3.5 Stars

This is my first book in the Little People, Big Dreams Series, so I didn’t know what to expect. I got the book only for Steve Irwin, someone I considered a hero since I was a child. 

The illustrations are vibrant and cute. They get the details right, be it Terri’s hairstyle or little Robert’s bald head. The book also has the iconic scene of Steve feeding the crocs (as a part of the weekly program for the audiences) at the Australia Zoo. 

Apart from that, the content is bare minimum, or maybe it feels that way since I’ve watched countless episodes over the years (including the latest ones with Bindi and family). I also follow them on Instagram, so what I found in this book feels like a highly glossed version. 

While I appreciate the care taken to avoid death in kiddo books, I think it should have been mentioned. This is nonfiction, after all. The teeny text (two paragraphs of summary) at the end doesn’t count. However, I do appreciate the pictures included with it. 

To summarize, the book would work as the first step to introduce Steve Irwin to children. It doesn’t have much to say, though. I usually enjoy the publisher’s books, but maybe my expectations didn’t align with the series format. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Frances Lincoln Children's Books, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#SteveIrwin #NetGalley