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Doctor Dolittle #8
Doctor Doolittle in the Moon
"With 70 illustrations in black-and-white by the Author." Pictorial endpapers and titlepage. B/w illus throughout. "Tells of his adventures in the moon, whither he journeys on the back of a giant moth, with Tommy Stubbins, Chee-Chee and Polynesia...He finds vegetables and insects play a larger part than they do on earth...What with whispering vines and singing forests, the doctor finds full scope for his clever faculty of learning new languages."
307 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1928
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560 people want to read
About the author
Hugh Lofting
381 books185 followersHugh Lofting was a British author, trained as a civil engineer, who created the character of Doctor Dolittle — one of the classics of children's literature.
Lofting was born in Maidenhead, England, to English and Irish parents. His early education was at Mount St Mary's College in Sheffield, after which he went to the United States, completing a degree in civil engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
He traveled widely as a civil engineer before enlisting in the Irish Guards to serve in World War I. Not wishing to write to his children of the brutality of the war, he wrote imaginative letters that were the foundation of the successful Doctor Dolittle novels for children. Seriously wounded in the war, he moved with his family to Connecticut in the United States. Lofting was married three times and had three children, one of whom, his son Christopher, is the executor of his literary estate.
"For years it was a constant source of shock to me to find my writings amongst 'juveniles,'" Lofting reported. "It does not bother me any more now, but I still feel there should be a category of 'seniles' to offset the epithet."
Doctor Dolittle
Hugh Lofting's doctor from Puddleby-on-the-Marsh who could speak to animals first saw light in the author's illustrated letters to children, written from the trenches during World War I when actual news, he later said, was either too horrible or too dull. The stories are set in early Victorian England, (in and around the 1840s, according to a date given in The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle). The Story of Doctor Dolittle: Being the History of His Peculiar Life at Home and Astonishing Adventures in Foreign Parts Never Before Printed (1920) began the series and won the Lewis Carroll Shelf Award in 1958.The sequel, The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle (1922), won Lofting the prestigious Newbery Medal. Eight more books followed, and after Lofting's death two more volumes, composed of short unpublished pieces, appeared. The series has been adapted for film and television many times, for stage twice, and for radio.
Other Works for Children
The Story of Mrs Tubbs (1923) and Tommy, Tilly, and Mrs. Tubbs (1936) are picture books aimed at a younger audience than the Doctor Dolittle books. They concern the titular old woman, her pets (with whom she can speak) and the animals who help her out of trouble.
Porridge Poetry (1924) is the only non-Dolittle work by Lofting still in print. It is a lighthearted, colorfully illustrated book of poems for children.
Noisy Nora (1929) is a cautionary tale about a girl who is a noisy eater. The book is printed as if hand-written, and the many illustrations often merge with the text.
The Twilight of Magic (1930) is aimed at older readers. It is set in an age when magic is dying and science is beginning. This work is the only one of Lofting's books to be illustrated by another person (Lois Lenski).
Victory for the Slain
Victory for the Slain (1942) is Lofting's only work for adults, a single long poem in seven parts about the futility of war; the refrain "In war the only victors are the slain" permeates the poem. It was published only in the United Kingdom.
Lofting was born in Maidenhead, England, to English and Irish parents. His early education was at Mount St Mary's College in Sheffield, after which he went to the United States, completing a degree in civil engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
He traveled widely as a civil engineer before enlisting in the Irish Guards to serve in World War I. Not wishing to write to his children of the brutality of the war, he wrote imaginative letters that were the foundation of the successful Doctor Dolittle novels for children. Seriously wounded in the war, he moved with his family to Connecticut in the United States. Lofting was married three times and had three children, one of whom, his son Christopher, is the executor of his literary estate.
"For years it was a constant source of shock to me to find my writings amongst 'juveniles,'" Lofting reported. "It does not bother me any more now, but I still feel there should be a category of 'seniles' to offset the epithet."
