Customer Reviews

The Story of Dr. Dolittle

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I liked the story of Dr. Dolittle. However I would like to warn modern readers, that the full version of this book is Racist. So the Editors have carefully changed the story of the African Chief who wished to become Cacausion in appearance to one where he wishes to become a lion. Now, I agree that the story is better this way, but mucking around with books after the author is dead and can't defend or fix them is right out. So in that vein I can't recommend this edition of this book. The editors should have changed the title to "The Modern Dr. Dolittle" or some other name which implies that the story isn't the orginal. They do it all the time with the bible, "King James Ed.", "Good News for Modern Man" etc.

If you are going to read to children, books which treat people unfairly you should take the time explain why this was a poor idea even in its day. Or not read them at all. Or own up to the fact that you've changed the story.

On the plus side the illustrations are great, M. Hague is a great artist.

I read "The Story of Doctor Dolittle" for the first time when I was seven. Recently I read the new edition illustrated by Michael Hague. This new edition is terrific. The revisions are obvious to one who read the original work, but they are sensible and reflect Lofting's intentions while reflecting modern thought. Hague's illustrations are beautiful. I would still recommend that older children and adults read the original, to learn a bit about Lofting's time and because the author's illustrations are wonderfully simplistic. This is also a good read-aloud for younger children, because many, when they are able to read it for themselves, will unfortunately have lost interest in such a fanciful story.

I presume anyone reading the reviews already is familiar with the storyline of Dr. Dolittle. I highly recommend this version with only a slight reservation (see below) because its illustration and editing would make an excellent introduction to children as well as a gift possibility and a lifelong keepsake.

I heartily disagree with the reviewer who discredits this edition because it has been updated to modern civilities. The reviewer mistakenly suggests that the edition conceals that changes have been made. To the contrary, the foreword fully describes the editors' concerns for literary sensitivities as they made changes.

If your purpose is to collect unabridged books, do shop elsewhere. But if you share my intent of introducing this wonderful story to children, this book serves the purpose very well. There is minimal distraction from unnecessary anachronisms.

I think this edition would serve children well through elementary school. I would nominate unabridged editions for older children to help teach them about society's changing attitudes towards racism.

My slight reservation (mentioned above) about this edition is that racial stereotypes do persist. In Africa, the (white) doctor is referred as "the good man" while the African king is unjust, his son is goofy, and both the king and his son are easily fooled. These characterizations ARE unavoidable without drastically changing the storyline. However, the story explains the motivation for the king's injustice and is a worthy point of discussion with a young reader.

I read this book to my two children, ages 7 and 3. Both children were completely mesmerized and could hardly wait for the next day's installment. A bit of editing was necessary while reading to tone down certain parts, especially those dealing with the pirates (who threatened to eat poor Gub-Gub the pig) and the leaving-behind of some of their favorite animal characters, Polynesia the parrot and Chee-Chee the monkey. The illustrations were especially well-received, and could easily be presented at the appropriate points in the story to illustrate exactly what was being read. All in all, we thoroughly enjoyed this book and are looking forward to purchasing the sequel, which is the one I remember from my own childhood, _The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle_.

Martin Short brings pure magic to the Airplay Audio Cassette The Story of Doctor Dolittle. My kids and I laughed and listened, over and over again. Martin Short creates a distinct voice for every animal, and the humans, too. Another important aspect is Airplay's version is unabridged, but all the dated prejudices have been dumped in favor of a much more engaging encounter with poor Prince Bumpo, this is a children's story everyone can enjoy.

My family and I have listened to this performance by Alan Bennett at least 4 times in the past year. When we first listened to it, my youngest was only 5 and yet was able to follow the entire story thanks to Mr. Bennett's wonderful voice characterisations. We just finished listening to it today for the 4th time and have never tired of it. We now enjoy catching the little things we missed the first few times. As a result of this, we look for Mr. Bennett's readings often and have enjoyed his rendition of Winnie the Pooh, too!

I've read this book about a 100 times. The first time, my grandpa read it to me when I was about 5. My grandpa read it out of his book that he got when he was little. Now he past it down to me. I loved and love this book, all those grandpas out there read it to your grandkids.Girl or boy, young or old this is a really good for everyone.

On a scale from one - ten, The
Golda Meir Junior Great
Books Club unanimously rates
this a ten. This book involves
humor, real life problems,talking
animals, funny names,a caring
and kind animal doctor,caring
animals,suspense,adventure and
interesting animals. We had fun
reading aloud and laughed often
and acted out some of the
characters. All around we think
that this is a great book. We
think you will laugh out loud even
if you're reading by yourself.

I had this book as a child and since I'm an avid reader, mine is still in excellent condition and is now being read to my child. He absolutely loves this book. It's so well illustrated and very well written. The imagination that it sparks is unbelievable and quite fun. He loves all the animals and watching Dr. Dolittle go to Africa in the boat. It jus sparks so much conversation and imagination. Don't hesitate on this book - it's just wonderful.

I would recommend this book to anyone who asked me for a book. It is action packed, funny,but most of all it is interesting. When I read it I felt like the narrator. The snail was my favorite character. The book is very long but when you get into it, you can't stop reading it.