Product Description

Once upon a time, many years ago - when our grandfathers were little children - there was a doctor, and his name was Dolittle - John Dolittle M.D. Doctor Dolittle likes animals. In fact, he likes them so much he fills his house with every kind of creature imaginable and even learns to talk their language. And when the Doctor hears of a terrible sickness among the monkeys in Africa, soon he and his animal friends are setting off on the most unforgettable adventure...

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #59781 in Books
• Published on: 2001-11-01
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 178 pages

Review
'A work of Genius. It is the first real children's classic since Alice.' -Hugh Walpole.

About the Author
Hugh Lofting was born in Maidenhead in 1886. As a child he kept a miniature zoo and wildlife museum in his mother's linen cupboard and enjoyed making up stories for his family. He later studied engineering in London and the United States, and visited Canada, Africa and the West Indies. After his marriage in 1912 he settled in the United States. Hugh Lofting fought in the trenches during World War I and it was whilst observing the lack of compassion shown to the horses on the battlefields that the idea for Doctor Dolittle was born. He was the main character in letters Hugh sent home from the front to entertain his children. The successful publication of The Story of Doctor Dolittle in 1920 was followed by a further eleven books. In 1923 Hugh Lofting was awarded the Newbery Medal. He died in 1947.

Customer Reviews

A Delightful Book for Children who Love Animals
Children will very quickly become absorbed in this story if they have any affinity with animals.
It is a classic book, written by a father for his own children when he was serving in the army during WW1. The author clearly has deep empathy for both children and animals. He demonstrates this in the character of Doctor Dolittle who with the aid of his pet parrot learns to communicate with animals in their own language. Very soon he is in demand from animals who require his help. His decision to change from being a Peoples Doctor to that of an Animal Doctor, leads him on a voyage to Africa in a quest to save the monkey population from a mysterious sickness. The story unfolds in a most satisfying manner, and the illustrations by the author himself form the icing on the cake.

Wonderful
After having this read for me in primary school it is fantastic to be able to read this to my son. Highly recommended as I could not find this in the shops.