Abby Hanlon is the author and illustrator of Dory Fantasmagory, a series of seven chapter books. The books are published by Dial/Penguin Random House and have sold over 2 million copies. The first book in the series was named a Best Book of the Year by Kirkus, Publishers Weekly, and Parent's Magazine. It won a Golden Kite Honor for Fiction and is an American Library Association Notable Book. The sequel won a 2015 Cybil award. The books have been on the USA Today bestseller list, are Junior Library Guild selections and have been translated in twenty-four languages.
Abby has a bachelor's from Barnard College and a master's degree in childhood education from the City College of New York. Abby has taught creative writing and first grade in the New York City public school system. Her debut picture book, Ralph Tells a Story (2012), is widely used by elementary school teachers. Abby illustrated the picture book, Chester Van Chime Who Forgot How to Rhyme, written by Avery Monsen (2022). Chester Van Chime is a 2023 Bank Street College Best Books pick and a Good Housekeeping Best Kids’ Books of 2022 selection.
Abby’s maiden name is Rao. Her mother is from the Jersey shore and her father is from the southwest coast of India. Abby grew up in Westchester, NY and Tokyo. She lives with her family in Brooklyn, NY.
