Children will delight in this book. Dr Dolittle wins all hearts

Any child who is not given the opportunity to make the acquaintance of this rotund, kindly and enthusiastic doctor / naturalist and all of his animal friends will miss out on something important

King of comedy

His books are preposterously entertaining

Pullman's writing is spellbinding, his storytelling brilliant.

His Dark Materials wasn't just the best children's book – it was also the most interesting fictional experiment of our times.

An eye-widening fantasy, a scorching thriller and a thought-provoking reflection on the human condition, this is a book that can be enjoyed at many levels.