The Story of Doctor Dolittle Audiobook By Hugh Lofting cover art

The Story of Doctor Dolittle

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The Story of Doctor Dolittle

By: Hugh Lofting
Narrated by: Nadia May
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About this listen

Doctor Dolittle, a little, lovable, old doctor, has so many animal pets spread throughout his house and garden that patients will not come to him anymore. As a result, he becomes poorer and poorer. But he occupies nearly all of his time as the animals' doctor, and soon discovers that he can talk to the animals; Jip the dog, Dab Dab the duck, and Polynesia the parrot.(P)1920 Animal Fiction Animals Classics Fiction Primary Education
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Critic reviews

"May attempts to give each animal its species-specific voice, and she succeeds with enthusiasm, levity, and gaiety." (AudioFile)
"Any child who is not given the opportunity to make the acquaintance of this rotund, kindly, and enthusiastic doctor/naturalist and all of his animal friends will miss out on something important." (Jane Goodall)

What listeners say about The Story of Doctor Dolittle

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Terrific!

My 6 yo boy and 4 yo daughter enjoyed this immensely, recounting it excitedly to their dad each night at the dinner table. Excellent narration complementing a delightful fast-paced story.

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1 person found this helpful

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Book 1

This one ended (it seemed) way too soon! Aaaahhhh, as the parrot says. It's Book 1!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Loved the Sound Effects!

If you could sum up The Story of Doctor Dolittle in three words, what would they be?

Entertaining, Adventurous, Funny

What did you like best about this story?

The animal sound effects made it so entertaining! It really keeps a child's attention!

What does Nadia May bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

She takes on the characters' voices, adding sound effects for that particular animal!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The whole book moved me to tears...of laughter!

Any additional comments?

Great to listen to with young children or grandchildren.

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    4 out of 5 stars

A treat for the imagination and chance for conversation

This classic story takes the listener on magical journey, and calls on them to engage their imagination to explore not only far off and distant lands, but the relationship of man and animal. We are asked to think on how we can learn to understand animals, and how we can help each other.

The lands that the doctor and his animals explore sometimes have real names, but they are fictitious through and through. It’s obvious that the people and animals of these lands are being described through a 1920 European lens. This adds to the fanciful fun on one hand, and calls for a discussion of the nature of the true inhabitants of these lands and their varied cultures on the other. I think a conversation about this with a young listener could do wonders. Alongside that, I was disappointed how the doctor in the end came into riches, but again, I think this could be an opportunity for a talk about animal welfare.

I listened to this because I’ve recently grown to greatly respect Dr. Jane Goodall, and she adored the Dolittle books as a child. Such imaginative books—I wish I would have read them when I was younger, but at least I have their stories now!

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Fabulous

Just as wonderful as it was when I was a child and so much fun to hear again. Beautifully rendered and told with perfect voices and expressions for the animals the reader has made this book such a treasure.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Brilliant classic, superbly read

I could not be more pleased with this reading of Doctor Doolittle. Nadia May (who is probably now my favorite reader) does a wonderful job bringing life to the good doctor and all his different creatures. It's a great story too, which I remember enjoying as a child and now my own children are enjoying it.

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    5 out of 5 stars

Fantastic audio!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

This is a riveting story, with many a surprise in the plot; well spoken, great voices for all the characters, and read with much enthusiasm. Great for my kids (aged 4 to 8).

What does Nadia May bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Fantastic voices, enthusiastic reading.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

Delightful kids book

Just as fun as I remember it from childhood. The narrator's animal noises are kind of annoying though.

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    5 out of 5 stars

Superb narration !

My kids 8 year old loved this on our road trip. Very well narration with animal sounds and voices and a great story with Morals all along !

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Wonderfully written classic

Fantastic classic story for children. Does use words like “stupid” and references cigarettes, tobacco, and snuff. Other than that, it’s great!

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