Starred Review in Kirkus:
In this appealing picture-book introduction to cosmology, a cumulative rhyme presents the "big bang" theory of the origin and development of the universe and the idea that humans, along with everything else, are made of star stuff. Each double-page spread is illustrated with Davis's lively supportive graphics done with pencil, cut paper and prints and digitally composed; each includes a breezy paragraph of more comprehensive explanation. The pages explode with color: vibrant oranges, yellows, pinks, purples and grayed greens. At first the "House that Jack Built" text tumbles, too, becoming more orderly as the chaos of the beginning structures itself into stars, the Earth and finally its inhabitants. A final timeline summarizes the chronological narrative, balancing 300,000 years on the left with nearly five billion years on the right but noting that it is not done to scale. A glossary offers more precise definitions of the terms used. This simple but effective presentation of a complicated theoretical model, the most commonly accepted explanation of the universe's beginnings, will delight early readers and listeners with its personal connection. (Informational picture book. 5-9)
Through a traditional folktale format of cumulative rhyming lines, this book can be read in several ways. The rhymes serve as a structure for the book, but the real pleasure is in the scientific facts that are presented with flair and an eagerness that make them fun to read. Young readers will learn about the Big Bang, how stars were created, and how our planet and humans came about. The book ends with a colorful timeline and a glossary of terms.
Fox’s rhyming is catchy and sound. Her scientific information is interesting and a pleasure to read. Featuring strong colors, deep contrasts and vivid design, Davis’ illustrations are dynamic. They have a timeless feel that is very appropriate for the subject, yet they are definitely modern in feel as well.
A great nonfiction picture book on a subject that will intrigue young readers, this picture book will not sit still on shelves for long. Appropriate for ages 4 to 8.
School Library Journal
Gr 2 to 6 -- Fox and Davis tackle the challenge of creating an engaging read-aloud about the Big Bang theory with energy and style. Employing the structure of a familiar nursery rhyme, the text takes readers through the steps of the universe's expansion: "This is the BANG when the world began./These are the bits that were born in the bang when the world began." A text box on each spread offers a clear, concise explanation of what happened in that particular stage of the universe. Fittingly, the illustrations start off chaotically, relying on abstract blobs of color and use of textual design. Gradually, as the universe orders itself, the artwork resolves into familiar shapes: the Earth, animals, people. Both author and illustrator hang the child appeal of the book on the concept that the same atoms present at the beginning of the universe make up our world today; in essence, each child is "as old as the universe itself." --Kathleen Kelly MacMillan, Carroll County Public Library, MD
"How old are you?" It's a question many people as on meeting a child for the first time.
Older Than the Stars would be an unexpected answer--but it's logical coming from a child who has enjoyed this exciting picture book. Cumulative text follows the familiar nursery-rhyme format of "This is the house that Jack built." What is being built isn't a house, though, it's the universe.
The cheerful rhyme uses simple terms for the read-aloud crowd, like "bits" and "dust" for protons and atom clouds, while boxed sidebars add details for elementary-school readers. Based on the most recent scientific discoveries, the book explains how atoms are recycled. Just imagine!--Our bodies contain bits of primeval dust, and the oxygen in our lungs was probably once breathed by dinosaurs.
Many elements combine to form our world, and different forms of art--from simple potato prints to computer graphics--come together here in strikingly appropriate illustrations. This amazing science book for young children ends with a timeline of the universe, covering billions of years.