October 10, 2025

Anne of Green Gables on American Airlines

American Airlines Inflight Entertainment and Information Brochure, June 2025

I was on a flight on American Airlines this past June when I had an Anne of Green Gables sighting. I found a mention of Anne and L.M. Montgomery inside the Inflight Entertainment & Information Brochure in my seat back pocket.

Anne of Green Gables in the American Airlines Inflight Entertainment and Information Brochure, June 2025

The brochure lists movies, TV shows, music, audiobooks, and podcasts available during the flight. Among the entertainment options was the Audible original Anne of Green Gables audiobook, adapted by Abi Hynes and directed by Megan Follows. What puzzled me was the audio section's subheading: "Celebrate Pride Month with something different! Check out American Airlines' selection of Pride inspired audiobooks and podcasts". While I can understand the inclusion of RuPaul's Drag Race UK: The Podcast, I'm confused about how Queen Latifah's Unity in the Community, Anne of Green Gables, and Anne Helen Petersen's The Burnout Generation fit the theme.

Regardless, it was fun to spot Anne in an unexpected place!

Image Credit:
Photographs by World of Anne Shirley of the American Airlines Inflight Entertainment & Information Brochure, June 2025.

Created October 10, 2025.
© worldofanneshirley.com

October 07, 2025

Anne of Green Gables Print by Riley Sheehey

Anne of Green Gables Print by Riley Sheehey

Riley Sheehey is an artist based in Falls Church, Virginia, who creates charming watercolor illustrations, wallpapers, hand-painted objects, and textiles for the home. Many of her works are inspired by children's literature.

Last May, Sheehey's artwork was featured on Jenna's Bookshop on Today in a segment on gift ideas for new grads. This summer, Sheehey spoke about her inspiration to paint book covers in an interview with Madeline Weinfield for Northern Virginia Magazine. In the interview, she mentioned that Anne of Green Gables was one of her favorite stories. When asked what she'd like to paint in the future, Sheehey said, "My daughter’s really into Winnie the Pooh right now, so I think it would be sweet to do one of those. I’ve done one [of the] Anne of Green Gables [books] but would really like to do another because that’s one of my favorites. And Tuck Everlasting is another one I’m looking for."

In Riley Sheehey's shop, you can purchase the above Anne of Green Gables giclée art print. Her shop also offers lovely prints for several other beloved, classic stories, including The Great Gatsby, Pride and Prejudice, Little Women, and The Secret Garden. Each of her prints are signed and dated in pencil.

I love her artwork, and think the prints would make beautiful gifts for booklovers. 


Image credit:
Anne of Green Gables Print by Riley Sheehey.

References:
Jenna’s Bookshop: Shop These Gifts For New Grads And Dads. (May 30, 2025). Today. Retrieved from: https://www.today.com/video/jenna-s-bookshop-browse-items-for-new-graduates-and-fathers-240598597766.

Weinfield, Madeline. (July 11, 2025). This Falls Church-Based Artist’s Portfolio Includes Hand-Painted Book Covers and a New Book. Northern Virginia Magazine. Retrieved from: https://northernvirginiamag.com/culture/2025/07/11/this-falls-church-based-artists-portfolio-includes-hand-painted-book-covers-and-a-new-book/.

Created October 7, 2025.
© worldofanneshirley.com

October 06, 2025

In the Footsteps of Anne: A Journey Through Avonlea

In the Footsteps of Anne: A Journey Through Avonlea by Eliza Westfield

In the Footsteps of Anne: A Journey Through Avonlea is book by Eliza Westfield that was published in February 2025. It's a travel guide that introduces readers and travelers to Prince Edward Island, Canada, the setting of L.M. Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables. Published by Boat Nook Press, the book is 118 pages long.

The book is part of Westfield's three-book series called "HerStory Travels: In the Footsteps of Literary Heroines." The other two books in the series are: Little Houses: A Journey Through the Homesites of Laura Ingalls Wilder and Little Women at Home: A Journey Through Orchard House, Concord, and the Legacy of Louisa May Alcott.

