2014
WISE Score
Amazon
Being the baby of the family is hard, but having an imaginary monster and a fairy godmother gnome makes it a lot more entertaining.
4.7
4.7View →Our reviews and ratings are 100% unbiased, but as an Amazon Associate, Screenwise earns an affiliate fee if you buy a book or game by clicking one of our links. We don't get any credit if you just Google it instead :)
This is exactly what early chapter books should be. It’s not a dry 'lesson' book, and it’s not brain-rot slapstick. Abby Hanlon hits that sweet spot where the kid feels heard and the parent is actually entertained.
It’s chaotic, weird, and deeply relatable for any kid who’s ever been told they’re 'too little' to join in. If you have a child with a wild imagination or a younger sibling struggling to find their place, this is a must-buy.
Best for ages 5 to 9. It’s a stellar read-aloud for kindergarteners and a perfect 'first chapter book' for 1st and 2nd graders who want something with more meat than a Bob book.
It captures the messy, often frustrating reality of sibling dynamics without being preachy. Dory is a 'rascal,' but her heart is in the right place, and the family bond is clear despite the bickering.
This is the gold standard for representing how a child's brain actually works. The transition between reality and Dory’s fantasy world (monsters, gnomes, and witches) is seamless and encourages kids to embrace their own weird ideas.
Extremely safe. There’s a 'witch' and a 'toilet monster,' but they are clearly products of Dory's imagination and played for laughs rather than genuine terror.
A fantastic bridge for kids who are bored of 'easy' readers but not quite ready for dense novels. It builds empathy for the 'annoying' younger sibling and validates the power of creative play.
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