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From Lava to Life: The Universe Tells Our Earth Story Paperback – Picture Book, March 1, 2003

by Jennifer Morgan (Author), Dana Lynne Andersen (Illustrator)
4.8 out of 5 stars 125 ratings
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The second book of this series about our universe is a scientifically accurate telling of the story of the formation of Earth, ending with the dinosaurs. Gorgeous and ethereal illustrations and a story that brings children into a state of connectedness with the universe makes this an amazing book for parents and teachers who want to instill in kids a deep appreciation for themselves, their community, and the need to protect this planet that we all reside.

When we take the time to learn about the beginnings of the universe, the miraculous conditions that make our existence possible, and how we are physically part of everything around us, a sense of connection forms and hopefully results in a desire to do good for the world around us and everyone in it.

"Once upon a time" meets science in a children's picture book that tells the thrilling story of how life began on Earth. This book, the second in Universe trilogy, picks up the story where Born With A Bang: The Universe Tells Our Cosmic Story left off, with the first appearance of life on Earth. It's a thrilling story about how Earth triumphs over crisis to become bacteria, jellyfish, flowers . . . even dinosaurs!

A perfect series of kids books for:

  • teachers and librarians looking for a series of books that explains the story of our universe.
  • parents and teachers following Montessori's cosmic curriculum.
  • long time fans of Dawn Publications starting with the classic Sharing Nature With Children.
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  1. Reading age
    7 - 13 years
  2. Print length
    48 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Grade level
    3 - 8
  5. Lexile measure
    790L
  6. Dimensions
    9.75 x 0.12 x 11.5 inches
  7. Publisher
    Dawn Publications
  8. Publication date
    March 1, 2003
  9. ISBN-10
    1584690429
  10. ISBN-13
    978-1584690429
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Editorial Reviews

Review

In the magic of this story ... suddenly, we have the feeling that we Belong.

About the Author

Jennifer Morgan's work as a storyteller, author, educator and environmental advocate flows out of her love of the natural world and cosmology. She holds a degree in theology from the University of San Francisco. To learn science, she took courses at Princeton University and worked with cosmologists, biologists, and anthropologists. Her storytelling evolved from bedtime stories for her son who wanted to know more and more, even the texture of the edge of the Universe. She believes that our cosmology stories fundamentally shape us―our relationships, our work, our play, our culture, our institutions, our everything. Information about her programs and other books is available at www.UniverseStories.com



Dana Lynne Andersen, M.A., is a multi media artist, writer and teacher with degrees in philosophy and consciousness studies. Her fine art seeks to reveal Being in the midst of Becoming, and to express the intelligence that swirls in energy and congeals into matter. She believes that as our "depth perception" expands outwardly (billions of galaxies have been discovered in our lifetime!) it is crucial to also expand inwardly. She is the founder of Awakening Arts Institute, nurturing a global network of artists through retreats, traveling workshops, exhibitions, and a small fine arts press. Workshop information and prints of the artwork in this book are available from awakeningarts.com

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Dawn Publications; 1st edition (March 1, 2003)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 48 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1584690429
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1584690429
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 7 - 13 years
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 790L
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ 3 - 8
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 11.2 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 9.75 x 0.12 x 11.5 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 out of 5 stars 125 ratings

About the author

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Jennifer Morgan

Jennifer Morgan

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When my son was six years old, I got hooked, I mean really hooked, on cosmology. . . the science of it and the emerging "new story" about where we come from. The writings of Thomas Berry, Brian Swimme, and Maria Montessori, among many others knocked me off my horse, igniting a passion for this work and providing a philosophical basis . . . while courses at Princeton University, as well as countless conversations with scientists who were so generous with their time, provided the scientific basis for my writing.

Naturally, my son (no longer six as you can see in the picture) had to hear about everything I was learning. I taught him through bedtime stories about hydrogen forming inside the big bang, stars igniting, supernovae forging the elements for life, and the birth of our sun and earth and humans out of star dust. He was fascinated too and would ask things like, "Mom, what's the texture of the edge of the universe?" These stories turned into an award-winning series with endorsements from renowned scientists in astro-physics, evolutionary biology and anthropology; educators; and religious leaders. They're now used in classrooms around the world, by adults who want to learn the essential science concepts, and for reflection on retreats. I give storytellings and programs for adults, children, and organizations and would love to hear from you! There's lots more information on my website at www.UniverseStories.com.

Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
125 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this educational book effective at helping kids understand evolution, with beautiful illustrations and vivid graphics. Moreover, the book is very readable and easy to understand, with one customer noting the level of detail is just right for elementary schoolers. Additionally, the storytelling is engaging, with one review mentioning the narrative speaks in an effective personal voice, and customers appreciate that the scientific information is accurate.

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17 customers mention "Education value"17 positive0 negative

Customers praise the book's educational value, particularly its ability to help kids understand evolution, with one customer noting how it tells the earth's story in an engaging way.

"...In short, this book was written specifically to engage and teach kids, and it works...." Read more

"...She is enthralled with science and I believe this book's telling of our universe's story will give her a head start on free thinking as she grows..." Read more

"...this book flows smoothly, and reads like a story book, and keeps my daughters interest the whole way through...." Read more

"This book manages to tell the story of the earth interesting for kids...." Read more

10 customers mention "Visual quality"10 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's illustrations, describing them as beautiful and vivid, with one customer noting they are professional and another mentioning their ability to identify different parts of the graphics.

"...the level of detail is just right for elementary schoolers, the graphics are vivid and engaging, and the narrative speaks in an effective personal..." Read more

"...And she absolutely loves the artwork and being able to identify different parts of the illustrations. I would definitely recommend this book!" Read more

"...Each painting is beautiful and artistic. The book is written in beautiful narrative, like the universe is telling us her story...." Read more

"...Pictures are interesting and the timeline tracker is useful. My son likes to tell the story to his nanny using the timeline tracker and the pictures...." Read more

7 customers mention "Storytelling"7 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's storytelling engaging, with one customer noting it is written in a beautiful narrative style that speaks in an effective personal voice, while another mentions it is not too intellectual to understand.

"...is just right for elementary schoolers, the graphics are vivid and engaging, and the narrative speaks in an effective personal voice...." Read more

"...Each painting is beautiful and artistic. The book is written in beautiful narrative, like the universe is telling us her story...." Read more

"...The topic is hard even for adults and yet the book succesfully achieves to be interesting...." Read more

"...It challenges my kids but is not too intellectual to understand. Buy this book!!" Read more

6 customers mention "Readability"6 positive0 negative

Customers find the book very readable and easy to understand, with one customer noting that difficult science ideas are presented clearly.

"...information in this book is accurate, the level of detail is just right for elementary schoolers, the graphics are vivid and engaging, and the..." Read more

"...It is easy for her to understand as I read it and she is full of wonderful insight and questions...." Read more

"...way in which this book, and the first in the series, are written is very easy to read, and very easy to understand...." Read more

"A lot of good scientific information in a very readable form, with great art and illustrations...." Read more

4 customers mention "Accuracy"4 positive0 negative

Customers find the scientific information in the book accurate.

"...Story (Sharing Nature With Children Book)]], the scientific information in this book is accurate, the level of detail is just right for elementary..." Read more

"...In the back of the book it shows each page, very small, with more scientific information, so you or your children can learn more about each stage in..." Read more

"A lot of good scientific information in a very readable form, with great art and illustrations...." Read more

"While the science in this book may be sound, the way it is presented made me decide not to show it to my 9 year old daughter for whom I had..." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Camber
    5.0 out of 5 stars Accurate and Engaging
    Reviewed in the United States on October 15, 2009
    Verified Purchase
    As with the first book in this series, Born With a Bang: The Universe Tells Our Cosmic Story (Sharing Nature With Children Book), the scientific information in this book is accurate, the level of detail is just right for elementary schoolers, the graphics are vivid and engaging, and the narrative speaks in an effective personal voice.

    Most importantly, my daughter really loves this book (about as much as Born With a Bang: The Universe Tells Our Cosmic Story (Sharing Nature With Children Book)), as evidenced by her unusually focused attentiveness to the text and her vivid recollection of the graphics. In short, this book was written specifically to engage and teach kids, and it works.