I took a look at the book's reading sample at Amazon and was excited to notice that the author cites my webpage. 


Here is the description of the book:

Whether you grew up reading the Anne of Green Gables book series, which has sold over 50 million copies worldwide, or you loved the popular Canadian Anne of Green Gables movies from the 80s or the more recent Japanese pop hit Anne of Green Gables anime TV series, you have probably dreamed of seeing Lucy Maud Montgomery’s enchanting world of Avonlea and idyllic 19th century farmhouse with your own eyes!

Well, let’s take a trip to beautiful Prince Edward Island, Canada! You will explore the rolling fields, charming farming villages, and iconic historic sites near Cavendish that the endearing little red-haired girl Anne Shirley called home.

Join veteran literary homesite traveler Eliza Westfield In the Footsteps of Anne, as you wander through Green Gables Heritage Place, stroll beneath the whispering trees of Lover’s Lane, and gaze across the shimmering Lake of Shining Waters. Plus, you will learn all the fun and exciting activities that PEI has to offer, including world-class seafood restaurants, hiking, kayaking, fishing and several of the best golf courses in Canada!

In this illustrated Anne of Green Gables and Prince Edward Island travel guide, you will love:

  • Enthralling looks behind the scenes of the writing of Anne of Green Gables and where author Lucy Maud Montgomery drew inspiration from, with many fascinating facts about the area that became the world of Avonlea - and places you can visit now near Cavendish, PEI
  • Insider information on each tourist attraction from the perfect time of the year to visit each site, to when the very popular festivals happen, to ticketing information and what you MUST do at each stop
  • The vital locations that every Anne of Green Gables fan has to experience, from the period-accurate 1890s Avonlea schoolhouse to the Lake of Shining Waters, a once-in-a-lifetime place for reflection and romance!
  • Other fun family vacation activity ideas near each attraction, so you can plan an entire weekend vacation or build a whole week’s itinerary


Whether you’re planning on joining the 125,000 tourists that flock to PEI each year to relive the magical tale of Anne of Green Gables, or you will explore them from the comfort of your home, you will love In the Footsteps of Anne. The book highlights Anne’s indomitable spirit and love for kindred spirits that continue to shine like a bright beacon of inspiration in the pages of Montgomery’s first bestseller and in the landscapes and historical sites of Prince Edward Island.

Will you embark on an unforgettable trip to modern-day Avonlea and discover the true inspiration for the Anne of Green Gables story that still exists in fabulous Prince Edward Island? Enjoy the adventure!

Here is the write-up describing the book on its back cover:

Step into the enchanting world of Avonlea and follow in the footsteps of Anne Shirley and Canada's beloved author, L.M. Montgomery.

In The Footsteps of Anne brings to life the cherished landscapes that inspired Montgomery's timeless Anne books, inviting readers and travelers alike to explore the rolling fields, charming villages, and iconic sites that Anne called home.

Whether you're a lifelong admirer of Anne or an eager explorer, this book is your ideal guide to discovering the enchanting beauty of Prince Edward Island-a place where storybook charm and real-life wonder seamlessly blend throughout every season.

The rich heritage of Prince Edward Island beckons and invites travelers on a journey to Avonlea to follow in the footsteps of Anne and relive its magic.

Welcome to Anne's world!



ISBN-13: 978-1069118554


Image credit:
Book cover of In the Footsteps of Anne: A Journey Through Avonlea.

Purchase and read In the Footsteps of Anne: A Journey Through Avonlea:

In the Footsteps of Anne: A Journey Through Avonlea by Eliza Westfield

Created October 6, 2025.
© worldofanneshirley.com

October 03, 2025

Anne of Green Gables x Ullala Pajamas 2025 Fall/Winter Collection

Anne of Green Gables x Ullala Pajamas 2025 Fall/Winter Collection

The South Korea clothing brand Ullala Pajamas has a new Anne of Green Gables clothing line out for Fall/Winter 2025. It's inspired by Nippon Animation's Anne of Green Gables. Ullala creates old-fashioned, girlish chemises, nightgowns, and pajama sets that have a romantic, cottagecore aesthetic. Their "Letters from Avonlea" collection is "inspired by the gentle rhythm of Anne’s days—soft as early snow, warm as afternoon tea, and wistful as a forgotten melody."

