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The Story of Doctor Dolittle Children's Picture Book Edition
The origins of the remarkable Doctor Dolittle are revealed in this 32-page picture book!
With 26 new, full-color illustrations of the quirky Doctor and his animal pals,
...this classic story with a new magical twist is sure to be a family favorite!
When Doctor Dolittle’s love of animals—and his crocodile—scare away his human patients, he finds himself very poor. Luckily, his parrot teaches him to talk to animals.
He becomes an animal doctor and soon, animals from all over the world ask for the Doctor’s help. Sailing off to Africa to bring medicine to the monkeys, Doctor Dolittle and his friends face vicious pirates, an angry king, and more.
Join Doctor Dolittle and his pals for the adventure of a lifetime!
With 26 new, full-color illustrations of the quirky Doctor and his animal pals,
...this classic story with a new magical twist is sure to be a family favorite!
When Doctor Dolittle’s love of animals—and his crocodile—scare away his human patients, he finds himself very poor. Luckily, his parrot teaches him to talk to animals.
He becomes an animal doctor and soon, animals from all over the world ask for the Doctor’s help. Sailing off to Africa to bring medicine to the monkeys, Doctor Dolittle and his friends face vicious pirates, an angry king, and more.
Join Doctor Dolittle and his pals for the adventure of a lifetime!
- GenresChildrens
32 pages, Paperback
Published August 31, 2021
3 people are currently reading
1439 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Dalton Martinez
4 books37 followersMelissa Dalton Martinez is the author of three different editions of "The Story of Doctor Dolittle," which include the “Revised, Newly Illustrated” novel, the “Children’s Picture Book Edition,” and the “Coloring and Activity Book."
Melissa has worked in the book publishing industry since 2003. Today she is the executive producer and host of the hit online show, The Book Break.
Melissa is the mother of three imaginative children ages eleven, nine, and six. As a lover of books, she started buying and reading massive amounts of children’s books from the first day she found out she was pregnant with her oldest child.
Today, Melissa still buys, and reads with her children, huge amounts of children’s books. Her talented husband, Gama Ray Martinez, contributes to this growing children’s book library as an author of more than 17 books for school-age children.
When they’re not reading or writing, the Martinez family can be found enjoying a variety of activities like playing with their Golden Retriever, hiking, swimming (and scuba diving for Melissa and Gama), traveling, playing video games, and watching fun movies (usually in the fantasy or science fiction genre).
Melissa has worked in the book publishing industry since 2003. Today she is the executive producer and host of the hit online show, The Book Break.
Melissa is the mother of three imaginative children ages eleven, nine, and six. As a lover of books, she started buying and reading massive amounts of children’s books from the first day she found out she was pregnant with her oldest child.
Today, Melissa still buys, and reads with her children, huge amounts of children’s books. Her talented husband, Gama Ray Martinez, contributes to this growing children’s book library as an author of more than 17 books for school-age children.
When they’re not reading or writing, the Martinez family can be found enjoying a variety of activities like playing with their Golden Retriever, hiking, swimming (and scuba diving for Melissa and Gama), traveling, playing video games, and watching fun movies (usually in the fantasy or science fiction genre).
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
August 30, 2021
Tough to believe that the very first Doctor Dolittle story was published more than a hundred years ago in 1920. This picture book contains a much simplified version of the classic story but with an interesting little twist midway.
I was a bit disappointed because the story here doesn’t flow very smoothly. If you have ever heard a child narrating some incident, the flow is usually “I went here. I saw this. And then I went there. I did that. And then I met him…“ You don’t get descriptions or feelings. You get crisp sentences full of actions and you wonder where the story is going. And that’s exactly what this story gives you; one action sentence after another. There is not much smoothness between the scene changes and this leads to some gaps in the plot. But I need to consider it from the target reader’s perspective and that age group is the 2-5 year olds. For them, I am sure that listening to this story will be a wonderful experience as they meet multiple animals, go to strange lands and see new concepts in action within the magical world of Doctor Dolittle.