Doctor Dolittle
Hugh Lofting's doctor from Puddleby-on-the-Marsh who could speak to animals first saw light in the author's illustrated letters to children, written from the trenches during World War I when actual news, he later said, was either too horrible or too dull. The stories are set in early Victorian England, (in and around the 1840s, according to a date given in The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle). The Story of Doctor Dolittle: Being the History of His Peculiar Life at Home and Astonishing Adventures in Foreign Parts Never Before Printed (1920) began the series and won the Lewis Carroll Shelf Award in 1958.The sequel, The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle (1922), won Lofting the prestigious Newbery Medal. Eight more books followed, and after Lofting's death two more volumes, composed of short unpublished pieces, appeared. The series has been adapted for film and television many times, for stage twice, and for radio.
Other Works for Children
The Story of Mrs Tubbs (1923) and Tommy, Tilly, and Mrs. Tubbs (1936) are picture books aimed at a younger audience than the Doctor Dolittle books. They concern the titular old woman, her pets (with whom she can speak) and the animals who help her out of trouble.
Porridge Poetry (1924) is the only non-Dolittle work by Lofting still in print. It is a lighthearted, colorfully illustrated book of poems for children.
Noisy Nora (1929) is a cautionary tale about a girl who is a noisy eater. The book is printed as if hand-written, and the many illustrations often merge with the text.
The Twilight of Magic (1930) is aimed at older readers. It is set in an age when magic is dying and science is beginning. This work is the only one of Lofting's books to be illustrated by another person (Lois Lenski).
Victory for the Slain
Victory for the Slain (1942) is Lofting's only work for adults, a single long poem in seven parts about the futility of war; the refrain "In war the only victors are the slain" permeates the poem. It was published only in the United Kingdom.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
April 12, 2007
yes, it's a children's book about a man who talks to animals (and plants, in this case). it's also a collection of nice drawings. what i love it for, however, is lofting's thoughtful imaginings of what life would be like on the moon, not only the phantasmagorically evolved giant trees and moths (good indoctrination in Darwinism, too), but also what it would feel like to walk in low gravity, how far you could go in a step, to what extent the curvature of a smaller sphere would be evident to one used to the earth's size. and i will put the passage from the book's lonely middle about the comfort of the formerly forbidding stars up against anything you care to bring.
March 18, 2009
Doctor Dolittle in the Moon is the eighth book in the Dolittle series. It takes up the story directly from the end of the previous volume, Doctor Dolittle's Garden.
The storyline changed rather radically in the middle of the book; it represented a profound shift in tone. Instead of trying to cope with the foibles and difficulties of human society such as the Doctor's near-constant (albeit unwilling) need for money, the plot began to focus instead on exploration and mystery, as strange and unknown creatures and forces seemed to be impelling John Dolittle off the face of the Earth entirely.
Doctor Dolittle in the Moon continues in that new key. It presents an entirely new environment, the lunar environment: an apparent utopia. Utopias are often somewhat dull places, but Hugh Lofting's Moon (which is, of course, in utter violation of everything we know about the Moon today) is actually rather an interesting place. Lofting's descriptions are vivid and memorable, representing some of his best work. The sense of mystery is strong and intriguing. All in all, it's a refreshing change in this classic series.
I won't go into great detail. Here's the important thing: I read Doctor Dolittle in the Moon to my son, Sebastian, aged seven. He loved it. We've read the previous seven volumes over the last two or three years, and some of them were more or less interesting than others, but Doctor Dolittle in the Moon took the prize. I'd told him while reading one of the earlier books that Doctor Dolittle would eventually visit the moon, and he'd been looking forward to reading about the trip ever since. Even so, his reaction surprised me.
He had me bring the book in the car, to read to him driving to and from the train station (my wife was driving, not me!). He had me read it to him while he was flossing and brushing his teeth. The mystery of the identity of the Moon Man mesmerized him. And last night, he had me start reading to him early and stayed up late - we spent nearly two hours reading, until we finished the book. I had expected him to fall asleep, but instead he became more awake as the story progressed. Fortunately he fell asleep fairly quickly after I finished the book.
