Abby Hanlon — Teacher's Choice Author 2026

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 taught first grade in Brooklyn, where her students' writing convinced her that six-year-old imagination deserved documentation; Dory Fantasmagory — narrated with anthropological accuracy — is the result, and a modern classic.

Hanlon had no formal art training; she taught herself to draw in her thirties specifically because Dory's scribbly world needed to look like Dory made it.

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

Dory Fantasmagory Read-to-Me, Read-by-Me · Chapter One, Together

Part of The Best Children’s Books by Age, chosen by the teachers at Creative Minds Montessori in Frisco, TX.

Share your award

We’d be honored if you showcased this recognition. The buttons below copy ready-to-paste HTML for your website — a full award card with the seal, or a simple one-line mention. Edit the wording however you like; it’s your award.

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  <p style="margin:0;font-size:14.5px;line-height:1.55;color:#333;">The Montessori teachers at Creative Minds selected <em>Dory Fantasmagory</em> for their 2026 Teacher&rsquo;s Choice list &mdash; <a href="https://creativemindsmontessori.com/resources/authors/abby-hanlon/" style="color:#66853a;font-weight:600;">read their review</a>.</p>
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<p>The Montessori teachers at <a href="https://creativemindsmontessori.com/resources/authors/abby-hanlon/">Creative Minds Montessori</a> selected <em>Dory Fantasmagory</em> as one of their 120 Teacher&rsquo;s Choice books for 2026.</p>