George's spirited chapter book faithfully portrays the first 10 chapters of Anne of Green Gables, condensing it for younger readers. It starts with busybody Rachel Lynde spying on her neighbor, Matthew Cuthbert, as he sets out to town on a horse and buggy (wearing his best suit!) and leads to the fight between Mrs. Lynde and Anne when the former criticizes the orphan's carrot-red hair. Creative readers will love Anne's imaginative worldview, and sensitive children may relate to her range of intense emotions. Halpin's cozy watercolors provide a glimpse into Green Gables and the splendid beauty of Prince Edward Island's landscapes, while her detailed figures embody the depth of Montgomery's characters, especially Anne. In one scene, Anne stamps her feet, red braids flying behind her. In the next, two-page spread, she sulks, arms crossed, on her bed, refusing to apologize for her outburst, while the quiet stillness of her empty room dwarfs her. This works as a great companion piece to the original or as an introduction to literature's most precocious redhead.

Eight chapters relate the beginning of Anne of Green Gables's story, remaining faithful to the events--and often the language--of L. M. Montgomery's original but with short paragraphs and plenty of white space. This inviting introduction for newly independent readers includes color-saturated mixed-media illustrations that capture the spirit of the characters and the Prince Edward Island setting.

One of children's literature's most memorable redheaded heroines is being introduced to a younger audience.For all caregivers who have been champing at the bit to share their love of L.M. Montgomery's bestselling series with their little ones, Christmas is here early in this delightful abridged version of the first novel aimed at emerging readers. George, who adapted Anne's tale into a gorgeous picture book (Goodnight Anne, 2018, etc.), is the ideal person for the task of distilling the first novel's adventures into manageable chunks for independent readers. The author chooses her words with care, preserving all of Anne's charm, wit, and infectious enthusiasm as she renames places in Avonlea and integrates herself into Green Gables. The short, clipped sentences also capture Matthew Cuthbert's quiet-yet-affectionate nature and Marilla's well-meaning prickliness. The book focuses on Anne's early tussle with nosy next-door neighbor Mrs. Lynde, so those hoping for a glimpse of Gilbert will have to wait until the next installment. Halpin's illustrations are a sheer delight, and in her capable hands the vibrant green grass and delicate pink flowers of Green Gables pop off of the page. The illustrator's chief strength is drawing people, and she beautifully captures the angular awkwardness of Anne's prepubescent body and the worry lines on the Cuthberts' faces. All characters are white.A dream of an adaptation that is an unabashed love letter to the series that inspired it. (Early reader. 6-8)

Gr 1-4 Told in eight short, illustrated chapters, this introduction to the rambunctious Anne Shirley, the Cuthberts, and their beloved Green Gables adapts Lucy Maud Montgomery's best-known work for younger readers. Orphan Anne is mistakenly sent to the elderly brother and sister instead of the boy they requested. The accident-prone, hot tempered, and outspoken tween has already fallen in love with her new home, but is abruptly shaken out of her reverie by the realization that she might have to return to the orphanage. George adeptly crafts a new, age-appropriate narrative while working in some of the original work's famous lines, never losing sight of the long-cherished characterizations. Halpin's nostalgia-tinged illustrations add an extra layer of charm and liveliness. The mixed-media artrendered in graphite, watercolor and colored pencil, and completed digitallyis interspersed throughout the vignettes as spot art, full pages, or spreads. The engaging design and trim size will draw burgeoning readers in and make this a good choice for classroom read-alouds. This installment leaves off at a hopeful note, just as Marilla decides to keep Anne, hinting at more volumes to come. VERDICT Purchase where illustrated chapter books are popular. Shelley M. Diaz, School Library Journal