Purists may howl, but these heavily abridged and retold versions are skillfully done. The vocabulary is simple, the syntax is straightforward, and there is enough sly wit in each to encourage new readers to seek out the originals later--though they'd be better served to just wait. Illustrated with black-and-white drawings, the telescoped plots too often seem over rushed. Afterwords and discussion questions are appended.

Gr 3-4-A simplified version of the classic story, with a large font and wide spacing. The original plot is loosely mirrored, including Anne's arrival at the Avonlea train depot, Matthew and Marilla's efforts to accept her into their household, Anne's struggles and success in school, and Matthew's death. Essential character traits and resulting conflicts are conveyed-Anne's exuberance and imagination, Matthew's shyness, Marilla's quiet sense of order, and Mrs. Lynde's meddling. Of course many of the original descriptions have been trimmed for simplicity and brevity. Corvino's black-and-white pencil illustrations give readers images of the fashions, hairstyles, and buildings of the day. This serviceable retelling will be appreciated by readers not yet ready for the original work.-Laura Scott, Farmington Community Library, MI Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.