47 pages • 1 hour read
The Story of Doctor Dolittle
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Book Brief
176
Novel • Fiction
England • Early 1900s
1920
Middle grade
8-12 years
Super Short Summary
The Story of Doctor Dolittle by Hugh Lofting follows John Dolittle, M.D., who becomes an animal doctor after learning to speak their languages from a parrot named Polynesia. His fame grows, and he is called to Africa to cure a monkey epidemic. During his journey, he is jailed by a king, escapes with the help of animals, and ultimately returns home to Puddleby with newfound wealth.
Fantastical
Adventurous
Playful
Humorous
Heartwarming
Reviews & Readership
51,369 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Story of Doctor Dolittle by Hugh Lofting is praised for its imaginative storytelling and charming characters, particularly the kind-hearted doctor who communicates with animals. However, some reviewers criticize outdated and racially insensitive elements. While engaging for children, the book requires discussions on its historical context and perspectives.
Who Should Read The Story of Doctor Dolittle?
Fans of imaginative, animal-centric tales like E.B. White's Charlotte's Web or Kenneth Grahame's The Wind in the Willows will delight in Hugh Lofting's The Story of Doctor Dolittle, a charming adventure that captivates readers with its wit, heart, and enchanting encounters with talking animals.
51,369 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
176
Novel • Fiction
England • Early 1900s
1920
Middle grade
8-12 years
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.