspective of the illustrations makes the reader feel like he is watching a play at a theatre watching. The illustrations even presents the set design feel, including signs to tell the reader what "act and scene" the part of evolution it is. ( )

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. ( )