• The Story of Doctor Dolittle

  • By: Hugh Lofting
  • Narrated by: Nadia May
  • Length: 2 hrs and 24 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (190 ratings)

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The Story of Doctor Dolittle  By  cover art

The Story of Doctor Dolittle

By: Hugh Lofting
Narrated by: Nadia May
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Publisher's summary

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

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

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

What a treat!!

"I don't have any favorite parts Mama, I loved the WHOLE book!! That's how much I loved it." - Brighton (6 year old boy)

The voices, noises and personalities of all the different animals was brought to life -- all so funny and delightful. Apparently this book topped our boxcar children's audio book all because the narrator's gifted, expressive voice and endearing tone. A true treat that made our car drive extra special.

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5 people found this helpful

  • 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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4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

The Story of Doctor Doolittle

Both my 8-year old and my 5-year old loved this story!

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3 people found this helpful

  • 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

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

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
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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
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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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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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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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