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Summary: Ya gotta love that Pushmi-Pullyu!!!
Review: Dr. Dolittle was my childhood hero--a misunderstood little man who overcame feelings of alienation (brought on by both society and his family)by finding a group of friends who accepted his eccentricities. He spoke the language of the animals; there was nothing he couldn't do and no where he couldn't go. His adventures are a welcome retreat for children of all ages. Lofting was a fantastic children's author
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Summary: THE STORY OF DOCTOR DOOLITTLE
Review: I bought this for my son for his eighth birthday, he loves it so much that he is reading it to himself. This is the first book that he has ever carried around with him, actually reading while he is walking around. This was the first chapter book that my older son read. We had barrowed a paperback edition from a friend. I am so glad that I bought this edition, it's a great story, and the illustrations are wonderful! My younger son got a bike, game cube,and game boy games, for his birthday. But, this book is favorite gift... I think that says it all!
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Summary: Awesome book!
Review: I had this book as a child and since I'm an avid reader, mine is still in excellent condition and is now being read to my child. He absolutely loves this book. It's so well illustrated and very well written. The imagination that it sparks is unbelievable and quite fun. He loves all the animals and watching Dr. Dolittle go to Africa in the boat. It jus sparks so much conversation and imagination. Don't hesitate on this book - it's just wonderful.
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Summary: Dr. Doolittle Does a Lot
Review: I just re-read Dr. Doolittle a few days ago. Sure, it's not heavy reading, but that's the whole point; it's a good book to sit down and relax with. It conjures up a simpler time. If you want something more complex, go read Gulliver's Travels. However, if you want some easy reading that is refreshing in content, readiblity, and simplicity, then step into the world of Dr. Doo little and learn about beautiful and wonderous creatures such as the pushmi-pullyu, a strange and wonderful two-headed beast whose great grand-father was the last of the unicorns. Reignite your childhood imagination.
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Summary: I have read this many times
Review: I liked the story of Dr. Dolittle. However I would like to warn modern readers, that the full version of this book is Racist. So the Editors have carefully changed the story of the African Chief who wished to become Cacausion in appearance to one where he wishes to become a lion. Now, I agree that the story is better this way, but mucking around with books after the author is dead and can't defend or fix them is right out. So in that vein I can't recommend this edition of this book. The editors should have changed the title to "The Modern Dr. Dolittle" or some other name which implies that the story isn't the orginal. They do it all the time with the bible, "King James Ed.", "Good News for Modern Man" etc.If you are going to read to children, books which treat people unfairly you should take the time explain why this was a poor idea even in its day. Or not read them at all. Or own up to the fact that you've changed the story. On the plus side the illustrations are great, M. Hague is a great artist.
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Summary: The Potically Correct Version of Dr. Dolittle.
Review: I liked the story of Dr. Dolittle. However I would like to warn modern readers, that the full version of this book is Racist. So the Editors have carefully changed the story of the African Chief who wished to become Cacausion in appearance to one where he wishes to become a lion. Now, I agree that the story is better this way, but mucking around with books after the author is dead and can't defend or fix them is right out. So in that vein I can't recommend this edition of this book. The editors should have changed the title to "The Modern Dr. Dolittle" or some other name which implies that the story isn't the orginal. They do it all the time with the bible, "King James Ed.", "Good News for Modern Man" etc. If you are going to read to children, books which treat people unfairly you should take the time explain why this was a poor idea even in its day. Or not read them at all. Or own up to the fact that you've changed the story. On the plus side the illustrations are great, M. Hague is a great artist.
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Summary: I loved it when I was a child...
Review: I loved this book when I was a child and I still do. It is a fun and funny book. My childen have all liked it too. No, it is not heavy reading, but it is very entertaining and not all reading has to be heavy!
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Summary: This book is one of the best in all children's literature.
Review: I read "The Story of Doctor Dolittle" for the first time when I was seven. Recently I read the new edition illustrated by Michael Hague. This new edition is terrific. The revisions are obvious to one who read the original work, but they are sensible and reflect Lofting's intentions while reflecting modern thought. Hague's illustrations are beautiful. I would still recommend that older children and adults read the original, to learn a bit about Lofting's time and because the author's illustrations are wonderfully simplistic. This is also a good read-aloud for younger children, because many, when they are able to read it for themselves, will unfortunately have lost interest in such a fanciful story.
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Summary: This book is one of the best in all children's literature.
Review: I read "The Story of Doctor Dolittle" for the first time when I was seven. Recently I read the new edition illustrated by Michael Hague. This new edition is terrific. The revisions are obvious to one who read the original work, but they are sensible and reflect Lofting's intentions while reflecting modern thought. Hague's illustrations are beautiful. I would still recommend that older children and adults read the original, to learn a bit about Lofting's time and because the author's illustrations are wonderfully simplistic. This is also a good read-aloud for younger children, because many, when they are able to read it for themselves, will unfortunately have lost interest in such a fanciful story.
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Summary: The Best Doctor Ever
Review: I read this book to my two children, ages 7 and 3. Both children were completely mesmerized and could hardly wait for the next day's installment. A bit of editing was necessary while reading to tone down certain parts, especially those dealing with the pirates (who threatened to eat poor Gub-Gub the pig) and the leaving-behind of some of their favorite animal characters, Polynesia the parrot and Chee-Chee the monkey. The illustrations were especially well-received, and could easily be presented at the appropriate points in the story to illustrate exactly what was being read. All in all, we thoroughly enjoyed this book and are looking forward to purchasing the sequel, which is the one I remember from my own childhood, _The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle_.
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