Children's Book Classics Archives -

Middle Grade Book Review – Doctor Dolittle: The Complete Collection, Vol. 1

May 21, 2020
goodreadswithronna
Ages 8-12, Animals, Historical Fiction, Humor, Juvenile Fiction, Middle Grade Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

DOCTOR DOLITTLE:

THE COMPLETE COLLECTION, VOLUME 1

Text and art by Hugh Lofting

Updated by Christopher Lofting

(Aladdin; $59.99 Set, $24.99 each, Ages 8-12)

Doctor Dolittle vol1 cvr

Looking for the perfect stuck-at-home, want-to-read-a-classic book? It’s Hugh Lofting’s Doctor Dolittle: The Complete Collection, Vol. 1 (three different tales of Dolittle’s world travels, accompanied, of course, by his animal friends). Don’t let the 700+-page size scare you away; the short chapters and Lofting’s comical illustrations move the stories along quickly. A middle-grader will feel a great sense of accomplishment after reading this huge book that’s “fully updated for the modern reader by the author’s son, Christopher Lofting.”

Int art from doctor dolittle pg166 — Interior illustration from Doctor Dolittle: The Complete Collection, Vol. 1 written and illustrated by Hugh Lofting, Aladdin ©2019.

Kids may know the various Dolittles represented on the screen, but the real character supplants the others. The literary Dolittle isn’t handsome or debonair; instead, it’s his good-natured, kindhearted personality that quickly wins you over. I like that this Dolittle is a bit on the short and tubby side, it adds to the humorous appeal. Picture a slightly clownish man squished into a matador’s outfit as he tries to bring the cruel sport of bullfighting to an end. Fortunately, he can talk to animals, and always seems to have luck on his side.

spot int art from_doctor dolittle pg368 — Interior illustration from Doctor Dolittle: The Complete Collection, Vol. 1 written and illustrated by Hugh Lofting, Aladdin ©2019.

Children can explore this world’s appealing mix of reality and fantasy such as the Pushmi-Pullyu, a nearly extinct two-headed creature. These classic tales, “The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle;” “The Story of Doctor Dolittle;” “Doctor Dolittle’s Post Office,” will especially delight children fond of animals. Lofting connects with readers, drawing them into his imaginary world. Perhaps this can be attributed to the fact that the stories were originally written as a series of letters to his kids from the front lines during World War I. Though penned in wartime, his entertaining stories resound with the peaceful love of people and animals from everywhere around the globe.

Read more about Dolittle’s creator here.

Reviewed by Christine Van Zandt (www.ChristineVanZandt.com), Write for Success (www.Write-for-Success.com), @ChristineVZ and @WFSediting, Christine@Write-for-Success.com

Contest for Anne of Green Gables Fans from Sourcebooks!

January 17, 2014
goodreadswithronna
Ages 10 and up, Contests & Giveaways, MG Fiction

Return to the World of Avonlea
With an Anne of Green Gables Contest

“One of the most extraordinary girls that ever came out of an ink pot.” – The New York Times

Did you know that Anne of Green Gables was written over 100 years ago (1908 to be precise) and has sold over 50 million copies worldwide? When did you receive your first copy? Well, it’s time to revisit this classic courtesy of Sourcebooks who will be publishing both paperback and e-books of the beloved author’s works. In addition to delightful new cover art, the books will contain an introduction by the Canadian author’s granddaughter, Kate Macdonald Butler.

So mark your calendar now for the release of the Anne of Green Gables series in February 2014! Sourcebooks is proud to be the new home of L.M. Montgomery’s beloved novels and will continue to publish gorgeous brand new editions of all her classics throughout March and April.

Bookpage is hosting a contest for the Anne of Green Gables series through January 31, 2014 called Kindred Spirits Sweepstakes, where all entries will have a chance to win the following:

· 1 Grand Prize Winner will win 2 Tiffany & Co. sterling silver key pendants
· 5 Second Place Winners will receive a full set of the Anne of Green Gables series from Sourcebooks Fire (6 books)
· 10 Third Place Winners will receive a copy of Anne of Green Gables

Visit their website here for a list of official rules. Submit your entries on the same page, or click here to enter and then tell others about this exciting contest. Plus, you can tell Sourcebooks about your experiences and send them the links so they can share them on their social media sites.

What memories do you have about reading Anne of Green Gables?
How did Montgomery’s stories inspire you?

Dive deeper into L. M. Montgomery’s world by “Montgom-ifying” your name, entering giveaways, downloading posters and excerpts and so much more on the Anne of Green Gables page on the Sourcebooks website.

“The books I read most as a child were by Lucy Maud Montgomery…”

– Madeleine L’Engle