    Highly recommended to any parent wishing to introduce their child to the basics of the evolutionary history of life up to the extinction of the dinosaurs.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • The Greendale Seven
    5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect.
    Reviewed in the United States on January 11, 2011
    Verified Purchase
    As an Agnostic in the Midwest, answering a child's questions about how things came to be can often be difficult if you are trying to avoid them being ostracized at a very young age. This book helps answer many of those questions in a way that is not likely to promote her being ridiculed, and my 4-year-old daughter LOVES it. It is easy for her to understand as I read it and she is full of wonderful insight and questions. She is enthralled with science and I believe this book's telling of our universe's story will give her a head start on free thinking as she grows and develops. And she absolutely loves the artwork and being able to identify different parts of the illustrations. I would definitely recommend this book!
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Shawna
    5.0 out of 5 stars Kids and Adults Love These Books!
    Reviewed in the United States on June 10, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    Super great! I recommend the whole series to anyone with kids or who is interested in science. Each painting is beautiful and artistic. The book is written in beautiful narrative, like the universe is telling us her story. I read it in my class every year, starting with the first one in the series, Born With a Bang! In the back of the book it shows each page, very small, with more scientific information, so you or your children can learn more about each stage in history.
    Helpful
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  • Marcia
    5.0 out of 5 stars my daughter loves this book, and so do i!
    Reviewed in the United States on September 3, 2007
    Verified Purchase
    i was a little unsure about getting a book that made the universe a consciousness being. but i have to say that the way in which this book, and the first in the series, are written is very easy to read, and very easy to understand. some books in this genre are harder to read, because they are more like text books with words. this book flows smoothly, and reads like a story book, and keeps my daughters interest the whole way through. my daughter is always asking me to "read the universe story" and "read the lava book!" i have not purchased the 3rd in the series, but after reading the first 2, i will definitely be purchasing this author's take on evolution!
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Kurtulus Alic
    5.0 out of 5 stars Can keep the attention span of a 5 year old on a hard topic
    Reviewed in the United States on January 2, 2009
    Verified Purchase
    This book manages to tell the story of the earth interesting for kids. The topic is hard even for adults and yet the book succesfully achieves to be interesting. My five year old can keep his attention on the book (I can read the book in one go). Pictures are interesting and the timeline tracker is useful. My son likes to tell the story to his nanny using the timeline tracker and the pictures. The author has two more science books for kids, which I would also recommend.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Lisa
    5.0 out of 5 stars We both love the text and the illustrations
    Reviewed in the United States on January 23, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    A lot of good scientific information in a very readable form, with great art and illustrations. The "moral of the story" is that you are a part of an every-changing universe that loves you, which appeals to kids and does not contradict anyone's religion. You can identify this loving spirit with God or not, according to your beliefs. My seven-year-old and I will read this several times.
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  • Melly Keegan
    5.0 out of 5 stars Montessori must have!
    Reviewed in the United States on February 15, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    I teach Montessori 1st -3rd grade and I am IN LOVE with this book! It is the perfect companion to the timeline of life. It challenges my kids but is not too intellectual to understand. Buy this book!!
    4 people found this helpful
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  • TONYA CATER
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great resource for teaching evolution
    Reviewed in the United States on May 16, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    Jennifer Morgan' series has done such a wonderful job finding a way to blend evolution with spirituality of creation. How great is it when you are able to teach your children that science and religion are both right. Thank you Jennifer Morgan. I look forward to using these with my children when we cover the five great lessons in Montessori style education this year.
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Logidelic
    5.0 out of 5 stars Reads like it was written by Carl Sagan
    Reviewed in Canada on June 7, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    If you are a fan of Cosmos, Carl Sagan, Spinoza, or just life, the universe, and everything, you will probably love this book. Personally I'm in awe. It's beautiful and the best big-picture book for kids I've read. Adults will likely learn a thing or two (or 10) as well.
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  • A. R. Minty
    5.0 out of 5 stars Gives children the 'other' option
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 23, 2011
    Verified Purchase
    I bought this to answer questions from my 5 year old about the teachings at school, which focus on creationist beliefs. Without prejudicing either option I explained this side to her and she was thrilled. Bought the full collection and she frequently refers to the content. Adult involvement is required for reading at her age, but I would think in a year or two she would be fully capable of self-reading these.
    Highly recommended.
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  • K. Best
    5.0 out of 5 stars This book is amazing. This series is amazing
    Reviewed in Canada on January 17, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    This book is amazing. This series is amazing. I read it to my grade 6 class during our diversity of life unit. They hung on every word. When given the option of stopping half way through and doing an activity (with playdough no less!) they all opted to keep hearing the story. Their story.

    Told as a story, this book is as captivating as it is real. Written in a way that is easy to absorb and understand, this book doesn't dance around the facts, using scientific vocabulary that the kids just love to learn. It is accessible without insulting their intelligence.

    If you are lucky enough to be a Montessori teacher, this book is a MUST when working on the timeline of life.

    Amazing. I only have good things to say. Oh, and the pictures are beautiful!
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  • sharlie
    5.0 out of 5 stars Good read
    Reviewed in Canada on July 17, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    This is an amazing series and highly complementary to the Montessori classroom.
    Report
  • Eliot
    4.0 out of 5 stars Great Book About Our Universe !!!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 12, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    Great Book About Our Universe !!!
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