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Summary: Why is this book considered a "classic" novel for children?
Review: "The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle" is the 1923 winner of the John Newbery Medal, the annual award given to the author of the fictional work which makes the most outstanding contribution to children's literature among all books published in the U.S. The Newbery Medal was first awarded in 1922, so it was a very new competition when "Dolittle" was selected.I'll go out on a limb here and disagree with practically everyone who's reviewed this book: I found "The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle" to be utter nonsense from beginning to end. Preposterous situations, ridiculous conversations between animals and people, a talking dog on the witness stand in a courtroom, and a snail whose shell holds enough oxygen for several humans to travel underwater from the South Atlantic to England all combine to create a story too fantastic for me to stomach. There were far fewer books written specifically for children early in the 20th century; the competition must have been nothing compared to today! This book is, however, an easy read and perhaps would interest younger readers who like animals and who can embrace the idea of animals who can talk like--amd with--humans. Synopsis: 10-year-old Tommy Stubbins meets the famed Dr. John Dolittle and begins working for him, then convinces his parents to let him be apprenticed to Dolittle. Tommy then accompanies the naturalist on a two-year research mission to Spidermonkey Island, their intended destination in the South Atlantic Ocean, to investigate the disappearance of Long Arrow, son of Golden Arrow. Their ship the "Curlew" is broken up in a tropical storm, but Tommy, Dr. Dolittle, and Bumpo Kahboo, (crown prince of Jolliginki and old pal of Dolittle's) wash up on Spidermonkey Island. The floating island's inhabitants, the friendly Indian tribe Popsipetels, are attacked by the Bag-jagderags and the Terrible Three defeat the Bag-jagderags and make a peace treaty. Dolittle is crowned King Jong Thinkalot, and the natives' cheers cause a boulder at Whispering Rocks to fall into the Deep Hole, making the island stationary (and therefore safe). The Great Glass Sea-Snail is injured in his escape from the Deep Hole and is nursed back to health by Dolittle. The snail then transports the English party back to Puddlesby-by-the-Marsh by crawling along the ocean floor, thus helping Dolittle escape the Indians and their island. The doctor's parrot Polynesia carefully plans their getaway to be disguised as King Jong's "vacation," when in reality he just wants off the fantasy island. Man! I would too!! See, doesn't it sound like somebody ate too many raw onions before going to bed one night? What a nightmare! Now, before you think I'm just an old crank, you should realize that I didn't like the book when I was a kid; why would I like it now? Some things never change--and neither do some people.
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Summary: My First Great Read
Review: "The Voyages of Dr. Dolittle" holds a special place in my heart. This was the first "real" book I read as a child...the first one longer that 50 pages. This book so totally pulled me into it that to this day I remember all the adventures and characters as if they were my own. This book should be recommended for ALL young readers...it could start a reading habit and a love of books that will last a lifetime.
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Summary: An Imaginative Adventure Through Time
Review: Doc Dollitle is a very good book it has a total adventure backlot. I love his animals this story goes beyond the movie to further great adventures like what happens after he goes into the pink gient snail. I loved this book and I'm sure you will too. I recamend it for children eight and older to read. I read it in the sixth grade. Check out other great books like the BFG and a seperate peace.
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Summary: This is the best book I ever read!
Review: Doctor Doolittle was the most exciting book I ever read. I liked reading about all the animals.
It was a funny/cool book. I want to read more about Docter Doolittle and all his animals in his other books.
Ed age 10
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Summary: EXCELLENT! GREAT! WONDERFUL!
Review: Dr. Dolittle is an excellent book that is written in a way that makes the reader want to keep reading it and reading it! I just couldn't put it down. For being a 362 paged book it went VERY quickly and there was not even a paragraph that wasn't exciting and new! I think that anyone who passes up a chance to read a book that in my eyes could NEVER get old or outdated is nuts! READ THIS BOOK! (don't be afriad of "big" books, just jump in and start reading. It only took me four days! )
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Summary: THIS IS THE GREATEST BOOK EVERY WRITTEN
Review: I am 14 years old and I loved the Voyages of Doctor Doolittle. It does not drag on forever and each chapter is filled with interesting voyages, and it is the best book that I have read till now.
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Summary: IT IS AWESOME
Review: I chose this book because I like animals and adventures. My favorite part is when they get shipped wrecked and the boat gets split apart. My other favorite part is when the doctor is chosen to be king of spider monky island. He's all confused and doesn't know what to say. I think this was a great book, so if you're looking for a book, I would recommend this one. That's why I gave it five stars. So if you like animals and adventure stories you should get this book. I hope you like it as much as I did [If you read it that is].
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Summary: sanitised edition
Review: I do agree that books containing racist positions should not be given to children without a strong and fully aware comment. But I simply cannot stand to buy a sanitised version of a book without being aware of it. This is called censorship, and it gives me the creeps. As a parent, I have had enough real life opportunities to prove racism wrong to my children. So to realise that somebody has been cheating on me, trying to do my job so that I did not have to explain how society has evolved, how difficult it has been for minorities to be recognised and respected is just a fraud. this review is about the Harper collins Edition , edited by Patricia C. and Frederick L. McKissak, illustrated by Michael Hague.
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Summary: The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle
Review: I enjoyed this Book a lot. It takes a little while to read because it is so long but it is a great book to read. I told friends to read this book but they won't because it is too long. This is an awesome book.
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Summary: I liked this Book because it was all out exciting.
Review: I liked "The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle."because it was exciting and well written.Told by nine year old Tommy Stubins the story was amazing how Doctor Dolittle could comunicate with animals and people. This book is so good I couldn't put it down. Each chapter has a new problem or mystery so that it keeps you reading.Its great for all ages If you can read & understand the diologue.The charecters are so Determid to solve the Problem or mystery.Some parts are serious ,Some are funny,and some are exciting.I recommend you read "The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle." You'll like it I guarantee it.
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