This is a picture book edition and the illustrations certainly meet the requirement. The graphics in the book are colourful and cute, and will certainly appeal to children.
This would be a wonderful picture book addition to schools, libraries and homes with young readers. It will also work very well as a bedtime read. The vocabulary level is really simple so it will work well for beginner readers too. But I am not sure how far this book will satisfy slightly older readers because they are bound to have a lot of questions about the events in the book. For example, merely saying “Doctor Doolittle escaped” will make little ones happy. But I can hear a five year old uttering that most fear-inducing word for all parents: “How?” As long as parents can fill in the blanks creatively, it is a book worth going for.
3.5 stars from me, rounding up to 4.
Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for the ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review.
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Join me on the Facebook group, Readers Forever! , for more reviews, book-related discussions and fun.
I was a bit disappointed because the story here doesn’t flow very smoothly. If you have ever heard a child narrating some incident, the flow is usually “I went here. I saw this. And then I went there. I did that. And then I met him…“ You don’t get descriptions or feelings. You get crisp sentences full of actions and you wonder where the story is going. And that’s exactly what this story gives you; one action sentence after another. There is not much smoothness between the scene changes and this leads to some gaps in the plot. But I need to consider it from the target reader’s perspective and that age group is the 2-5 year olds. For them, I am sure that listening to this story will be a wonderful experience as they meet multiple animals, go to strange lands and see new concepts in action within the magical world of Doctor Dolittle.
This is a picture book edition and the illustrations certainly meet the requirement. The graphics in the book are colourful and cute, and will certainly appeal to children.
This would be a wonderful picture book addition to schools, libraries and homes with young readers. It will also work very well as a bedtime read. The vocabulary level is really simple so it will work well for beginner readers too. But I am not sure how far this book will satisfy slightly older readers because they are bound to have a lot of questions about the events in the book. For example, merely saying “Doctor Doolittle escaped” will make little ones happy. But I can hear a five year old uttering that most fear-inducing word for all parents: “How?” As long as parents can fill in the blanks creatively, it is a book worth going for.
3.5 stars from me, rounding up to 4.
Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for the ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review.
***********************
Join me on the Facebook group, Readers Forever! , for more reviews, book-related discussions and fun.
August 2, 2021
This is a lovely opportunity to become re-acquainted, (Mostly Grandparents,) and introduce the story of Dr Dolittle to a fresh generation.
Packed with classic style illustrations and accompanied with a simple text it sketches the basic account of how a local doctor began to treat animals.
In the process he learned to communicate with his patients, an ‘animal whisperer’ if ever there was one. His veterinary practice was popular but it wasn’t lucrative. One day he learns that animals in Africa need curing so he sets sail across the sea where more adventures await him and his menagerie of friends and companions.
This is a clever book about a man’s ability to talk with animals and improve their health and situation. However, it is set in a time when the world was less PC and this may cause some difficulty in certain settings and for some individuals. I am more familiar with the film adaptation so this illustrated book is more aligned to the original text. I wonder if the story would therefore hold up to a modern audience.
However, I love the whole premise of communicating with animals in this story. It has much to delight and stimulate younger minds. It also has scope to be re-interpreted for our times of endangered species and loss of habitats due to direct human expansion and climate change.
Worth a trip down memory lane and the chance to enthuse a fresh audience keen to enjoy our world from a different perspective.
Packed with classic style illustrations and accompanied with a simple text it sketches the basic account of how a local doctor began to treat animals.
In the process he learned to communicate with his patients, an ‘animal whisperer’ if ever there was one. His veterinary practice was popular but it wasn’t lucrative. One day he learns that animals in Africa need curing so he sets sail across the sea where more adventures await him and his menagerie of friends and companions.
This is a clever book about a man’s ability to talk with animals and improve their health and situation. However, it is set in a time when the world was less PC and this may cause some difficulty in certain settings and for some individuals. I am more familiar with the film adaptation so this illustrated book is more aligned to the original text. I wonder if the story would therefore hold up to a modern audience.
