Discussion Guide:

1. Which of Dolittle’s Animal Friends was your favorite? Why?
   [CAREGIVER NOTE: This question is primarily for bonding and just a low-key way to get the conversation going and lead into the next question.]

2. Was there a character you felt like you could relate to? Why?
   [CAREGIVER NOTE: Each of the main characters is dealing with a different struggle: Dolittle is learning how to trust the world again after a devastating loss, Stubbins feels like he doesn’t fit in and longs to find a place where he is accepted, and Chee-Chee is dealing with anxiety and how to not be a ‘prisoner of fear’. Depending on the development of the child, they may not be able to articulate why a particular character resonated the most with them, but by choosing one of the above it may indicate that they are struggling with something similar].

3. When Stubbins and Lady Rose arrive at Dolittle Manor, Dr. Dolittle hides and refuses to answer the door. Why is he so afraid of meeting new people?
   [CAREGIVER NOTE: Dolittle struggled after losing his wife and retreated from the world because it was too painful. He worries that if he meets new people and cares about them, he’ll be hurt again, and he doesn’t want to feel that pain anymore. This can be a great way to start a conversation about how vulnerability and getting close to new people can be scary but that in the end it’s worth it to experience the love and other good things relationship can bring.]

4. Have you ever felt that way about meeting new people? What would help you in situations like this in the future?
   [CAREGIVER NOTE: This question may be one that is difficult for children to answer, especially those who are newer to care and who may still be in the fearful phase. If this is the case maybe suggest things that might be helpful or things that have helped you. This likely looks different for every child but maybe having a special place like their room or another safe location where they can go when they feel overwhelmed, or a familiar item they can have with them when meeting someone new.]

5. In the movie Dolittle and his crew take a ship voyage to search for a hidden island where the special fruit grows that will heal the Queen. If you could create your own secret island, what would it be like?
   [CAREGIVER NOTE: This question is just another fun opportunity to do some creative brainstorming together. There are some meditation techniques that use a ‘special place’ as means of focus so maybe the island you create with the child could be their special safe place they can think of. It can also be an opportunity to learn about what’s important to them and what the ‘perfect place’ would be like for them.]

6. ACTIVITY: Map Making- Going along with the above question, draw a map of how to get to your hidden island or of the island’s layout.
   [CAREGIVER NOTE: This can be a fun way to visualize the island in conjunction with the previous question, especially for younger children. However older children and teens may also like drawing out maps and routes of how one would travel to get there.]

7. Throughout the movie Dolittle and his crew face adventures and problems that they have to solve and often have to work together in order to get past these obstacles and each character has unique traits that they bring to the team. What are some ways they use their individual strengths to work as a team?
   [CAREGIVER NOTE: There are a number of examples in the movie they can choose from here- when the animals help Stubbins get on the boat, how Dolittle enlists the help of the octopus and stick insect to uncover the poisoning plot, the way the dragonfly and Stubbins help get the journal, how the animals help each other after the shipwreck, etc. Be sure to talk about how each character has different special skills that they are able to use to best help the team. For example, the stick insect blends in so he could hide behind the painting, the whale is strong and can pull the boat along, Stubbins is small so he can slip between the dungeon bars. None of the characters would be able to overcome the obstacles on their own, it takes the unique strengths of everyone working together to succeed].

8. The dragon tried to hurt Dolittle and his friends, and yet when he realizes that the dragon is sick and needs help, Dolittle is still willing to try and help her. Why do you think this is?
   [CAREGIVER NOTE: It’s easy when we are hurt to lash back at those who hurt us and to seek revenge. And kids with foster and adoptive backgrounds have been hurt plenty and it’s easy to become angry and to hurt others the way they were hurt. This is a good opportunity to talk about trying to understand where others are coming from and that everyone deserves help and compassion, and that hurting others back doesn’t make us hurt any less.

9. The dragon has lost her mate and is very upset, so upset that it has made her physically sick because she’s been so stressed out and upset for a long time. Have you ever felt like that?
   [CAREGIVER QUESTION: As with the question we asked earlier, children many not be in a place where they are ready to talk about this or even able to articulate how they feel. But talking about the physical symptoms that often go along with emotional pain (upset stomach, headaches, gastrointestinal distress) as evidenced by the dragon’s stomach pains in this scene may help children to understand the relationship between how their bodies feel and their emotions. ]

10. All through the movie, Dolittle wears a special necklace/charm that belonged to his wife. However, after they reach the island and accomplish their mission, he leaves the necklace behind because he ‘no longer needs it’. What do you think he means by this?
    [CAREGIVER NOTE: In many ways this necklace is similar to a security blanket for Dolittle- it makes him feel safe and like his wife Lily is still with him. During the course of the movie he learns to let others in again and builds a positive relationship with Stubbins. He realizes that his wife is always with him in his heart and he no longer needs the physical reminder of her because he’s reached a place of healing. This can be an opportunity to talk about some of the stages of grief and the steps Dolittle was able to take to get to this place of healing.]

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About the Author: Jenn Ehlers

Jenn is a central Virginia native who received her BA in Psychology from the University of Virginia in 2012. Since then she has worked for a local mental health agency and the Department of Social Services in various capacities and has been involved in her community’s efforts to create a Trauma Informed Network. Currently Jenn works in vocational rehab and mentors youth in foster care. When she isn’t working, Jenn enjoys writing stories, anything and everything Harry Potter, and spending time with her niece and nephew.

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**Transfiguring Adoption is a nonprofit organization seeking to nurture growth in foster and adoptive families by giving a HOOT about their families. Transfiguring Adoption does not intend for its reviewers nor its review to be professional, medical or legal advice. These reviews and discussion guides are intended to help parents to better be able to connect and understand their children who come from traumatic backgrounds.