Life Story

Virginia Lee Burton’s Life Story

by Carol Hohle

I saw a documentary on PBS television a few years ago about Virginia Lee Burton.  The spirit of the film has stayed with me ever since.  First, I loved it because it reconnected me with my memories of some of my favorite books as a child – Mike Mulligan and Maybelle and The Little House.  Then, I fell in love with the life she led and her pioneering spirit.  And, then – I learned of her commitment to caring for the planet.

I recently checked out of the library her last book, Life Story.  It is a sweeping tale of the history of life – literally.  She so compellingly visualizes the world’s history – from the beginning creation of our galaxy, to the Paleozoic era, right up to today – to life as the dawn of a new day.  It is a marvel to see her creativity at work and to appreciate her ability to communicate such complexity so simply … And, to do illustrate it all in a manner that is fun and appealing to a reader of any age.

Go check out Life Story: The Story of Life on Earth from Its Beginnings Up to Now from your local library.  And, check out the documentary, Virginia Lee Burton: A Sense of Place, for an added inspirational treat.

I’m going to check out The Little House next.  Someone said its like, “Rachel Carson for children.” … And, if Rachel Carson is a name that rings a bell but is a bit fuzzy, check out this film about Carson’s life, “A Sense of Wonder.”