Bianca with Abby Hanlon on Dory Fantasmagory: Can't Live Without You

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