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Publication
Yearling (1997), Paperback, 240 pages
Description
When his colleague Long Arrow disappears, Dr. Dolittle sets off with his assistant, Tommy Stubbins, his dog, Jip, and Polynesia the parrot on an adventurous voyage over tropical seas to floating Spidermonkey Island.
Local notes
1409-013
Media reviews
As an adult, I particularly liked the description of the Doctor's garden (in the chapter appropriately titled 'The Garden of Dreams'), probably because it really is my dream garden...
I got increasingly uncomfortable at the way the Indians on Spider Monkey Island are portrayed. Long Arrow is a
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great naturalist, but his people - the Popsipetel - are so backwards they don't even know how to use fire, or cook their food. Show Less
User reviews
LibraryThing member fyrefly98
Summary: In The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle, the now-famous Doctor who speaks the language of animals, takes on a young apprentice, Tommy Stubbins, who narrates this tale. Matters in the small town of Puddleby-on-the-Marsh keep Doctor Dolittle busy enough, but when he receives word that Long Arrow,
Review: I don't ordinarily like to credit broad patterns in my life to single events from my childhood, but I am almost positive that stories from this book are what initially sparked my interest in marine biology. Traveling the depths of the ocean floor inside the translucent shell of the Great Glass Sea Snail? Yes please! Where do I sign up?
This book is longer than its predecessor, although just as charming. Although it's technically the second book in the series, it could be picked up independently, since the introduction of Tommy as a narrator means that the reader gets a fresh introduction to Doctor Dolittle and all of his animals as well. For those who have read the first book, however, this re-introduction gives an interesting new perspective, and we get to see a different side to the Doctor's personality.
Of course, the book has all of the same issues of its predecessor as well, especially in regards to casually racist attitudes. (To give the barest example, Long Arrow and his compatriots are referred to as Red Indians, which was admittedly the term at the time, but today conjures up uncomfortably Peter Pan-esque caricatures.) Similarly, there's an entire section in which the native inhabitants of Spidermonkey Island cheerfully crown the tubby white doctor as their king, which feels kind of icky in a post-colonial age. To be fair, though, the Doctor himself generally rejects both the racism and the colonialism; Long Arrow is (and is treated as) an intelligent and talented colleague, and the Doctor seems just as uncomfortable with his kingship as his readers are.
In general, though, this entire series, and this book in particular, is just wildly charming. The characters are wonderful, the animals are lovable, the adventures are exciting, and the whole thing's just a good, fun, light read. One note: although both this and the first book are available for free on the Kindle, reading them in that format means missing out on Lofting's charming illustrations. 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Recommendation: I love these books enough that I'd recommend them to just about everyone, but particularly those who've always secretly wished that they could talk to animals.
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the great Native American naturalist, is missing, he feels he must help. So the Doctor, Tommy, and an assortment of their animal companions travel halfway around the world to Spidermonkey Island, the last place that Long Arrow was seen. But when they get there, they find that the situation is even worse than they'd feared.Review: I don't ordinarily like to credit broad patterns in my life to single events from my childhood, but I am almost positive that stories from this book are what initially sparked my interest in marine biology. Traveling the depths of the ocean floor inside the translucent shell of the Great Glass Sea Snail? Yes please! Where do I sign up?
This book is longer than its predecessor, although just as charming. Although it's technically the second book in the series, it could be picked up independently, since the introduction of Tommy as a narrator means that the reader gets a fresh introduction to Doctor Dolittle and all of his animals as well. For those who have read the first book, however, this re-introduction gives an interesting new perspective, and we get to see a different side to the Doctor's personality.
Of course, the book has all of the same issues of its predecessor as well, especially in regards to casually racist attitudes. (To give the barest example, Long Arrow and his compatriots are referred to as Red Indians, which was admittedly the term at the time, but today conjures up uncomfortably Peter Pan-esque caricatures.) Similarly, there's an entire section in which the native inhabitants of Spidermonkey Island cheerfully crown the tubby white doctor as their king, which feels kind of icky in a post-colonial age. To be fair, though, the Doctor himself generally rejects both the racism and the colonialism; Long Arrow is (and is treated as) an intelligent and talented colleague, and the Doctor seems just as uncomfortable with his kingship as his readers are.
