A natural storyteller

Amblyrhynchus cristatus (iguana) in Galapagos, Ecuador, in a photo taken by Sinclair Stammers.[Photo provided to China Daily]

"As a fan of nature-themed documentaries, I'm as familiar with Attenborough's voice as I am familiar with that of Zhao Zhongxiang, who hosted the Chinese Animal World documentaries," Xia says.

Compared to other books about evolution she read, Life on Earth tells a consistent story with a clear view of how animals and plants evolve and adapt to their environment, according to Xia. "Such a consistent storytelling approach has made it easier for readers to understand the science of evolution," she adds.

The book has 13 chapters, telling stories from the infinite variety of flora and fauna to the way animals communicate.

The book is worth reading multiple times, Xia claims. "As for myself, I was inspired to study more about the effects of continental drift on animals and plants," she says, adding that the book also encouraged her to study the environment and biodiversity in Xishuangbanna.