In this episode of The Growing Reader's Podcast, Abby Hanlon talks about how she infuses authentic challenges into her Dory Fantasmagory chapter books, giving little ones a taste of real life through the pages of her books.

Abby Hanlon has taught creative writing and first grade in the New York City public school system. Inspired by her students' storytelling and drawings, Abby began to write her own stories for children, and taught herself to draw after not having drawn since childhood. She lives with her husband and two children in Brooklyn.

Transcription:

You can read the transcription on ⁠The Children's Book Review⁠.

Order a Copy:

Dory Fantasmagory: Can't Live Without You on Amazon or Bookshop.org.

Resources:

For more information about Abby Hanlon and her books, visit http://www.abbyhanlon.com/.

Discussion Topics:

Abby Hanlon talks about:

• Her background in early education and her drive to create chapter books for young readers with relatable scenarios and humor
• Incorporating realistic problems in her latest book
• How she taught herself to draw and her raw style that kids can relate to
• The relatable and boundary-pushing character of Dory in children's books
• Accessibility and appeal of the illustrations in the Dory books, as well as the silly and relatable moments that kids enjoy
• A theme in the latest book involving Mozart and death, based on a real-life experience
• Fart jokes and quirky moments in the books
• The importance of play in children's development and how the Dory books focus on play