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“The Story of Doctor Dolittle” by Hugh Lofting

“The Story of Doctor Dolittle” by Hugh Lofting

“The Story of Doctor Dolittle” by Hugh Lofting is a children’s novel published in 1920. When a kindly physician learns to speak with animals, he abandons his failing medical practice to become a veterinarian. His new calling leads him on an extraordinary voyage to Africa to cure a monkey epidemic. Along the way, he faces shipwrecks, imprisonment, pirates, and exotic creatures—including the rare pushmi-pullyu. This tale of adventure and animal communication became the first in a beloved series, though it has sparked controversy for its colonial-era themes.

Warning to Parents: Chapters 11 and 12 of the original Dr. Dolittle contain objectionable content. These chapters were modernized by Under the Home, but the Gutenberg link on the textbook page leads to an original copy of Dr. Dolittle with the objectionable content.

Vocabulary

Illustration from the cover of 'The Story of Doctor Dolittle' by Hugh Lofting, featuring a man in a top hat and formal attire observing a small figure on a pedestal.
Vocabulary words can be found here.

CHAPTERS

Chapters 1-5

Chapter 1: Puddleby
Chapter 3: More Money Troubles
Chapter 2: Animal Language
Chapter 4: A Message from Africa
Chapter 5: The Great Journey

Chapters 6-10

Chapter 6 Polynesia and the King
Chapter 8 The Leader of the Lions
Chapter 7 The Bridge of Apes
Chapter 9 The Monkeys’ Council
Chapter 10: The Rarest Animal of All

Chapters 11-15

Chapter 11: The Black Prince
Chapter 13: Red Sails and Blue Wings  
Chapter 12: Medicine and Magic
Chapter 14: The Rats’ Warning
Chapter 15: The Barbary Dragon

Chapters 16-21

Chapter 16: Too-Too, the Listener
Chapter 18: Smells
Chapter 20: The Fisherman’s Town
Chapter 17: The Ocean Gossips
Chapter 19: The Rock
Chapter 21: Home Again


Other Resources

Chapter 1 Resources
The Bridge of Apes Worksheet 
The Story of Dr. Dolittle: Chapter 5 The Great Journey Supplemental Map
Explore Dr. Dolittle’s Path from Africa to England

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3 responses to ““The Story of Doctor Dolittle” by Hugh Lofting”

  1. Must-Read Children’s Literature: From Nursery Rhymes to Adventures | articlesforchristians

    […] imaginative play, their love for nature, and their interactions with animals and family. “The Story of Doctor Dolittle” by Hugh Lofting is a children’s novel published in 1920. When a kindly physician […]

    Reply
  2. “The Story of Doctor Dolittle” Vocabulary Words | articlesforchristians

    […] “The Story of Doctor Dolittle” by Hugh Lofting is a children’s novel published in 1920. When a kindly physician learns to speak with animals, he abandons his failing medical practice to become a veterinarian. His new calling leads him on an extraordinary voyage to Africa to cure a monkey epidemic. Along the way, he faces shipwrecks, imprisonment, pirates, and exotic creatures—including the rare pushmi-pullyu. This tale of adventure and animal communication became the first in a beloved series, though it has sparked controversy for its colonial-era themes. […]

    Reply
  3. Weekly Recap of Articles for Christians Jan 25th to Jan 31st | articlesforchristians

    […] “The Story of Doctor Dolittle” by Hugh Lofting […]

    Reply

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