Fanstasamagory

I read a fun new book to my 4 year-old last week called Dory Fanstasmagory.  Dory is sort of a cross between young Romona Beezus and Calvin.  Her nickname is Rascal for good reason.  She drives her older siblings and parents absolutely crazy but its very fun to read about.  Dory is at the point where she is having trouble letting go of her fantasy world.  Her fairly godmother is Mr. Nuggy who looks (to me at least) like a small bearded gnome and is always reachable by banana phone.  The story is narrated by Dory so you can totally sympathize what it's like to be the youngest member of the family.  But you can also sympathize with the parents. At one point, Dory asks Mr. Nuggy to turn her into a puppy (named Chickenbone).  Dory finds that she can't turn herself back into a girl before going to the doctor.

When we get home from the doctor, I am in huge trouble.  My mom tells me I have to go to my room for a time-out.  I say, "You can just leave my dog food in bowl outside my door, woof!".  This makes my mom so mad that she grabs my paw and drags me up the stairs.

"Walk!" she says.

"I am!" I cry.

"On two legs!!!" my mom yells.

We both enjoyed it very much.  And there is a sequel:  When Dory starts school and finally makes a non-imaginary friend, everyone is skeptical that the friend exists.