I'm fond of the book (my parents gave me a copy when I was young), but Sebastian loved it. I would have given it a four (or a 4.3 in a fractional scale), but he'd give it a solid "5". He's already very eager to start reading the sequel, Doctor Dolittle's Return.
A few notes: Unlike some of the earlier Dolittle books, this one has no racial or cultural issues which might provoke censorship (some of the earlier Dolittle books are badly bowdlerized). According to Wikipedia, Lofting originally intended this to be the final Dolittle book. If so, I don't know what changed his mind - but he wrote four more Dolittle books, as well as two related books.
Along with Doctor Dolittle's Return, this book represents one of the better-written and more interesting parts of the Dolittle series.
The storyline changed rather radically in the middle of the book; it represented a profound shift in tone. Instead of trying to cope with the foibles and difficulties of human society such as the Doctor's near-constant (albeit unwilling) need for money, the plot began to focus instead on exploration and mystery, as strange and unknown creatures and forces seemed to be impelling John Dolittle off the face of the Earth entirely.
Doctor Dolittle in the Moon continues in that new key. It presents an entirely new environment, the lunar environment: an apparent utopia. Utopias are often somewhat dull places, but Hugh Lofting's Moon (which is, of course, in utter violation of everything we know about the Moon today) is actually rather an interesting place. Lofting's descriptions are vivid and memorable, representing some of his best work. The sense of mystery is strong and intriguing. All in all, it's a refreshing change in this classic series.
I won't go into great detail. Here's the important thing: I read Doctor Dolittle in the Moon to my son, Sebastian, aged seven. He loved it. We've read the previous seven volumes over the last two or three years, and some of them were more or less interesting than others, but Doctor Dolittle in the Moon took the prize. I'd told him while reading one of the earlier books that Doctor Dolittle would eventually visit the moon, and he'd been looking forward to reading about the trip ever since. Even so, his reaction surprised me.
He had me bring the book in the car, to read to him driving to and from the train station (my wife was driving, not me!). He had me read it to him while he was flossing and brushing his teeth. The mystery of the identity of the Moon Man mesmerized him. And last night, he had me start reading to him early and stayed up late - we spent nearly two hours reading, until we finished the book. I had expected him to fall asleep, but instead he became more awake as the story progressed. Fortunately he fell asleep fairly quickly after I finished the book.
I'm fond of the book (my parents gave me a copy when I was young), but Sebastian loved it. I would have given it a four (or a 4.3 in a fractional scale), but he'd give it a solid "5". He's already very eager to start reading the sequel, Doctor Dolittle's Return.
A few notes: Unlike some of the earlier Dolittle books, this one has no racial or cultural issues which might provoke censorship (some of the earlier Dolittle books are badly bowdlerized). According to Wikipedia, Lofting originally intended this to be the final Dolittle book. If so, I don't know what changed his mind - but he wrote four more Dolittle books, as well as two related books.
Along with Doctor Dolittle's Return, this book represents one of the better-written and more interesting parts of the Dolittle series.
October 17, 2019
Doctor Dolittle rides a Lunar Moth to the Moon using Moon Flowers to provide oxygen for the trip. There he finds forest, lakes, rives, and jungles, along with insect and bird life. The animals have summoned him there to heal their illnesses, but nowhere can they find a sign of the animals. With Tommy Stubbins, Polynesia, and Chee-chee the monkey, the intrepid explorers trek across the dark side of the Moon, searching for answers and discovering strange and wondrous phenomena on the Moon.
I was absolutely fascinated by this story, and all the imaginative and strange wonders on the Moon. The Doctor is wonderful and kind as always, with a fiery energy and intelligence. The story is told from Tommy's perspective and he is an excellent narrator. I was so entranced with the crazy plot and the wild action, as well as the details of how the Doctor and his explorers survived, finding food and water, and fashioning clothing for themselves from bark and leaves.
