Hugh Lofting

Born in Maidenhead, England, on January 14, 1886, Hugh Lofting trained as an engineer before his life took a different turn. During World War I, while serving with the British army, he began writing and sketching stories in letters to his children, and those playful letters grew into the world of Doctor Dolittle.

Lofting went on to write a long series of Doctor Dolittle books and became known not only for the stories themselves but also for his own lively illustrations. The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle won the Newbery Medal, helping secure his place as a major figure in children's literature.

He later lived in the United States and died in Santa Monica, California, on September 26, 1947. Even now, his books are remembered for their gentle comedy, adventurous spirit, and the memorable idea of a doctor who could speak with animals.