Steve Irwin is a great addition to the Little People, Big Dreams series. The illustrations by Sonny Ross bring Maria Isabel Sanchez Vergara's words to life.
Each of the biographies always starts by introducing the reader to the child. Young Steve loved animals and he caught his first crocodile when he was 9 and thus began his campaign to save the crocodiles and he was awarded the nickname - The Crocodile Hunter. It was this moniker that would stay with him for the rest of his life. Steve's foray into television captured his fun, zany personality and he was incredibly popular all around the world Unfortunately, Steve died in a freak accident but his legacy was left with his family, and they now run a charity dedicated to protecting animals.

Irwin's life story is also captured in the timeline at the back of the book should older readers wish to learn a little bit more about The Crocodile Hunter.

Another fantastic Little People, Big Dreams book about the conservationist Steve Irwin. I really wanted to read this one because having not watched his stuff as a child, I used to (and to be honest still did) quite often get Steve Irwin and Steve Backshall confused (definitely didn't help they're both called Steve) and that bothered me. So I really wanted to learn a bit more about Irwin and all the good he's done and I thought this book would be a good way to start that.
As always, I thought the way the information was presented in this was great. It of course started with his childhood and how his parents instilled his love of animals and helping them which I thought was lovely, and showed lots of the great things he did for animals throughout his life.
The illustrations were great and I love the fact that the series doesn't have all the same illustrator yet each one is always amazingly done. The full page immersive pictures have so much detail but aren't too busy for children, just a nice full scene. I definitely recommend this whole series and this one was fantastic too. I think it will definitely persuade children to care more about animals which is always a good thing.

Super cute! We love this series and this one definitely met expectations. It really focused on his love of animals. I wish it had talked more about his family but it’s a quick book for little ones.

This was a typical Little People Big World book. But is was very well done. I just wish they would mention that Steve died and that his family and others all over the world still do what he did for the protection of animals everywhere.

A delightful walk through Steve Irwin’s fascinating life. It’s lovely that this book explores his childhood and delves into where his fascination with wildlife came from. It’s beautifully and colourfully illustrated too. Steve’s death is mentioned briefly at the end (not in the main story) and described as a tragic accident. It’s suitable for younger readers and really focuses on his love for animals and his legacy rather than his untimely death. A lovely book.

Absolutely love all the books in this series. Very educational and insightful especially for the young ones. Can't wait too see the other books.

5★
“He was nine when he tried to catch a crocodile by jumping on its back for the first time.”

Typical Aussie boy trick – not! Steve Irwin became a household name around the world. He came by his love for animals honestly.

My Goodreads review includes an illustration with the caption:
“His mother was a nurse who dreamed of raising kangaroos, and his father was a plumber with a passion for reptiles.”

His parents moved the family to Queensland and opened Beerwah Reptile and Fauna Park when Steve was eight. Steve used to pick up wounded animals on his way to school and then look after them at home. They protected snakes and crocodiles too. He’d go out with his father to find some that needed saving and relocating.

When he was older, he went out into the bush to save crocodiles on his own.

My Goodreads review includes an illustration with the caption:
“He was so good at rescuing the most dangerous animals that he soon became Australia’s top 'croc catcher.'”

Later, when he was managing the park and demonstrating working with crocodiles for tourists, he spotted his future wife, Terri – love at first sight!

My Goodreads review includes an illustration with the caption:
“Their honeymoon was one of a kind! They spent it rescuing and relocating crocodiles and filming a wildlife documentary called 'The Crocodile Hunter.' The show was so successful that they decided to turn it into a television series.”

I remember watching the first documentary and commenting that it would have been nice to hear an Aussie narrate. But I said it was smart for Terri to do it because, as well as being part of the family, she has a pleasant American accent that would be easy for Americans to understand.

I grew up in the States and know how many Americans have trouble with their own regional accents, let alone those from another country. Closed captions mean I can now enjoy many shows from Ireland and the UK that I would struggle with. But I digress.

My Goodreads review includes an illustration with the caption:
“When the first episode aired … crikey!
It became a hit, not just in Australia but all over the world.”

“Crikey!” became a hit, too, and is often the first thing someone says when Steve’s name is mentioned.

He encourage a love of all animals, even those that terrify us, and he and Terri decided to grow their park into Australia Zoo, a place to protect and introduce all kinds of animals to the public.

My Goodreads review includes an illustration with the caption:
“He turned it into one of the best zoos in the world—not just for the visitors but for the animals. And while the zoo expanded … so did the Irwin family!”

They began buying more land for conservation and founded Wildlife Warriors, a charity to protect the natural environment and the habitat of endangered animals around the world.

He has left a legacy possibly better than he could have dreamed of, although he dreamed pretty big. He is as big a household name today as he was when he died in 2006. I’m a fan of his work and am glad to see his name added to this collection of children’s biographies.

As always, there is a bit more detail at the end with four black and white photos, a couple of which I’ll share here.
My Goodreads review includes an illustration with two photos.

I can’t help adding a glimpse of Australia Zoo as it is today.