However, I love the whole premise of communicating with animals in this story. It has much to delight and stimulate younger minds. It also has scope to be re-interpreted for our times of endangered species and loss of habitats due to direct human expansion and climate change.
Worth a trip down memory lane and the chance to enthuse a fresh audience keen to enjoy our world from a different perspective.
August 14, 2021
Doctor Dolittle is a timeless tale about a “people” doctor who loves animals so much that he keeps a veritable zoo in his house. The presence of all the creatures is a major deterrent to his patients so Dolittle decides to become a doctor to animals instead. However, their inability to pay poses a significant problem so the doctor sets out an adventure to heal sick monkeys in Africa and find a way to make money. Children will love this tale full of animal antics, exotic travels, and treacherous pirates. The book is fast-paced and its vivid illustrations are sweet and unique and have an old-timey feel that matches well with the age of the story. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me access to this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 27, 2021
I received this book from a giveaway. My 3 year old and I enjoyed this picture book telling the now 100 year old story! She love all of the animals in the book!
August 5, 2021
Dr. Dolittle is always an entertaining read and this children's picture book does justice to the original! In the pictures the doctor looks friendly as do the animals. Dr Dolittle learns to talk to the animals. They go to Africa to heal the monkeys, get captured and escape, and have an encounter with pirates. Very exciting book for young kids!
August 2, 2021
The illustrations in the book are really good and works really well with the writing. There is pictures on each page and there is about 7 or 8 lines of writing on some of the pages. The story not very long but it gets straight to the point. The story is about doctor do little who has lots of animals and helps people but doesn’t get paid but eventually he goes on a trip and things getting better for him near the end.
Thank you NetGalley for letting me read this book.
Thank you NetGalley for letting me read this book.
August 29, 2021
The Story of Doctor Dolittle by Melissa Dalton Martinez and Tom Tolman is a lovely little book which was fun to read with my nephew. This book is based on the famous person who talked to the animals......There has been many books and films about Doctor Dolittle. We found it very colourful throughout. It maybe a small book of 32 picture pages but it has big personality which kept my nephew entertained for many hours and became a family favourite of his.,
This book is aimed at 2-7 year olds.
Thank you NetGalley for letting me and my nephew read and have quality time with each other reading this book.
This book is aimed at 2-7 year olds.
Thank you NetGalley for letting me and my nephew read and have quality time with each other reading this book.
September 2, 2021
I love this young-kid friendly version of the great Dr. Doolittle story! Fabulous illustrations and a great summary of the key exciting points. I understand there's an audio recording of the reading out there. Recommended for all the kiddos and all grandparents!
August 31, 2021
What a fun book for kids! Exciting, action-packed, with some very smart animals! I have not read any of the Doctor Dolittle books before, neither have my children, so this was fun. The illustrations are amazing with a lot of detail! Great book to read to your children and then talk about problem solving and helping others.
December 31, 2021
This book is being released in both children's book and a picture book for younger readers. I will be reviewing both books.
This one is the picture book and the illustrations by Tom Tolman are beautiful and really bring Melissa's words to life.
The story itself is very fun with a kind and sweet aspect to it. Animal lovers will adore the illustrations and it's a great retelling.
I myself know more of doctor Dolittle from the movie adaptations rather than the original story so it's been nice to read the tale.
This book is released on August 31st 2021 so if you like animals I recommend checking out this book.
September 17, 2021
Dolttle does a lot for Kids
How nice to be able to hand your child your phone so they can read and entertain themselves in this well written book, where they can imagine themselves as a character in this friendly group. It has been so nice to allow my grandchildren to enjoy a book that entrances their imagination, either at home or while I am driving them somewhere. Easy to read, and engaging story. The pictures were well done and captivating as well. Highly recommend this book.
