Abby Hanlon
Recognized in the Creative Minds Montessori 2026 Teacher’s Choice list.
Abby Hanlon is one of roughly one hundred authors whose work was selected by the Montessori-certified teachers at Creative Minds Montessori for the 2026 Teacher’s Choice list — 120 books chosen across four reading stages, from first lap-reads to first chapter books. The selected book was chosen for how precisely it meets children at a real developmental moment. This recognition cannot be bought: no author or publisher paid to appear on our lists, and we take no commission on any book sale.
About Abby Hanlon
Abby Hanlon wrote and illustrated the seven Dory Fantasmagory chapter books, published by Dial/Penguin Random House; the first was named a Best Book of the Year by Kirkus, Publishers Weekly and Parent's Magazine and won a Golden Kite Honor. She has a master's degree in childhood education from City College of New York and has taught creative writing and first grade in the New York City public school system.
Hanlon never went to art school and taught herself to draw. Her debut picture book, Ralph Tells a Story (2012), is widely used by elementary school teachers.
Also by this author: Dory Fantasmagory: The Real True Friend · Ralph Tells a Story
Official website: www.abbyhanlon.com
Selected for the 2026 Teacher’s Choice list
Part of The Best Children’s Books by Age, chosen by the teachers at Creative Minds Montessori in Frisco, TX.