The Story of Doctor Dolittle

by Kathryn R. Knight (Adaptor), Nick Price (Illustrator), Hugh Lofting

Doctor Dolittle--a 19th-century English physician--has never been one for worrying much. Even after his human patients desert him (when one too many sit on one of the doctor's unusual parlor pets), he manages to convert gracefully to animal medicine. Having mastered animal language along the way (with the help of his caustic yet amusing parrot, Polynesia), he has a good head start in his practice. Then, one cold, dark winter night, as the doctor and his pets sit around the fire, a message arrives, via sparrow, from Africa. A terrible epidemic has broken out among the monkeys, and Doctor Dolittle is the only one who can save them. The beneficent physician checks his money box--not a penny left. But the fate of Africa's ailing apes lays squarely on his shoulders.

And so begins the delightful, whimsical adventures that are still enthralling readers three quarters of a century after their original 1920 publication. Hugh Lofting, winner of the 1923 Newbery Medal for The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle, has more than a knack for storytelling. His ability to imbue in his characters--human and animal--distinct, unique personalities is remarkable, and his respect for the rights of all who share the planet shines throughout. (Ages 9 to 12) --Emilie Coulter

Genres: Classics, Childrens, Fiction, Chapter Books, Fantasy

180 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2012

Reviews

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an adaptation of the original book. I started reading the original aloud to my sons, but once they arrived in Africa, I ended up constantly editing out the appalling attitude toward African people. I was ready to put it away DNF, but found out there are edited versions, and this one was available in the library. This adaptation is so much better, and we were able to enjoy the delightful story. The boys liked it a lot. It's not a must read story, but if you read Dolittle, an adaptation is a must.

[camilla :) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This adaptation of Doctor Doolittle is perfect for young children. Mistakenly, I bought this book thinking it was the full version. It was not, obviously. I babysit quite a lot for the children in my neighborhood, and I’m sure they will love this book. It’s engaging, and fun for young readers.

[Elvedina k · Rating 2 out of 5]

it was ok....

[Nike · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sadly, the edition I read was gravely racist and that destroyed the overall experience. I don't remember much from the book I read as a child. This was a sad reread, I thought it was awful. I'm not sure I'd like it much better even without the racism though.

Even though there were a lot of animals I think the overall style made it quite boring.
I thought of it as boring before I came to the racist part. Maybe that's why I don't remember much of it from reading it in my childhood. The books I loved I have a vivid memory of.

[Farrah · Rating 3 out of 5]

childhood 💕

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun story. Glad to find an adaptation for young readers.

[Melissa Goetz · Rating 3 out of 5]

More of a children's book than I was expecting. I love the the original movie and I'm planning on seeing the new one so I thought I'd read the book. Turns out I didn't need to.

[Indah DS | FewFewww · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

L's book this month. She enjoyed all the animals' exploits, and I enjoyed the author's sense of humor.

[Layna Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was surprised how the docter had so many animals in his house.I was also surprised that the animals communicated with Docter Dolittle.

[Nikki Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good condensed version of a classic. Perfect for kids beginning to read chapter books (age 7-12). Character introduction, 18 chapters, large font, b&w sketches, an "about the author," and a forward.

[Jace · Rating 5 out of 5]

The boys (kindergarten, pre-school) enjoyed this book; it was appropriately leveled & engaging for them.

[Cmdr Bly · Rating 3 out of 5]

its a weird book in my opinion its awesome but not a 5 star id recommend it to people with a good imagination.
its unrealistic but pretty good.

[Cliff Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

A children's story about an animal doctor who heals animals by speaking to them in their own language. They sail to Africa to heal sick monkeys. Another classic.

[Allie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this nook multiple times before... don't remember the year

[Linnea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED the story of Doctor Dolittle.
A very good classic book that always has something going on.
There was nothing that made it less interesting.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book I never read as a kid. Really fun story.

[Shea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book.