Ullala Pajamas goes on to prettily describe their Anne of Green Gables clothing line, saying:

Every day, Anne wanders between fields and forests—
where she is met with sudden showers, pinecones that fall as autumn deepens,
smooth pebbles shaped by the stream, the final unnamed flower buds that bloom before winter, and the red camellias that mark its end.
She quietly observes nature's untamed rhythms and cycles, often falling into thoughtful reflection.
As she ponders the stories and meanings people have given to flowers, her inner world grows stronger—more beautiful, more resilient.

Ullala's F/W Anne of Green Gables collection captures these moments—Anne's encounters with nature, her emotions, her wonder.
Discover a series of charming pajamas, created for girls who are sweet, a little whimsical, and rich with imagination.

Here are some of Ullala's new Anne-themed pajamas that are available from the store W Concept. I love the model and dreamy product photos. You can click the images or links to purchase them.

Anne's Flower Bud 7/10 Length Two-Piece Set 30s Cotton Sleepwear Set [Deep Beige], Anne of Green Gables x Ullala Pajamas 2025 Fall/Winter Collection
Anne's Flower Bud 7/10 Length Two-Piece Set 30s Cotton Sleepwear Set [Deep Beige]


Anne's Pebble Long-Sleeved Two-Piece Set [Indi Pink], Anne of Green Gables x Ullala Pajamas 2025 Fall/Winter Collection
Anne's Pebble Long-Sleeved Two-Piece Set [Indi Pink]


Anne's Flower Bud 7/10 Length One-Piece 30s Cotton Dress [Deep Beige], Anne of Green Gables x Ullala Pajamas 2025 Fall/Winter Collection
Anne's Flower Bud 7/10 Length One-Piece 30s Cotton Dress [Deep Beige]


Anne's Rain Shower Long Sleeve One-Piece Dress [Beige], Anne of Green Gables x Ullala Pajamas 2025 Fall/Winter Collection
Anne's Rain Shower Long Sleeve One-Piece Dress [Beige]


Anne's Melo Long Sleeve Two Piece Pajamas [Khaki], Anne of Green Gables x Ullala Pajamas 2025 Fall/Winter Collection
Anne's Melo Long Sleeve Two Piece Pajamas [Khaki]


Anne's Rain Shower Long Sleeve Two-Piece Set (32s Cotton) Set [Beige], Anne of Green Gables x Ullala Pajamas 2025 Fall/Winter Collection
Anne's Rain Shower Long Sleeve Two-Piece Set [Beige]


Breath of Anne 2 Pajama Bottoms, Anne of Green Gables x Ullala Pajamas 2025 Fall/Winter Collection
Breath of Anne 2 Pajama Bottoms

Isn't it a delightful clothing line? I wish the pieces were more easily available in North America.

Links:
Anne of Green Gables x Ullala Pajamas Lookbook, Volume 1
Ullala Pajamas at W Concept

Image credits:
Product photographs by Ullala Pajamas.

Created October 3, 2025.
© worldofanneshirley.com

October 01, 2025

Food & Wine on Prince Edward Island and Lobster

Photograph of a Prince Edward Island Lobster Roll Sampler Plate by Wendy Pramik, Food and Wine

In July, Wendy Pramik wrote an article for Food & Wine entitled "On This Canadian Island, Lobster Is More Than a Meal – It’s a Way of Life." It's all about Prince Edward Island and lobster. She writes, "I haven’t come to relive storybook memories. I want to see how lobster, once considered poor people’s food, has become a regional symbol – and how it still connects people across the island."

Wendy Pramik visits several restaurants, including Dalvay-by-the-Sea, known to Anne of Green Gables fans as the White Sands Hotel, where executive chef Jamie Power serves lobster pho (yum!). She enjoyed a lobster roll sampler plate at Fin Folk Food (pictured above), the Lobster Thermidor at Sea Rocket, a seafood bake at Peake’s Quay in Charlottetown, and a meal at New Glasgow Lobster Suppers.