In general, though, this entire series, and this book in particular, is just wildly charming. The characters are wonderful, the animals are lovable, the adventures are exciting, and the whole thing's just a good, fun, light read. One note: although both this and the first book are available for free on the Kindle, reading them in that format means missing out on Lofting's charming illustrations. 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Recommendation: I love these books enough that I'd recommend them to just about everyone, but particularly those who've always secretly wished that they could talk to animals.
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LibraryThing member sylvatica
Well, I loved it and would recommend it as a rollicking good silly adventure that a certain kind of kid around age 8 or 9 would love. But… the African Prince is on board to serve food. The “Red Indians” are too ignorant to raise their babies correctly. The monkey can travel because he looks
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so much like an African. You see the problem. I think that, with a long conversation about the book being old, you could read it with a kid. But not in a classroom – you can’t have that conversation with 25 kids at once. (pannarrens) Show Less
LibraryThing member rdg301library
A post comparing four different editions of the 1923 Newbery winner, The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle by Hugh Lofting, got so long that I set it up on its own website.
Bottom line: There are some editions out there that do not make it clear that they have been revised from the 1922 original. Even with
Bottom line: There are some editions out there that do not make it clear that they have been revised from the 1922 original. Even with
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those that are upfront about changes, it's good to know exactly what is different. Buyer beware! Show Less
LibraryThing member tjsjohanna
This is a fanciful look at the natural world - very much from a child's view. In this world one can ride on the back of a giant sea snail's back right down to the depths of the ocean, and islands can float, and animals have extensive languages that can be learned. I loved Dr. Dolittle - he is
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pleasant and interested and good. This tale reminded me of tales such as "The Odyssey" or "Gulliver's Travels". An enjoyable read. Show Less
LibraryThing member SHARONTHEIL
Hugh Lofting was a prolific author, poet, and artist. He wrote and illustrated thirteen Doctor Dolittle books, which he began in the trenches of WWI as stories for his own children. These books have generated some controversy over the years because of certain wording and characterizations that are
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offensive to 21st-Century sensibilities. However, I read the original version of The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle and found nothing that is not in Tom Sawyer or Huck Finn. These books seem to have fallen out of favor toward the late 20th Century as realistic fiction came to dominate children's libraries, with little room for escapist fiction in which nothing bad ever happens. However, I think it is as wrong to force children to read Judy Bloom and Louise Fitzhugh exclusively as it is to enforce a staid Dick and Jane, conservative literary tradition. The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle conveys a great love of animals and the natural world and playful adventure in far-off lands, all within a secure world of humor and extended childhood. Show Less
LibraryThing member debnance
Tommy Stubbins is thrilled to make the acquaintance of the esteemed Doctor Doolittle. Doolittle has the amazing ability to talk to animals and he loves to travel; these two combine to send him off on many adventures. And Tommy is able to come along, a witness to all the adventures of the doctor.
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They meet up with the world’s greatest naturalist, Long Arrow, on a floating island. The doctor teaches the people of Spain a new way to fight bulls. And the doctor is made king. Show Less
LibraryThing member shayna1900
This was a literacy milestone, and strong memory from my childhood. I took it out from the bookmobile and it was such a thick book for a child. I loved it and finished the entire novel. I remember feeling so proud to have the read the whole book. Now I had two desires- to fly like Peter Pan, to
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ride in a large snail and to talk to animals. Show Less
LibraryThing member M_U
Great book. You should read even though it looks old and baby-ish.
LibraryThing member PMaranci
A classic, which unfortunately is all-to-often censored for completely idiotic reasons. The first in a series, my son loved it so much that we've continued with the rest of the Dolittle books.
