Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Jeff Corwin: A Wild Life: The Authorized Biography

Rate this book
A fascinating look at the real Jeff Corwin!

From growing up in an urban community near Boston, to falling in love with snakes, to traveling to exotic places, to becoming a beloved Emmy Award-winning television host of Animal Planet, this authorized biography will give readers a first-hand look at Jeff's amazing and adventurous life. Based on extensive research and one-on-one interviews with Jeff, kids will get an honest telling of Jeff Corwin's incredible journey from child nature enthusiast to naturalist and animal specialist.

112 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

15 people are currently reading
412 people want to read

About the author

Jeff Corwin

51 books36 followers
JEFF CORWIN
Wildlife biologist
Emmy-winning host

Emmy winner Jeff Corwin has been working for the conservation of endangered species and ecosystems around the world since he was a teenager. Animal Planet audiences best know Jeff as host of THE JEFF CORWIN EXPERIENCE, one of the most popular shows on cable television. The series reaches over 13 million viewers in the United States and is viewed in more than 70 countries worldwide.

Since 2000, Jeff has partnered with Animal Planet and Discovery Communications as host and executive producer of THE JEFF CORWIN EXPERIENCE. He also serves as the executive producer of the new series CORWIN'S QUEST. His first book, Living on the Edge: Amazing Relationships in the Natural World from Rodale Publishing, is now in paperback.

When not in the field, Jeff lectures on wildlife, ecology and conservation to audiences across the United States. Jeff also established an interactive museum and environmental education center called the EcoZone. Based in Norwell, Mass., the town where Jeff spent his childhood, the goal of the EcoZone is to build awareness for the wildlife and ecology unique to the wetlands of southeastern Massachusetts.

Now an expert in rainforest animals, Jeff was first introduced to the tropical rain forests in 1984, while on an expedition to Belize. The experience fueled his interest in the study and conservation of these ecological marvels. In 1993, Jeff addressed the General Assembly of the United Nations regarding the need to conserve neotropical rain forests. By 1994, Jeff had served as expedition naturalist for THE JASON PROJECT, the acclaimed documentary series produced by National Geographic and EDS under the direction of Robert Ballard.

Jeff has bachelor of science degrees in biology and anthropology from Bridgewater State College, and a master of science degree in wildlife and fisheries conservation from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. In 1999, Bridgewater State College honored Jeff with a doctorate in public education for his work in communicating about the need for a sustainable approach to using natural resources and the importance of conserving endangered species. Jeff firmly believes that through education and awareness, the natural resources, wildlife and ecosystems that make up our planet will be conserved for future generations.

Jeff's winning personality, combined with his camera-friendly good looks, led editors to choose him as one of People Magazine's "50 Most Beautiful People" and he was included on the highly regarded Entertainment Weekly "It List." In October 2003, Jeff made a guest appearance as himself on the popular television series CSI: Miami. Other television appearances include the Today Show, Good Morning America, CBS Morning Show, Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Access Hollywood, Extra and Oprah. In 2004, Jeff won an Emmy for best performer in a children's series.

When not traveling the world, Jeff can be found at his eclectic home off the coast of Massachusetts, which is decorated with unique and unusual artifacts from his globe-trotting. He lives with his wife Natasha and daughter Maya Rose.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
74 (36%)
4 stars
47 (23%)
3 stars
41 (20%)
2 stars
23 (11%)
1 star
17 (8%)
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
Profile Image for J.
3,548 reviews27 followers
July 5, 2017
I was raised it seemed like in a pretty green-focused decade. Not only was it focused on the world around you, which I appreciated but it also brought forth some interesting characters to teach such as Jack Hannah and John Acorn. Steven Irwin and Jeff Corwin were actually some of the latest ones on the scene while I was more attracted to watching Corwin then the former thus the interest in this book.

Unfortunately his other book that I already have was a lot more interesting and educational to me about this man than his authorized biography. In his book you could hear Corwin and the message passed through even though most of it was based on the animals of specific habits. Unfortunately in this one you can tell the writing isn't by Corwin himself since the voice isn't right and the author who did compile this was making sure to ring the laurels of this hard-working man. Yes a man of his caliber should be recognized but if he is humble then I should think it would be silent bell ringing that would catch the attention of the reader than a loud trumpeting.

