Customer Reviews

The Crocodile Hunter: The Incredible Life and Adventures of Steve and Terri Irwin

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I am already a big fan of "The Crocodile Hunter" TV show, so I was thrilled to learn that Steve and Terri Irwin had written a book about their true-life adventures. Actually, I am a "huge" fan of the show. I wondered, however, if the book would contain anything that I didn't already know from watching the "Crocodile Hunter" series. Sure enough, I learned even more about this incredible couple who spend just about every waking hour advancing wildlife conservation. Steve's childhood was a joy to read about, as well as the many crocodile adventures he actually lived through to see the light of another day. Terri's description of how they met and married was a delight. In true "Crocodile Hunter" style, Steve's stories jump off the pages to grab you. For an instant, I was right along side Steve wrestling the biggest crocodiles you ever saw! Steve and Terri's love of wildlife is contagious and their continuous promotion of wildlife causes around the world is truly a genuine endeavor. Reading this book brought to mind the time I personally met Terri Irwin. She was as feminine and genuine as they come, but when I shook her hand, it was obvious that she really does physically work at the Australia Zoo. I was impressed! Steve and Terri live their lives the way they say they do, and the reader of this book will get a look into their private world as well. This adventure book is a true delight!

Steve Irwin, Animal Planet's "Crocodile Hunter", and his wife/co-star Terri, bring their wildlife adventures to book form, and it works pretty well.

The hardback book has excellent production value - glossy pages and loads of color photos. Very niuce, and informative if you don't know what a perentie looks like.

Steve's persona on tv - that of the highly excitable wildman who picks up venomous snakes and wrestles gigantic crocodiles - is no act. He describes it as merely having an enthusiasm for wildlife, and that enthusiasm is contagious. The book tells of how he developed this love of animals (basically, he was raised with it). Terri tells of how they met and fell head over heels in love at first sight. On their first date, Steve told her "You're not at all ladylike!" (which he meant as a compliment, it's sweet, in a weird way).

Neither of the Irwins are particularly stylish writers. The phrase "passion for wildlife" is repeated often, making the text occasionally sound repetetive, though not insincere. Still, both are gifted storytellers. Just like their tv show, the book draws you in to their world. You feel like you're right there with them trying to save a giant reptile that's trying to rip you apart.

If the book has a shortcoming (aside from the minor fact that some of the tales will be familiar to regular viewers of the tv show) it's that it is too short. Steve does impart a good deal of knowledge about his beloved wildlife, but could have explained more. For example, he tells that apex predators like crocodiles are key to the health of an ecosystem - true, but he doesn't elaborate on why. Terri tells informative and fascinating anecdotes about caring for a wide variety of creatures at the Australia Zoo. I wanted more of those.

Overall, the book does a good job in its primary mission: making you interested in animals, so that you'll care enough to try to fight for their survival.

If you're an avid viewer of "The Crocodile Hunter", as I am, than this book is a must have. True, much of the information in can be picked up from the show. However, I actually enjoyed reading about Steve and Terri's adventures a bit more than watching them. You learn more about their families and what motivates them. After reading the book, I've developed a desire to learn more about wildlife conservation and what part I can play in it. I would highly recommend this book for any animal lover or Crocodile Hunter fan.

I'm a big fan of the Crocodile Hunter shows and I found this to be a nice book for fans. Large color photos of Steve, Terri, their young daughter, some other family members and zoo crew, and many animals, of course. Chapters alternate between being written by Steve and Terri with the last chapter written by Wes Mannion, Australia zoo director and (as those who watch the shows know) Steve's best friend. It was nice to read about Steve's start with animals, also Terri's. Fans don't know a lot about her so it was interesting to hear about her background and read her anecdotes.

The problem is that this book is really quite short (written in large print) and there isn't that much here that you don't already know if you watch the shows. They repeat a lot of what you see and hear on the shows, but at the same time, they seem to assume that you watch them. That strange combination made for a slightly unsatisfying book. On TV and in print, Steve and Terri seem so perfect, matched perfectly, so good on camera, zoo managers without compare - it's like they're manufactured characters instead of real people. I was hoping this book would humanize them - I'd still love them if they showed their flaws and I'm sure so would their other fans. The book is good but it didn't let me feel that I cracked the Irwin facade. I guess we have to wait for a biography rather than autobiography for that.

I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Teri Irwin at their Zoo last year at her book signing.
I was in Austrailia for the month in December with my family we even stood at the Glass House Mountian Beerwah Motel which is were she staid when she first met him, it's mentioned in the book,she is just as amazing as her Best Mate!
The book really gives you a sense of how they care about conservation and wild life and each other you can feel thier passion. I highly recommend this book to any fan of the Croc Hunter and if you ever get a chance go vist the Zoo T.V. doesn't do it justice.Austrailia is an amazing Country I liked it so much I bought some property and can't wait to go back.

Any who've seen the television show about Steve Irwin and his Australian animal management will find Crocodile Hunter a fascinating blend of autobiography and natural history. Here Steve and his wife recount some of their most dangerous adventures, share experiences of their lives, and pepper their lively text with color photos of crocodiles and other wild animals. A real treat both for prior fans and for newcomers to the show.

An outstanding read! Just as informative and entertaining as their show. We're saving the book to have it autographed when we finally get to visit Australia. Anyone who enjoys their exploits on television will definitely enjoy a "back-stage" browse through their lives and times. I admire and respect the choices and hard work they've chosen to try and convince humans to care for their environment. Good luck and hope to see more shows on TV in the future. Sara & Daryl Nichols - previously of Eugene, Oregon.

I am already a big fan of the crocodile hunter. This summer I bought this particular book, with the understanding that I might not find anything also out that I hadn't already seen on the television show. However I was proven wrong, there were stories that had not been mentioned on the television show that were in this book. Not only were there sections on Terri and Steve, but there were also sections on Bindi Sue (their daughter) and Wes (Steve's best friend). This is a great book to add to any collection especially if you love the Crocodile Hunter Show.

I thought that this book was wonderful! I loved learning about Steve & Terri's lives. If you are a croc hunter fan like I am then this is the book for you! The relationship between Terri & Steve is wonderful! I would love my marriage to follow the example of theirs!

It is a great book! Please read it and Enjoy!

This book is a treasure, for those who loved Steve and Terri Irwin. It is filled with wonderful photos of their lives together, and written in an easy to read style. I love having it on my coffee table as a reference book, and it helps to keep Steve's memory alive.