LibraryThing member revslick
This is one of the few books I loved when I was 10, but I reread it as an adult and realized it stunk. Personally, I felt the author was Imperialistic, slightly racist, and naive toward indigenous people. Doolittle is elevated to a demigod status with the only flaw is that he wants to remain with
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the Indian tribes instead of going home. I felt it extremely ironic that he wasn't a vegetarian or vegan. Show Less
LibraryThing member pewterbreath
Unfortunately I have the original version which has racist slurs and offensive minstrel pictures. While the story is so-so, I have to wonder why Lofting can so ably show animals with interesting personalities but has trouble showing people beyond broad stereotypes.
LibraryThing member antiquary
The classic story -- not the first in the series, but introducing Tommy Stubbins, the boy narrator of what might be called the second series within the series. This includes the wonderful trial scene in which the doctor proves to the judge that he can talk to animals (by interviewing the judge's
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dog) and then translates the testimony of another dog who clears his master of murder --so his master can join the doctor on a sea voyage to a floating island off South America, which the doctor not only stabilizes the island but also successfully defends a friendly tribe from their aggressive neighbors, the Bagjagderags (I can still recite from memory most of the song recounting this episode) with the aid of parrots who clip their ears, and then the doctor is crowned king (Jong Thinkalot) but ultimately returns to Puddleby. Show Less
LibraryThing member TheMadTurtle
This is a timeless classic. I recently listened to the LibreVox audiobook and really enjoyed that. Prior to that, I hadn't read the book since junior high school. As old as the book is, it really holds up well, even to the modern reader (I guess that's why it's a classic).
LibraryThing member santhony
For Christmas, I ordered an mp3 player (Library of Classics) that was pre-loaded with 100 works of classic literature in an audio format. Each work is in the public domain and is read by amateurs, so the quality of the presentation is hit or miss.
Doctor Dolittle is a famous children’s story that
It is far too juvenile for anything but a very young audience, yet utilizes language and presents native populations in ways that would be viewed as completely unacceptable today. I’m sure it was a sensation in the early 20th century, but cannot imagine recommending it now.
Doctor Dolittle is a famous children’s story that
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features a British naturalist who “can talk to the animals”. It was made into a movie starring Rex Harrison. The story was penned in 1922 and therein lies the problem from the standpoint of recommending it to current generations: It is irredeemably politically incorrect. It is far too juvenile for anything but a very young audience, yet utilizes language and presents native populations in ways that would be viewed as completely unacceptable today. I’m sure it was a sensation in the early 20th century, but cannot imagine recommending it now.
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LibraryThing member klburnside
The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle was the 1923 Newbery winner. I read the unedited version, which starts with an introduction explaining how the book is a product of its times, and yes, there are some racist elements, but Hugh Lofting and his character, Doctor Dolittle, have no real racist intentions.
Yes, this was written in 1923, when imperialism was still widely accepted and along with it the white savior mentality. Still, it was impossible for me to like Doctor Dolittle’s character at all. The way the islanders were constantly described as childlike and ignorant, and Doctor Dolittle’s condescending attitude towards them was just too much. The descriptions of the Africans and islanders often made me cringe.
On top of that, I don’t really like animal stories or animals that much, so I did not find Doctor Dolittle’s love for animals to be much of a redeeming quality.
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So I should have known what I was getting into. The main plot of the book is about Doctor Dolittle going to an island off the coast of Brazil. He is accompanied by his apprentice (the narrator of the story), a number of animals, and Bumpo, an African prince. When they arrive on the island, Doctor Dolittle immediately sees the native islanders as a people in need of saving. He quickly rescues them from their ignorant ways, and the instantly beloved doctor is crowned king. Yes, this was written in 1923, when imperialism was still widely accepted and along with it the white savior mentality. Still, it was impossible for me to like Doctor Dolittle’s character at all. The way the islanders were constantly described as childlike and ignorant, and Doctor Dolittle’s condescending attitude towards them was just too much. The descriptions of the Africans and islanders often made me cringe.
On top of that, I don’t really like animal stories or animals that much, so I did not find Doctor Dolittle’s love for animals to be much of a redeeming quality.