Furthermore it didn't go much into other details of his animal life as one would think should be given for a naturalist but instead focused on the accomplishments. All in all the writing was decent and easy to understand so for a child who may be interested in becoming a naturalist this book may be an encouraging read to get them to go forth. Otherwise for the Corwin fan you may pick up a few new facts but it is best to look into other Corwin books for the man behind the scenes.
Profile Image for Liz (Quirky Cat).
4,844 reviews79 followers
August 15, 2023
Book Summary:

Jeff Corwin is one of several animal advocates that a generation grew up watching. He never hesitated to throw himself into the wild, teaching children (and adults) about everything and anything he could find. He still does this, in fact.

He was a host of Animal Planet and the face of several other wildlife shows. And this is his biography – how it all came to be, including his love of animals.

My Review:

I will date myself a bit by saying this – but I grew up loving Jeff Corwin and his shows. I shared his enthusiasm for animals; thus, his shows were always an (informative) delight to watch. I remember the day he came to my school for a show – it made my year.

Anyway, my point is that I just had to read Jeff Corwin: A Wild Life. In truth, I wish I had known about this when I was younger. The biography is interesting but certainly written for a slightly younger audience.

The good news is that the stories and anecdotes are perfect. They go a long way to explain his life and love. They also highlight certain aspects of his life, which I appreciated. Read this book if you love Jeff Corwin and want to learn more about his life.

Highlights:
Animal Lover
Biography
Jeff Corwin!

Trigger Warnings:
Personal Injury (animal bites, etc.)
Animal Death

52 Books in 52 Weeks Reading Challenge 2023 Prompt - A second-hand book
Read Harder 2023 Challenge Prompt - Read an author local to you

Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks | Quirky Cat's Comics | The Book Review Crew | Monkeys Fighting Robots | Storygraph | Bookhype | Bookstagram | Twitter | Tumblr | Reedsy
219 reviews
April 8, 2012
This was really interesting. I was surprised at all the things that Jeff Corwin has done in his life. It was fun to read about him when he was a kid - the exploring he would do, and the animals he would fine. This is a great book for any kid who is an animal or nature lover.
Profile Image for Heidi.
2,828 reviews64 followers
May 3, 2011
With so many biographies written to be used for reports, it's very refreshing to find one that provides a fun and entertaining look at its subject. This book is very readable and the photographs included provide a glimpse of some of the adventures Jeff has been on (my favorite is the picture of him 'sleeping' next to a rhino.) Highly recommended, especially for students who think biographies have to be boring and about dead people.
Profile Image for Rachna.
537 reviews50 followers
June 25, 2013
Jeff Corwin has been a favourite in our home. His enthusiasm, knowledge, and wackiness makes his shows serve its purpose - education through entertainment.

The book is meant for younger readers to get them interested in wild life by telling them how Jeff started out. Although the language is that of a school essay, there is no denying that an actual biography would be very interesting.
Profile Image for Starr Elementary.
176 reviews2 followers
April 8, 2012
This was really interesting. I was surprised at all the things that Jeff Corwin has done in his life. It was fun to read about him when he was a kid - the exploring he would do, and the animals he would fine. This is a great book for any kid who is an animal or nature lover.
Profile Image for Mckinley.
9,892 reviews82 followers
August 10, 2016
Interesting life. I admire his outreach and community efforts. I found his writing in this sounding like when adults dumb down to speak with children. While this is clearly for a young adult audience, I wish it was less condescending because that's not the impression I have of Mr. Corwin.
Profile Image for Steve.
342 reviews
February 21, 2012
Obviously written for a much younger audience than myself, but still a few interesting facts and a little insight into that crazy snake guy.
Profile Image for Andrew Fast.
346 reviews3 followers
October 15, 2012
It may be juvenile but a great read with insight you can knock out in an evening is not always a bad thing, for what it is I'd recommend everyone give it a read!
Profile Image for Shannon.
539 reviews1 follower
February 22, 2014
Nice biography for an elementary audience.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.