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The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle



Last updated Monday, April 4, 2016

Author: Hugh Lofting
Illustrator: Scott McKowen
Date of Publication: 2012
ISBN: 1402797214
Grade Level: 5th    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Apr. 2016

Synopsis: Hugh Lofting's beloved story of the doctor who can talk to animals has long enchanted children. Though his fondness for pets drives away all his human patients, as a veterinarian, Doctor Doolittle has the magic touch. Join him, Polynesia, Jip the dog, Dab-Dab the duck, and the rest of his furry and feathered friends as they face evil kings and treacherous pirates while handling their most important case ever.

Note to readers:
•  The book is long and you will not finish. Read as far as you can. Vocabulary:
•  curlews--birds with long, slender downcurved bills
•  redshanks--a type of bird that lives near the water
•  samphire--a plant that grows on rocks and cliffs by the sea
•  nacheralist--an expert or student of natural history

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  Have you heard of Dr. Doolittle?
•  What time period do you think this book is set in? (now, the future, the past?)
•  What do you call a doctor who treats animals? (a veterinarian)

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  Do you think animals speak languages?
•  Do animals understand humans?
•  Would you like to understand and speak to animals?
•  If you could speak to animals, what would you ask them?

Craft ideas:
•  Make a paper plate animal.
•  Make animal paper bag puppets and have them talk to each other.
•  Check out our April craft ideas on Pinterest! https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/april-2016-animal-crafts/

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!