It ends on a cliffhanger, so now I have to immediately read the next book in the series!
I was absolutely fascinated by this story, and all the imaginative and strange wonders on the Moon. The Doctor is wonderful and kind as always, with a fiery energy and intelligence. The story is told from Tommy's perspective and he is an excellent narrator. I was so entranced with the crazy plot and the wild action, as well as the details of how the Doctor and his explorers survived, finding food and water, and fashioning clothing for themselves from bark and leaves.
It ends on a cliffhanger, so now I have to immediately read the next book in the series!
October 11, 2020
To say I was surprised at how well this book holds up nearly a century after being written is an understatement.
As a naturalist myself, the entire concept of the council is beautiful. If for nothing else, read the book for a glimpse of how life could be, should our world not be enshrouded in fear. (This applies to all species that procreate too much, in an effort to keep their species going—out of fear.)
A life in balance, set on the moon.
It’s an easy read and for me, hard to put down. I loved reading how we thought of the moon a century ago; we were decades from the first and only landing on the moon. The pictures are quite cute, too—as if Dr. Seuss drew for the Sunday comics.
I’ve never read a Doolittle book before, and found this at an antique store. I expected a child’s book, but this was more than that. I’m curious to read more in the series!
As a naturalist myself, the entire concept of the council is beautiful. If for nothing else, read the book for a glimpse of how life could be, should our world not be enshrouded in fear. (This applies to all species that procreate too much, in an effort to keep their species going—out of fear.)
A life in balance, set on the moon.
It’s an easy read and for me, hard to put down. I loved reading how we thought of the moon a century ago; we were decades from the first and only landing on the moon. The pictures are quite cute, too—as if Dr. Seuss drew for the Sunday comics.
I’ve never read a Doolittle book before, and found this at an antique store. I expected a child’s book, but this was more than that. I’m curious to read more in the series!
January 15, 2021
I couldn't get on with this at all. The first half was remarkably mundane given the subject matter and the second half descended into utter gibberish.
My children, aged 7 and 10, liked it more than me. They particularly enjoyed spotting all the differences between this imagined moon and the real thing!
My children, aged 7 and 10, liked it more than me. They particularly enjoyed spotting all the differences between this imagined moon and the real thing!
December 11, 2016
http://nwhyte.livejournal.com/2704151.html
It's a very short book, the eighth of the series of twelve books about the Doctor who learns to talk to animals. The writer assumes that the reader has read the previous books in the series, particularly the immediately preceding Doctor Dolittle's Garden which apparently ends with the Doctor and friends borne to the Moon by a giant moth. So we start bang in the middle of the narrative, with no explanation of who any of the characters are or why they are doing what they are doing' it's a bit unnerving.
Then we get to the Moon, which owes a certain amount to Lucian of Samosata, with a couple of updates to take account of contemporary scientific knowledge (the lighter gravity, the shorter distance to the horizon; though by the 1920s it was pretty clear that there was no beathable atmosphere, let alone lush vegetation). The Doctor leantrs to talk to lunar plants, applying the techniques he has long employed for animals on Earth. The plot, such as it is, revolves around the race-memory of the formation of the moon passed down to the monkey Chee-Chee and the true identity of the Man in the Moon. It's interesting to note that the plants of the moon submit to a centrally planned schedule of reproduction so as to avoid exhausting their world's natural resources, but probably this should be read as vaguely utopian rather than anything more specific.
It's a very short book, the eighth of the series of twelve books about the Doctor who learns to talk to animals. The writer assumes that the reader has read the previous books in the series, particularly the immediately preceding Doctor Dolittle's Garden which apparently ends with the Doctor and friends borne to the Moon by a giant moth. So we start bang in the middle of the narrative, with no explanation of who any of the characters are or why they are doing what they are doing' it's a bit unnerving.