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LibraryThing member mirrani
Okay, so here's the thing. This book was written back in the day when it was perfectly acceptable to think that native peoples were slow and incapable and that the white man was the savior of the world and would come take care of everything because everyone else was incapable of anything. If you
The point is, this is a classic adventure story. It isn't a modern one. If you are wanting a book deserving of the Newbery Medal, then you should pick this book up, recognize it for the work of history that it is, and just enjoy it in that context. The words are bigger than you are used to for children these days, but that is not unfitting. The story is rather simple, but it is still enjoyable in a fantastic sort of way. As a reader, I would make certain my child read this book for its historic and classic value. I also enjoyed the silly nature of it, even as an adult.
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can't pick up a book written in the 20's, for people living in the 20's, and accept the fact that that was the way many thought at the time, then this book is not one you should have. Put it down and move along. There is an edited version of this story that changes things slightly, but I didn't see evidence of that in this copy, so I expect that it was the unedited version.The point is, this is a classic adventure story. It isn't a modern one. If you are wanting a book deserving of the Newbery Medal, then you should pick this book up, recognize it for the work of history that it is, and just enjoy it in that context. The words are bigger than you are used to for children these days, but that is not unfitting. The story is rather simple, but it is still enjoyable in a fantastic sort of way. As a reader, I would make certain my child read this book for its historic and classic value. I also enjoyed the silly nature of it, even as an adult.
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LibraryThing member Jahnavee
The story is told from the perspective of little Tommy Stubbins the doctors new assistant and apprentice. Tommy accompanies the marvelous naturalist Dr. Doolittle on one of his voyages. The voyage is full of danger, animals, twists, and humorous escapades as the travel to Spider Monkey near South
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America in search of Long Arrow. They rescue Long Arrow and the Doctor creates peace on the Island. The people of the Island love the doctor so much so they make him king (against his will). After quite sometime the doctor and his companions escape under the shell of a giant snail all the way back to England. Show Less
LibraryThing member Abbyu1.B3
In this book a boy called Stubbins tells the story. Stubbins has found an injured animal. He is told of an amazing doctor called 'Dolittle" that can talk to animals. He visits this doctor, who is a naturalist, and later asks if he can become a naturalist too. When Dolittle agrees, they go on a
I liked this book because I love animals. I thought it was interesting though because his name was Dolittle, which is a compound word of Do-little. However Dolittle did quite a lot in this book. I liked the way the main points of the book were all linked. I also learned a lot about what goes on in the world with animal abuse. I liked the way the author expressed Dolittle as a person who does not like people, yet he works perfectly well with animals. It was interesting how he was portrayed as a person who sees the world as it really is: cruel, abusive, and selfish. It also made me want to focus on my dream to become a veterinarian more, because Dolittle had to work extremely hard in order to follow his dream.
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voyage to "Spidermonkey Island". Spidermonkey Island is a floating island that originated in the south. However Spidermonkey Island has begun to float North and the people there are not used to it. They are cold, hungry, and when the doctor asked whales to move the island South (which they do), they announce him as king. As the whales push the island a large rock hits the air pocket keeping it floating. The island sinks and clogs a giant sea snails home. Dolittle has always wanted to see the giant sea snail. So when the snail offers to take them back to England, he could not protest. He ran away from being king, and came to England.I liked this book because I love animals. I thought it was interesting though because his name was Dolittle, which is a compound word of Do-little. However Dolittle did quite a lot in this book. I liked the way the main points of the book were all linked. I also learned a lot about what goes on in the world with animal abuse. I liked the way the author expressed Dolittle as a person who does not like people, yet he works perfectly well with animals. It was interesting how he was portrayed as a person who sees the world as it really is: cruel, abusive, and selfish. It also made me want to focus on my dream to become a veterinarian more, because Dolittle had to work extremely hard in order to follow his dream.
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LibraryThing member meki
This book is about a man named Dr. Dolittle who goes on an wonderful voyage. This book is very funny and interesting.
LibraryThing member amandanan
What an adventure to live in Dr. Doolittle's world. Top 5 superpower: talk to and understand animals in their own languages.
Subjects
Awards
Newbery Medal (Medal Winner — 1923)
Language
Original publication date
1922
Physical description
240 p.; 7.61 inches
ISBN
0440412404 / 9780440412403