Dory Fantasmagory: Can't Live Without You
#6 of 6 in Dory Fantasmagory Series
on Goodreads (433)
What’s inside...
This is the fifth book in the Dory Fantasmagory series by Abby Hanlon. In this installment, Dory (aka Rascal) grapples with the emotional turmoil of her big sister and brother leaving for school. Dory uses her vivid imagination to cope with her loneliness, creating a whimsical world of magic and adventure. As Dory's imaginary world becomes increasingly real, she learns valuable lessons about family, love, and the power of imagination. Abby Hanlon’s Dory Fantasmagory series is some of the best children’s literature in years. The wildly popular, ever hilarious Dory Fantasmagory series is back for a sixth adventure, with Dory turning separation anxiety into a ghostly, goofy escapade. When Dory loses track of her mom in the hardware store, it leads to a touch of separation anxiety. Dory suspects her mom will soon sail off on a ship across the world to eat cake and play kickball and never return. These are big feelings, and Dory knows what to do. She throws a sheet over her head and haunts her family everywhere they go so they can't leave her, much to the annoyance of her brother and sister. Then Dory’s longtime nemesis Mrs. Gobble Gracker reappears, wearing a wedding dress, and Dory’s mom makes an announcement that leaves not just Dory reeling but her siblings, too. Maybe a haunting is exactly what's needed to get this family back to normal. In her sixth book, Dory delivers hoots and oopses on every page, entangling her friends—real and imaginary—in fabulous plots that sometimes take even Dory herself by delightful surprise.
Discussion points
What do you think Dory would do if she met someone new at school? How would you feel in that situation?
Dory tends to have a wild imagination. Can you think of a time when you used your imagination to solve a problem?
How do Dory's family members support her adventures? Why is it important to have family support?
What lessons do you think Dory learned in this story? What did you learn from Dory?
If you could create a fantasy friend like Dory does, what would they be like and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, relating it to their own experiences. Use the questions to delve deeper into the theme of imagination and support, highlighting the benefits of creativity and familial relationships. Remind them that, like Dory, they can use their imagination not only for play but also as a tool to overcome challenges.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of empathy
Explanation: In the book, Dory demonstrates understanding and compassion towards her friends' feelings and situations, learning to see things from perspectives other than her own.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to recognize the emotions of others around them and respond appropriately, fostering better relationships and social interactions.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: Dory faces various challenges and uses her creativity and wit to solve problems, whether it's dealing with school tasks or handling sibling quarrels.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply creative thinking to overcome obstacles in schoolwork or in playing with others, enhancing their critical thinking and resilience.
Example Lesson: The value of perseverance
Explanation: Throughout the book, Dory encounters setbacks, but she persists in her goals, showing determination and grit.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of not giving up despite difficulties, which can be applied in learning new skills or in sports.
Example Lesson: Expressing one’s feelings
Explanation: Dory expresses her thoughts and emotions openly, which helps her to deal with her problems and experiences.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of verbalizing their feelings to understand and manage their emotions in a healthy way.