The Story of Dr. Dolittle

Written by Hugh Lofting

Narrated by Randal Schaffer

The Story of Doctor Dolittle, Being the History of His Peculiar Life at Home and Astonishing Adventures in Foreign Parts is the first of the classically loved Doctor Dolittle series by Hugh Lofting.
Doctor John Dolittle is a physician living in England who loves animals. He acquires many animals in his small home, but the volume of animals causes his human patients to be uncomfortable and seek out other practitioners. Doctor Dolittle does the most sensible thing in that situation – learns to speak to the animals from his pet parrot, and takes up veterinary medicine instead of human medicine.
Soon after, many animals seek him out and take residence in his home, causing all sorts of problems, but giving Dolittle the fame he needs to travel the world as a special doctor to animals. He begins adventuring throughout the world to help sick and injured animals, and runs into animals and mythical creatures who benefit from his expertise.
This story is charming and has been the basis for many movies over the years. Its humor and adventurous spirit are sure to delight readers of all ages.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Spotify Audiobooks
• Release date: Oct 13, 2020
• ISBN: 9781094244334

Hugh Lofting

Hugh Lofting (1886-1947) was an English writer, soldier, and civil engineer. Born in Berkshire, England, Lofting was raised in a family with Irish and English parentage. Educated at Mount St Mary’s College, Lofting matriculated at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he studied civil engineering between 1905 and 1906. After working for several years as a civil engineer, Lofting enlisted in the Irish Guards in order to fight in the Great War. Horrified by his experience in combat, Lofting wrote creative letters home to his wife and children that originated his legendary character Doctor Dolittle, a physician with the unique ability to speak with animals. Gravely wounded in France, Lofting returned home briefly before moving with his family to Connecticut. In 1920, he published The Story of Doctor Dolittle, the first in a series of fifteen novels and short story collections for children that have inspired numerous adaptations for theater, film, and television. In addition to these novels, Lofting published several other works for children—including picture books and poems—as well as Victory for the Slain (1942), a long antiwar poem and his only work written for adult readers.

Reviews for The Story of Dr. Dolittle

[Louise · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Lovely story, my one year old and I enjoyed it and will listen to it again soon

[Hardy Bin Mohamad · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Unabridged. Entertaining children's book. Loved it from beginning to end.