The Voyages of Dr. Dolittle

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The delightfully eccentric Doctor Dolittle, immortalized by Rex Harrison on screen, has captured the hearts of children for generations since his debut in an earlier novel. In his second adventure, the maverick physician takes on a new assistant, Tommy Stubbins, who narrates the story as an old man. Tommy, the son of a village cobbler, first meets Doctor Dolittle when he brings in a hurt squirrel. Their friendship blossoms, and Tommy learns to communicate with animals in their languages. The remarkable parrot, Polynesia, and other creatures from the previous book return in this sequel. The mysterious disappearance of Luke the Hermit leads Tommy and the doctor on a hazardous voyage to find Long Arrow, a Native American and renowned naturalist. Doctor Dolittle's kind-hearted, quirky nature drives the plot, showcasing his humanitarian approach, desire for peaceful coexistence, and concern for the environment. The tale is filled with adventure, including shipwrecks and underwater explorations, featuring a giant sea snail. While some passages may be considered politically incorrect by today’s standards, it’s essential to recognize that these stories were written over a century ago, reflecting the attitudes of that time. Lofting’s works explore a wide variety of themes, locations, and ideas, originally illustrated by the author himself, who was also a talented artist and naturalist.