Set on the West Coast of Africa, the book follows Doctor Dolittle who helps to capture a slave trader's ship, then organizes the postal service of a small African kingdom, Fantippo, ruled over by King Koko. He later discovers a hidden island populated by prehistoric creatures and attempts to make contact with them, with numerous dangers and difficulties waiting in line.

Hugh Lofting (1886-1947) was a British author who created the character of Doctor Dolittle, one of the classics of children's literature. Doctor Dolittle first appeared in the author's illustrated letters to his children, written from the trenches while serving in the British Army during World War I. Not wishing to write to his children about the brutality of the war, he wrote imaginative letters which later became the foundation of the successful series of novels for children.