The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle (Books of Wonder)

Rating:
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.

Rating:
Summary: Warning re: older printings of this book
Review: 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 (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

Rating:
Summary: Something more valuable than gold
Review: 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!

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