My Goodreads review includes an illustration with a quote from the Zoo's website:
“Conservation Shows: Crikey! Get up close and personal to our amazing animals and experience all the wildlife action at our daily shows.” https://www.australiazoo.com.au/experiences-australia-zoo/

Cute introduction to The Crocodile Hunter. Thanks to #NetGalley and Frances Lincoln Children’s Book for the copy for review of #SteveIrwin. [I trust they will correct the dates under the photos in my copy. 😊]

Another staple within the Little People, Big Dreams series, this was wonderful to read. I grew up loving Steve Irwin, but I never knew much about him as a person before reading this book. The illustrations are just as adorable as I've come to expect with these books, and the tale of Steve Irwin's background was like a warm walk through the outback.

Thank you to the author, Frances Lincoln Children's Books and NetGalley, for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is another in the well-known "Little People, Big Dreams" series and as always it highlights an interesting person who made a special contribution to society. Steve Irwin certainly fits the bill as one of the most celebrated conservationists in the world, who used his celebrity to great effect. As always the illustrations are wonderful, and this is a good stepping stone to talk to young children about the need to take care of our natural world and its creatures.

This book is amazing! Growing up Steve Irwin was my idol, so naturally I was intrigued by this book and it exceeded my expectations. I loved the level of detail included and all the images were so cute! I absolutely recommend this book and will be purchasing it for my collection!

Book 131 of 200 ~ 2023

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

I absolutely love this series. It presents people who went from ordinary to superheroes. I feel that they will encourage the little readers about their journey to success in a fun, easy to read way.

Kudos to the dynamic combination of author and illustrator who have made this one of my fave series.

I miss Steve Irwin. Such a ray of sunshine in this world with his antics and enthusiasm.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you @netgalley

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Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara pens a wonderful introduction to the larger-than-life Steve Irwin. Starting the book when Irwin was young shows the deep roots of Irwin's passion for wildlife, especially the creatures that many fear or consider monstrous. Sonny Ross's cute and appealing illustrations help keep the reader engaged in both Irwin's life and the animals he cared so deeply for.

While the final section that delves a bit deeper into Irwin's life could've added more nuance, perhaps this is an expectation beyond the considerations for this children's series.

My thanks to Quarto Group - Francis Lincoln Children’s Books for a temporary digital edition via NetGalley of ‘Steve Irwin’ by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara with illustrations by Sonny Ross.

This is No. 104 in the critically acclaimed Little People, BIG DREAMS series of illustrated mini-biographies for readers aged 4-7. Each volume introduces children to the lives of public figures across a variety of fields, stressing how their childhood led to the fulfilment of their aspirations.

I was delighted to see that Australian environmentalist Steve Irwin was the latest subject in this delightful series as I have long admired him for his work with conservation and wildlife along with his continuing legacy.

Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara has a knack of distilling the essence of her subjects’ lives. Here the text stresses how Steve was inspired from a young age by his parents and likewise passed on his commitment to wildlife and nature to his own children, who have continued his work.

The last panel notes that Steve Irwin’s memory continues to inspire many throughout the world. This sensitive approach allows for parents to address Irwin’s death if their children raise the question. His death is also mentioned in the closing biographical timeline. There are also suggestions for further reading.

I found Manchester artist Sonny Ross’ artwork especially appealing. He captures Irwin’s positivity as well as depicts his beloved crocs in a number of natural settings. His use of colour was outstanding, conveying an upbeat mood.

I am always happy to recommend this charming series to parents, guardians, educators, and librarians as they provide an accessible introduction to biography and nonfiction to young readers.

I got this on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review!

I really love this series of non-fiction books, and this was no different! I really felt like this captured Steve Irwin's vibe, and put a great spotlight on his legacy and life. Great little book to introduce kids to Steve Irwin, but also to protecting the planets and how humans behave towards wildlife.

Definitely recommend!

I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are my own opinions.


A beautiful tribute to a wonderful man who was inspired by a generation of children to respect the earth and all its residents. Watching his kids become just as passionate as he was is wonderful to see. I do wish the way of his passing was mentioned for educational purposes. I think teaching kids about safety is important.

Super cute illustrations and story! I am disappointed in the formatting of this eARC though as while I got the chance to read it, I had yet to read it to my kids before it was archived and I no longer have access to it...

The Little People, Big Dreams series is amazing with some really Influential people. This one is about the amazing, deeply missed Steve Irwin. His legacy has and will always be cherished and continued with his family. The artwork is gorgeously beautiful. Absolutely recommend.

As a family that have purchased the collection of 'Little People, Big Dreams' it was such an honor to be able to read the ARC of Steve Irwin. The illustrations were beautiful, and the story of his life was written in such a wonderful way. My children can't wait to get their hands of the book and to be able to further dig into the working of Steve and his family.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for my honest review!

I really love this series, this book will absolutely be added to my library's collection. The illustrations are beautiful and captivating, perfect for making non-fiction interesting for youth readers. The biography itself is compelling and concise. It reads like a story, so it would be a great read-aloud for young children, while also being perfect for those who can read on their own and are looking to learn about Steve Irwin.

The latest in the. series of Little People Big Dreams deals with Steve Irwin, Steve was and still remains a huge influence on wildlife conservation following his untimely death. A very quick run through of his life and work in the series that speaks to younger children on how they influenced the world. Steve's legacy is carried on by his wife and children. Another valuable addition to the series.