The Story of Doctor Dolittle
A whimsical animal adventure
StyleWarmGenreKidsClassic
Synopsis
In Hugh Lofting’s The Story of Doctor Dolittle, kindhearted Dr. John Dolittle discovers that he can learn the languages of animals. With his animal companions—including Polynesia the parrot, Jip the dog, and Dab-Dab the duck—he leaves his home in England to help sick animals in Africa.
The story’s humor is warm and whimsical, growing from the animals’ distinct personalities, their conversations, and the doctor’s unusual adventures. Its playful animal world and themes of kindness, friendship, and helping others make it a lighthearted read for children and families.
Content Guide
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About the Author
HL
Hugh Lofting
Hugh Lofting (1886–1947) was an English author and illustrator best known for creating Doctor Dolittle. Born in Maidenhead, England, he studied engineering before serving in the British Army during World War I. His letters home to his children included imaginative stories about a doctor who could talk with animals.
Lofting developed those stories into
The Story of Doctor Dolittle, published in 1920. He followed it with a series of books featuring the kindhearted doctor, his animal friends, and their adventures around the world. Lofting both wrote and illustrated many of the books, giving the series its distinctive blend of fantasy and humor.
The Doctor Dolittle books became popular with generations of young readers and were translated into many languages. Lofting’s stories are remembered for their fanciful animal characters, playful adventures, and celebration of kindness toward animals.
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