The Story of Doctor Dolittle

Written by Hugh Lofting

Book #1 in the Doctor Dolittle series

A doctor who talks to animals sails to Africa to save monkeys in peril.

4.0/5 Goodreads · 52,123 ratings

156 pages· 24,892 words· Est. 3 hour read

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Bookroo's summary

Doctor Dolittle, a unique physician who communicates with animals, embarks on a daring journey to Africa. With his loyal animal companions, including Polynesia the parrot and Jip the dog, he sets out to cure a mysterious disease afflicting the monkeys. Along the way, they encounter the extraordinary two-headed pushmi-pullyu. Can Dolittle's compassion and ingenuity save the day? Join this whimsical adventure where the stakes are high, and the friendships are unforgettable.

From the publisher

The Story of Doctor Dolittle is one of the most delightfully imaginative stories in children’s literature, featuring the well-loved and eccentric doctor who learns to talk to animals. Unlike most doctors, Doctor Dolittle doesn’t treat humans; he treats animals. His house in Puddleby-on-the-Marsh is full of an eclectic mix of creatures, from Polynesia the parrot to Gub-Gub the pig. And in that house something amazing happens–the doctor learns how to communicate with his animals! Doctor Dolittle’s soon learns that the monkeys in Africa have become inflicted with a terrible disease, so with a team of trusty creatures by his side the kind-hearted doctor sets off on an action-packed adventure to save them. This beautiful paperback edition is illustrated with original line drawings from Hugh Lofting himself.

At a glance

Format
Pages: 156
Words: 24,892
Reading age: 9–12
Audience: Middle Grade
Lexile: 580L

Themes & topics

Books about animals Books about imagination Books about doctors and nurses Books about doctors Books about Africa

Good to know

Stories behind the story

Original Title

When it was published in 1920, the original and complete title of The Story of Dr. Dolittle was The Story of Doctor Dolittle: Being the History of His Peculiar Life at Home and Astonishing Adventures in Foreign Parts Never Before Printed.

Lofting's Motivation for Writing

"Lofting imagined that we would spare animals if only we could see inside them, as we can our fellow humans. And so he wrote letters home about talking animals. These letters formed the basis of 'The Story of Doctor Dolittle.'"

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