How nice to be able to hand your child your phone so they can read and entertain themselves in this well written book, where they can imagine themselves as a character in this friendly group. It has been so nice to allow my grandchildren to enjoy a book that entrances their imagination, either at home or while I am driving them somewhere. Easy to read, and engaging story. The pictures were well done and captivating as well. Highly recommend this book.
October 22, 2022
The Story of Doctor Dolittle, Children's Picture Book Edition- (Kindle Edition) Melissa Dalton Martinez, Illustrator- Tom Tolman, inspired by -Hugh Lofting- Children’s Illustrated Colour Picture Book- The book narrates the story of Doctor Dolittle. Doctor Dolittle resides in Piddle bye- on- the- Marsh, England. His pet animals are Duck named Dub-dub, an owl named To-to, Parrot named Polynasia, a dog named Zip and a pig named Gab-gab. The presence of all these animals is a major deterrent to his patients so Dolittle decides to become a doctor to animals instead. However, their inability to pay poses a significant problem. Dr Do-little is able to understand the language of animals. One day a monkey from Africa arrives at his residence cum clinic and informs him that a disease is spreading amongst monkeys. Therefore, he must travel to Africa. Dr. Do-little and his team hire a ship and travel to Africa. On the way, a storm arrives and they have to land at an unknown place. They are captured a by Tribesman. African Monkeys locate the party and help the party to escape. They travel to Monkey Land where he finds that all the monkeys need to be vaccinated. He vaccinates them and rests for three days. They return back with a nearly extinct animal named Pushme-pulugu. This animal is like two cows with one body. Dr. Do-little return home and keeps treating the animals with love. Children will love this tale full of animal antics, exotic travels, and treacherous pirates. The book is fast-paced and its vivid illustrations are sweet and unique. Illustrations help the reader in relating to the story.
February 19, 2022
The Story of Doctor Dolittle Children's Picture Book Edition follows the classic story of the veterinarian who could speak to animals. I remember when I was little I watched the movies starring Eddie Murphy and loved them. This story follows the classic, which is a bit different from the movie plot, but it also doesn't really add anything significant. Because it is abridged, it feels choppy and rushed. For example, there's a point in the book where the ship they get on is damaged and sinks. Just a few pages later, it is damaged and sinks again without much explanation. The art is not bad but it's just the traditional children's picture illustrations. I'd stick to the classic, there are plenty of illustrated versions out there which tell a more thorough story.
Note: I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not compensated in any other fashion for the review and the opinions reflected below are entirely my own. Special thanks to the publisher and author for providing the copy.
Note: I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not compensated in any other fashion for the review and the opinions reflected below are entirely my own. Special thanks to the publisher and author for providing the copy.
October 5, 2021
Doctor Dolittle seems to be pretty popular right now. However, this book will not be. It extremely simplifies many stories into one quick short book. There is not really an explanations of any of the adventures, and so much has been cut out it barely makes sense. If you want to read Doctor Dolittle, then read Doctor Dolittle. Leave this on the shelf.
October 14, 2021
I absolutely loved The Story of Doctor Dolittle—Children’s Picture Book Edition! If you have watched the original Doctor Dolittle movie, it is similar. The illustrations are precious. I highly recommend this book to anyone! Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read this book. (This review is also on GoodReads.)
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January 28, 2026The book’s strongest features are its bright, engaging illustrations that bring the quirky characters and lively scenes to life, making it especially appealing for preschoolers and early readers. The story moves quickly and keeps the action simple, which helps hold a young child’s attention. Though it may feel too brief for readers who want the fuller adventure found in longer editions.
March 17, 2026
This is a great retelling of the classic tale of Doctor Dolittle - I thought that this was a fun book to read! The story was well written and it was easy to read and understand. The illustrations in the book were great, they were nice, bright and colourful and they brought the story to life too. It is 4 stars from me for this one - highly recommended!
August 14, 2021
"I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."
This was a nice adaptation of the classic for younger readers.
This was a nice adaptation of the classic for younger readers.
October 11, 2025
This delightful story of Doctor Dolittle promises adventure, humor, and the magic of communicating with animals.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews