Product Description

Foreword by Patricia C. McKissack and Fredrick L. McKissack. Afterword by Peter Glassman.

When a swallow arrives in Puddleby-on-the-Marsh with the news that the monkeys of Africa are ill and only the doctor who talks with animals can save them, Doctor Dolittle and such good friends as Jip, his loyal dog, and Dab-Dab, his housekeeper duck, face their greatest challenge. Together they must sail to Africa, battle a band of cutthroat pirates, flee across a gorge on a bridge made of acrobatic apes, and convince the king of the beasts that even he must help an animal in need. With nearly fifty full-page pictures from Michael Hague and the McKissacks artful reworking of the dilemma faced by Prince Bumpo, this treasured story is now available in a deluxe edition that all families will want to explore again and again.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #86682 in Books
• Published on: 2000-01
• Original language: English
• Binding: Audio CD
• 2 pages

From Amazon.com
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

From Publishers Weekly
Kleinbaum's adaptations, accompanied by Lofting's illustrations from the original editions, bring the classic books to younger readers. Ages 6-9.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal
Grade 4-8-The story of Doctor Doolittle's adventures and his eventual return home with the miraculous animal who joined the family.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Customer Reviews

Lofting was a Master Storyteller
Doctor Dolittle is an impoverished doctor who is very friendly with animals. After he gives up his human practice and becomes an animal doctor, he receives a cry for help from the monkeys of Africa who are experiencing an epidemic sickness. I have fond memories of reading all the Doctor Dolittle books as a child. This is my first time to re-read one and I was not disappointed. Lofting was a master storyteller and this book enchants from start to finish. Each chapter is packed with action, adventure and humour. There are many endearing animal characters, each with their own distinct personality. I loved Gub-Gub the pig who was frequently reduced to tears, while my 7yo loved Polynesia the wise and rather bossy parrot. This was a fun and quick book to read aloud and the 7yo enjoyed it immensely. The second book in the series has already been placed on our up-and-coming read-alouds pile.

THE STORY OF DOCTOR DOOLITTLE
I bought this for my son for his eighth birthday, he loves it so much that he is reading it to himself. This is the first book that he has ever carried around with him, actually reading while he is walking around. This was the first chapter book that my older son read. We had barrowed a paperback edition from a friend. I am so glad that I bought this edition, it's a great story, and the illustrations are wonderful! My younger son got a bike, game cube,and game boy games, for his birthday. But, this book is favorite gift... I think that says it all!

The Best Doctor Ever
The book The Story of Doctor Dolittle by Hugh Lofting is a non-fictional chapter book. It has adventure, excitement, and a guy who really likes animals. It has excitement of every sort. So read on to find out more about The Story of Doctor Dolittle by Hugh Lofting.

An amazing Doctor travels off to the far lands of Africa to cure the sick monkeys. Nobody else can figure out what is wrong, but the Doctor has learned the animal languages and can speak to the animals. If he cures the monkeys it will be up to you to find out. On his journey into the jungles and out of the jungles of Africa he will encounter many things that will hold him back. He will also say good-bye to some of his beloved animals.

I think this book is more aimed for children in the 4th, 5th, and 6th grades but I am sure anybody would enjoy it. The book is not like the movie Doctor Dolittle, so you won't be reading something you already know about. So go and get The Story of Doctor Dolittle. I promise you will enjoy it.