Parents' Guide to

Dory Fantasmagory: Book 1

By Mary Eisenhart, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 6+

Funny, relatable tale of 6-year-old with wild imagination.

Book Abby Hanlon Family Life 2014
Dory Fantasmagory: Book 1 Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

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age 6+

Based on 6 parent reviews

digachica
digachica Adult
June 2, 2021
age 5+

Fun for Kids and Grown-ups

My 5 yo, 8 yo, and I all love this book and the others in the series. It is clever and champions a kid who has an amazing imagination, struggles in school sometimes, causes mischief without malice, and is 100% herself, always. The portrayal of the sibling relationships is realistic, with them teasing each other and Dory often being left out of the older kids' games. The mom is often overwhelmed with her spirited kid and I personally appreciate that the book touches on realistic tensions that exist in real families. Many kids (and parents) can relate, I think. Plus, it's so delightfully silly that everyone is laughing all the way through. I love that the protagonist is a "different" kid whose ideas and imagination aren't always appreciated by teachers or parents. She's weird and lovable, and might help kids be more accepting of those who seem different. Or, it may give them an ally if they feel like the black sheep themselves.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
1 person found this helpful.
Entu
Entu Adult
January 28, 2019
age 5+

A perfect book for a daredevil of a girl with great imagination

I really like how this book has a not-so-girly girl for a main character and also asks a very important question "Should I be myself with others?" Also, I would say this book will be helpful for kids that are being misunderstood by society (parents included). Sometimes you have to start swimming up the stream at very early age and find your voice while everyone around you just want to be in a choir and be like everyone else. This book gives an example of a strong personality. Not all kids are supported by their parents, not all siblings are nice... But guess what? You still should be yourself.

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
Great role models
1 person found this helpful.
See all 6 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Dory, better known as Rascal, is the baby of the family and wants her older sister and brother to play with her. But everything she does to get their attention just annoys them instead, especially when she starts populating the house with imaginary monsters, from her straight-out-of-Sendak BFF Mary to the toilet monster, who attacks you if you sit on the john too long. Her siblings' attempt to terrify her with an evil witch called Mrs. Gobble Gracker backfires badly as Dory takes on her new foe with gusto.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (6 ):
Kids say: Not yet rated

DORY FANTASMAGORY is our introduction to hilarious, strong-willed, 6-year-old Dory, and it's an entertaining one. In words and pictures, Dory bedevils her older sibs with annoying demands for attention and enjoys a lively time with imaginary monsters, some friendly and others scary.

Author-illustrator and former first-grade teacher Abby Hanlon shows a lively understanding of the way kids really think, feel, and act, which will resonate with younger kids, older kids, and adults. Along the way there are many laughs, moments of new understanding -- and a few antics you probably don't want your kid imitating.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about stories where kid characters have adventures with characters they've made up. Have you ever made up stories about your own adventures with imaginary friends? Were they fun or scary?

  • Do you think brothers and sisters who are different ages should figure out things they like to do together, or should each go his or her own way?

  • When you go to the doctor, do you act like Dory or do you do something else? What would you think if you were at the doctor's office and you saw a kid acting like that?

Book Details

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Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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