Dory Fantasmagory

Gr 1–3—Six-year-old Dory has a very fantasmagory imagination, much to the dismay of her two older siblings. Summer break has begun and the multiple, pesky attempts by Dory to join in the family fun are repeatedly rejected. Exasperated, Violet and Luke conspire to teach Dory a lesson; they invent the terrifying 507-year-old Mrs. Gobble Gracker who steals baby girls and is now looking specifically for Dory! However, with the aid of her (invisible) friends—Mary and Mr. Nuggy, the fairy godmother—Dory thwarts their plan and disguises herself. Hanlon's whimsical story about the antics of a youngest child who finally convinces her siblings that sometimes it can be fun to pretend is sure to resonate with young children…and their families. Suzy Jackson provides excellent narration, especially as mischievous Dory and her pushed-to-the-limits mother.