Then we get to the Moon, which owes a certain amount to Lucian of Samosata, with a couple of updates to take account of contemporary scientific knowledge (the lighter gravity, the shorter distance to the horizon; though by the 1920s it was pretty clear that there was no beathable atmosphere, let alone lush vegetation). The Doctor leantrs to talk to lunar plants, applying the techniques he has long employed for animals on Earth. The plot, such as it is, revolves around the race-memory of the formation of the moon passed down to the monkey Chee-Chee and the true identity of the Man in the Moon. It's interesting to note that the plants of the moon submit to a centrally planned schedule of reproduction so as to avoid exhausting their world's natural resources, but probably this should be read as vaguely utopian rather than anything more specific.
August 19, 2007
Yams turn you into a giant.
Read
May 1, 2009Fiction,Children's fiction
February 11, 2019
I remember reading these adventures when I was younger, but the fine details have been lost in the sands of time!! What I can't get over is how modern the style seems - these were written in the 1940's and yet I think today's children would love the humour and the sense of fun.
This is such a sweet story - yes, part of my mind was laughing at a trip to the moon on a giant moth, with a flower to protect you from the void, to find a world where plants rule and eating the food makes you grow to 9ft - but that part was easily over-ruled as I settled in to enjoy the tale.
I loved the whole legend, with the moon breaking away from the world, taking with it the greatest artist of the day. And the moon of singing plants, taking birds and giant insects, all living in a balanced harmony, is one that kind of appeals.
Definitely worth the read.
This is such a sweet story - yes, part of my mind was laughing at a trip to the moon on a giant moth, with a flower to protect you from the void, to find a world where plants rule and eating the food makes you grow to 9ft - but that part was easily over-ruled as I settled in to enjoy the tale.
I loved the whole legend, with the moon breaking away from the world, taking with it the greatest artist of the day. And the moon of singing plants, taking birds and giant insects, all living in a balanced harmony, is one that kind of appeals.
Definitely worth the read.
March 30, 2024
This is better than The Story of Doctor Dolittle, and while it still in no way compares with Alice in Wonderland, I think the character and his adventures are growing on me. I like some of Hugh Lofting's artwork - the endpapers especially with their gorgeous, almost psychedelic colouring. I think that if this book was turned into an animated film (a traditional cartoon, not CGI), something extraordinarily weird and wonderful and beautiful could be made out of it - very Fantasia-esque. This narrative of life on the moon, of all Doctor Dolittle's discoveries there, of the animal and plant-life, and the way they all communicate, is quite a feast for the imagination.
July 11, 2022
The pinnacle of the Doctor Dolittle series, anyway you look at it . . . but not necessarily the best book. It is, however, certainly the freakiest of the books, and I'm amazed how Lofting presaged the Theia hypothesis in a tome that otherwise completely dispenses with selenographic knowledge. Also: Dolittle furthers his progression into a misanthrope. Much fun!
January 28, 2020
The Hugh Lofting Doctor Dolittle stories are classics that stand the test of time. I really enjoy them and find them clever and enjoyable. I think the writing can be seen as a bit dated but I think it's still extremely readable.
January 29, 2020
Probably the most fantastic of the Doctor Dolittle stories! He visits the moon atop a giant moth and we get a detailed natural history of the moon from when it separated from the Earth. Wonderfully inventive story!
June 23, 2024
Fun little book. Of course I had heard of Dr. Doolittle but did not know it was a series of books. No idea why I started this one, the eighth in the series. I guess I liked the title. Enjoyable story, if time admits might go back and start from the beginning of the series.
April 16, 2019
what an imagination!!!
January 15, 2020
The epitome of childhood magic. I can never forget Dr Doolittle riding to the moon with his face in a flower, and fantastic flowers on the moon. One of my favorite childhood stories.
March 24, 2023
(pl.- Doktor Dolittle na Księżycu)
September 9, 2024
"We must do the best we can."
This went on for entirely too long, tbh.
This went on for entirely too long, tbh.
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May 27, 2010Children's
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews