Customer Reviews

The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle

5 star:		(24)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

It's hard to beat this book for all-out imaginative craziness. Oddly enough, other than talking animals, there is very little fantasy in this book, rather, Lofting chose to make Dr. Dolittle and his surroundings a calm place, a place where the animals talk to him, a place where adventures happen, but where there is never any brutal violence, unlike the adventures of Alice in Wonderland or Dorothy in OZ (both of which I like, BTW). What is really nice is that Lofting was able to make this formula WORK!

This edition, pink covers with a credit to Christopher Lofting, has been edited from it's original issue to remove some now offensive racial stereotypes and illustrations. I'm glad to say that, while I generally do not support this type of editing, in this case it was well done and did not subtract from the entertainment value of the book.

Note: The original Dr. Doolittle books have almost nothing in common with the Eddie Murphy movies, other than talking animals. Don't get them confused!

Enjoy!

This is the second Newbery Award winner. In an effort to read all the Newbery books in order, I picked this up at my local library. I read this book as a child and it held me captive. Now (age 30) I finished it in two nights instead of one, but that's because I'm a "responsible" adult. I'm going to stop and peruse the rest of the Dr Dolittle books. This is a wild ride of adventure that's so much fun you'll willingly suspend belief that shellfish can talk. My favorite character is Bumpo because he's so well-educated. You'll have to read it as an adult to really appreciate that. Sorry kids.

I read all the Dr. Dolittle books as a child and LOVED them-- I was captivated by the premise of being able to talk to animals as well as by the exciting adventures. However, I was not prepared for what I found in <The Voyages of Dr. Dolittle> (1951 printing) as I was reading it to my son the other night. In Chapter 5 (p. 36), Polynesia the parrot is catching Dr. Dolittle up on the goings-on back in Africa. She tells him that one of the African kings they know has sent his son to study at Oxford. She further comments that the Prince didn't want to go, fearing that he would be eaten by white cannibals. She then states, "You know what those niggers are--that ignorant!" Judging by the fact that this is not mentioned in the other reviews that I read on this site, I imagine this troubling line has been excised from more recent printings (such as those available on Amazon.com). I suggest that you make sure you purchase a more recent printing of this book, particularly if a child is going to be reading it on his/her own. As I continue reading the book to my son it will be interesting to note whether or not the portrayal of black characters in the book will be problematic as well . . . amz

This 1922 childhood classic by Hugh Lofting is related by 10-12 year old Tommy Stubbins, the son of a poor cobbler. Totally swept up in the new science of Natural Studies, Tommy rises from client (with a wounded squirrel) to apprentice, despite his parents' reluctance. From the moment the boy meets Dr. John Doolittle of Puddleby-on-Marsh Tommy's life will never be the same; he will experience the natural and geologic wonders of the world as he accompanies the learned Dr. Doolittle on voyages of exploration.

Respected as an eminent Naturalist this middle-aged bachelor keeps a veritable menagerie in his home and in his private, backyard zoo. Animals truly love this man because of his kindness and compassion, his medical skills, plus his generosity with his time, talents and modest resources. But there is a more compelling reason for his zoological success: this man can actually Talk with most species of the animal kingdom!

Eventually Tommy finds himself onboard a newly-purchased ship called THE CURLEW, as the Doctor embarks on a voyage of discovery and rescue across the Atlantic. Seeking a mysterious, floating isle called Spider Monkey Island, and the vanished Long Arrow--an unappreciated naturalist in his own, Native American world. The pair enlist the aid of Bumpo, an African prince who has studied in England. But it is the Dcotor's devoted animal companions who prove invaluable, on both sides of the ocean: Dab Dab the housekeeper Duck; Jip the dog; Chee Chee, the African chimp; Polynesia, the brains of the outfit; and Miranda, the exotic messenger bird of paradise.

Tommy faithfully records these incredible experiences for generations of children (of all ages) to enjoy: the trial of a man accused of murder in a Mexican mine; a wager about bull fighting on a Spanish island; stowaways and a shipwreck; rescue of trapped Indians; a war and reconstruction--white man style; Indians buried alive; the dilemma of the white man's burden, and a fantastic submarine, trans-Atlantic crossing. Lofting includes a mild satire on British institutions, food habits and climate. Yet he offers a serious sub-theme of the role/effect of White man upon native cultures: is it morally necessary to "Civilize" native cultures? This delightful fantasy is easy to read and this 1950's edition offers curious pen and ink sketches typical of the early 20's-a true Kid Klassic!

This book is absolutely fabulous. I don't care if people cut out some good bits, but that still can't change the fact that this is a great book. It's the only one i've ever read, and I like it just the way it is.

I would like to deffinitly recommend this book to anyone with a good reading level because I found this book very interesting and I happen to love animals. Dr. Doolitle is a naturalist who talks to animals and keeps a private zoo in his garden and plays the flute. Tommy Stubbins longs to join someone on a ship and go sailing, so Dr. Doolitle takes him in as an assistant to help him. On their adventure they encounter several stowaways on the boat and the doctor has a bullfight without killing the bulls. I would definitely recommend this book and it keeps you on the edge of your seat.

I would like to recommend this book to anyone with a good reading level because I found this book very interesting and I happen to love animals. Dr. Doolitle is a naturalist who talks to animals and keeps a private zoo in his garden and plays the flute. Tommy Stubbins longs to join someone on a ship and go sailing, so Dr. Doolitle takes him in as an assistant to help him. On their adventure they encounter several stowaways on the boat and the doctor has a bullfight without killing the bulls. I would definitely recommend this book and it keeps you on the

This is an excellent book.I have read it two times.I would read it more than that,but I don't own it,and I have to get it from my school's library.Everything about the book is wonderful,but I think the part about the fish that talks english is boring.This is truly a classic story.It is very different from the movie version with Rex Harrison(it is based on more than one book.I know).If you like fantasy,and fun,lovable characters,this is a great book for you!

The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle is an excellent book because it is amazing Dr.Dolittle can talk to animals.Once you start reading it you can't put the book down .This book is told by 9 year old Tommy Stubbins.It is also quite easy reading , meaning the words were not very hard. The book shared humor and suspense . This book is good for anybody who can read .Also the pictures alone are great.PLEASE dont allow the length stop you from reading this book. The most exciting book ever told by man or animal.

This is the second published Doctor Dolittle book, but not the second chronologically. The whole series is a fantastic adventure, this one keeps the tension up right from the start. The book is filed with great characters, the Doctor and all his animals are beautifully written as is Bumpo the son of an African King. The meeting between the doctor and Long Arrow is still spellbindinding 25 years after I first read it, with the two naturalists speaking to each other in eagle. A great classic