The Story of Doctor Dolittle

A series of children's modern classic novels by renowned 20th century children's writers. All the titles in this series have the A Puffin Book logo, contemporary-style covers, and child-friendly endnotes.

The classic story of the extraordinary animal doctor from Puddleby-on-the-Marsh - Doctor Dolittle. 
 
Once upon a time, many years ago - when our grandfathers were little children - there was a doctor, and his name was Dolittle - John Dolittle M.D. 
 
Doctor Dolittle likes animals. In fact, he likes them so much he fills his house with every kind of creature imaginable and even learns to talk their language. And when the Doctor hears of a terrible sickness among the monkeys in Africa, soon he and his animal friends are setting off on the most unforgettable adventure . . .

Hugh Lofting was born in Maidenhead in 1886. As a child he kept a miniature zoo in his mother's linen cupboard and enjoyed making up stories for his family. He fought in the trenches during the First World War and it was whilst he was observing the lack of compassion shown to the horses on the battlefields that the idea for Doctor Dolittle was born, as the main character in letters Hugh sent home from the front to entertain his children. The Story of Doctor Dolittle was published in 1920 and followed by a further eleven books. In 1923 Hugh Lofting was awarded the Newbery Medal. He died in 1947.

Once upon a time, many years ago - when our grandfathers were little children - there was a doctor, and his name was Dolittle - John Dolittle M.D. 
 
Doctor Dolittle likes animals. In fact, he likes them so much he fills his house with every kind of creature imaginable and even learns to talk their language. And when the Doctor hears of a terrible sickness among the monkeys in Africa, soon he and his animal friends are setting off on the most unforgettable adventure . . .

Classic readings from the BBC archive

Alan Bennett: Doctor Dolittle Stories

Alan Bennett reads three enchanting Doctor Dolittle stories

Hugh Lofting was born in Maidenhead in 1886. As a child he kept a miniature zoo and wildlife museum in his mother's linen cupboard and enjoyed making up stories for his family. He later studied engineering in London and the United States, and visited Canada, Africa and the West Indies. After his marriage in 1912 he settled in the United States. Hugh Lofting fought in the trenches during World War I and it was whilst observing the lack of compassion shown to the horses on the battlefields that the idea for Doctor Dolittle was born. He was the main character in letters Hugh sent home from the front to entertain his children. The successful publication of The Story of Doctor Dolittle in 1920 was followed by a further eleven books. In 1923 Hugh Lofting was awarded the Newbery Medal. He died in 1947.

Alan Bennett reads three enchanting Doctor Dolittle stories 
 
Doctor Dolittle has an extraordinary talent – he can talk to the animals! Taught by his parrot, Polynesia, he is soon able to chat to every kind of creature – and his skill leads him into all sorts of adventures. 
 
In The Story of Doctor Dolittle, the Doctor and his pets set sail for Africa to save the monkeys – but they face great danger and challenges, including a sinking ship and Barbary pirates... 
 
The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle finds Doctor Dolittle on the high seas once again, this time with his young friend Tommy Stubbins. The pair head for Spider Monkey Island, a mysterious place of magic and secrets... 
 
Doctor Dolittle’s Circus sees the Doctor in need of money, so he and his Pushmi-Pullyu join the circus. They’re such a hit with the other animals that Doctor Dolittle soon finds himself running the show! 
 
Brilliantly read by Alan Bennett, whose delightfully whimsical rendition brings Doctor Dolittle and all his animal friends magically to life, this charming collection of stories will delight listeners young and old.

Why do the animals love Dolittle so? Its because he can speak their language, and because he's the best animal doctor for miles around.

There are few kindlier heroes in children's literature. And none to match his gift for understanding animals

Any child who is not given the opportunity to make the acquaintance of this rotund, kindly and enthusiastic doctor and all his animal friends will miss out on something important

Jane Goodall (world expert on chimpanzees)

‘Many years ago – when our grandfathers were little children – there was a doctor and his name was Dolittle’ 
 
Dr Dolittle lives in Puddleby-on-the-Marsh with his friends Dab-Dab the duck, Jip the dog, Gub-Gub the baby pig, Too-Too the owl, the parrot Polynesia, as well as rabbits in the pantry, white mice in the piano and a crocodile in the fish pond. Why do the animals love Dolittle so? Its because he can speak their language, and because he's the best animal doctor for miles around. When the monkeys in Africa call on his aid, Doctor Dolittle sets off on an marvellous voyage, encountering bad-tempered kings, fearsome pirates and the mysterious pushmi-pullyu along the way. 
 
Includes exclusive material: In the Backstory you can learn about the different ways that animals talk to each other! 
 
Vintage Children’s Classics is a twenty-first century classics list aimed at 8-12 year olds and the adults in their lives. Discover timeless favourites from The Jungle Book and Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland to modern classics such as The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.

The Story Of Doctor Dolittle

The classic story of the extraordinary animal doctor from Puddleby-on-the-Marsh - Doctor Dolittle.

Once upon a time, many years ago - when our grandfathers were little children - there was a doctor, and his name was Dolittle - John Dolittle M.D. 
 
Doctor Dolittle likes animals. In fact, he likes them so much he fills his house with every kind of creature imaginable and even learns to talk their language. And when the Doctor hears of a terrible sickness among the monkeys in Africa, soon he and his animal friends are setting off on the most unforgettable adventure . . .

Dr Dolittle Takes Charge

When Doctor Dolittle joins the circus to earn some money, he's horrified to see the dreadful conditions all the animals are living in. When the star act - a talking horse - falls ill , the ringmaster realises there's only one person who can help him and that's Doctor Dolittle. But Doctor Dolittle is only willing to help if life is made better for all the other animals! This new Doctor Dolittle retelling will introduce new readers to this well loved character and his exciting adventures. A funny, simple and beautifully illustrated book to encourage reading.

Dr Dolittle's Ambulance

Meet Doctor Dolittle, the only man in the world who can talk to animals.

Doctor Dolittle's dogs know how hard their master works. Together, they come up with a plan to make an ambulance that charges around Puddleby picking up ill animals and bringing them to the Doctor. They're very eager to please, in fact perhaps a little too energetic in their search for a patient. Mayhem ensues as the dogs run riot bringing their own brand of first aid to Puddleby.This new Doctor Dolittle retelling will introduce new readers to this well loved character and his exciting adventures. A funny, simple and beautifully illustrated book to encourage reading.

Hugh Lofting

Children will delight in this book. Doctor Dolittle wins all hearts

Doctor Dolittle heads for the high seas in another amazing adventure and takes nine-and-a-half-year-old Tommy Stubbins along as his assistant. 
 
Narrated by Tommy, Doctor Dolittle and his crew survive a hair-raising shipwreck and land on the mysterious floating Spidermonkey Island. There they meet the incredible Great Glass Sea Snail who holds the key to the biggest mystery of all. 
 
A new movie, Dolittle, starring Robert Downey Jr as Dolittle is coming FEBRUARY 2020. 
Actors lending their voices include Tom Holland, Emma Thompson, Ralph Fiennes, Jumail Nanjiani, Octavia Spencer, Rami Malek, Frances de la Tour and starring in live-action roles are Antonio Banderas, Jim Broadbent and Michael Sheen.

Hugh Lofting

Praise for The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle

Children will delight in this book. Doctor Dolittle wins all hearts

Books by Hugh Lofting

Series by Hugh Lofting

A Puffin Book

Follow penguin

Follow ladybird

Follow puffin

Sign up to the Penguin newsletter