It's the kind of article that makes your stomach grumble and your heart miss Prince Edward Island. I remember when I visited years ago, my husband and I ate freshly caught lobster on the beach, prepared by a local lobster fisherman. It was such a special meal. I'd love to go back one day and try out some of the restaurants mentioned in Pramik's article.

Link:
On This Canadian Island, Lobster Is More Than a Meal – It’s a Way of Life by Wendy Pramik, Food & Wine, July 22, 2025.

Image credit:
Photograph of a Prince Edward Island Lobster Roll Sampler Plate from "On This Canadian Island, Lobster Is More Than a Meal – It’s a Way of Life" by Wendy Pramik, Food and Wine.

Created October 1, 2025.
© worldofanneshirley.com

September 25, 2025

It was a lovely afternoon

A photograph of clouds at sunset and a quote by L.M. Montgomery from Emily Climbs: It was a lovely afternoon—such an afternoon as only September can produce when summer has stolen back for one more day of dream and glamour.
"It was a lovely afternoon—such an afternoon as only September can produce when summer has stolen back for one more day of dream and glamour."
-L.M. Montgomery
Emily Climbs

Read more quotes by L.M. Montgomery.

Image credit:
Photograph by World of Anne Shirley.

Purchase and read the Emily of New Moon series:

Emily Climbs by L.M. Montgomery Emily of New Moon Series, Three Book Set by L.M. Montgomery


Created September 25, 2025.
© worldofanneshirley.com

September 22, 2025

Nadia Ragbar on Anne of Green Gables

Nadia Ragbar on Anne of Green Gables and Megan Follows as Anne Shirley in Anne of Green Gables The Sequel

Toronto author Nadia Ragbar is a fan of Anne of Green Gables. Nadia Ragbar's debut novel entitled The Pugilist and the Sailor was published this week. It's the story of conjoined twins Bruce and Dougie Reuben. "Dougie is an ambitious amateur boxer, having dragged his brother into the ring since childhood. Bruce is a bookkeeper who has become smitten with Anka. Unaware of the facts of the twins’ physicality an epistolary relationship unfolds between Anka and Bruce, as he wrestles with broaching the topic of separation with Dougie."

In an interview with Jean Marc Ah-Sen for The Toronto Star, Nadia Ragbar spoke about books she loves, her comfort reads, authors that inspire her, and how she defines literary success. Nadia Ragbar reads widely, and it is an interesting interview.

What stood out to me most as an Anne fan was when Jean Marc Ah-Sen asked Nadia Ragbar, "When you were 10 years old, what was your favourite book?" and she responded, "I was very into the “Anne of Green Gables” series, alongside the TV miniseries and sequel from the mid-1980s. I suppose it was my Harry Potter."

It's always nice to sight another Anne of Green Gables fan, and I hope her debut novel is a success.


Image credits:
Left: Photograph of Nadia Ragbar from The Toronto Star.
Right: Photograph of Megan Follows as Anne Shirley in Anne of Green Gables: The Sequel © Sullivan Entertainment.

Reference:
Ah-Sen, Jean Marc. (August 17, 2025). Toronto’s Nadia Ragbar, author of a novel about conjoined twins, on her love for Leonard Cohen and ‘Anne of Green Gables.’ The Toronto Star. Retrieved from: https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/books/torontos-nadia-ragbar-author-of-a-novel-about-conjoined-twins-on-her-love-for-leonard/article_0426a7fe-4db5-465a-a292-d43434ce6a69.html.

Created September 22, 2025.
© worldofanneshirley.com

September 21, 2025

LEGO IDEAS Anne of Green Gables Project Achieves 10,000 Supporters

Anne of Green Gables Product Idea at LEGO IDEAS by Iyan Ha

Good news for Anne of Green Gables and LEGO fans! A proposed Anne of Green Gables LEGO set designed by Iyan Ha has achieved 10,000 supporters on the LEGO IDEAS website last Friday. Now the design will undergo an expert review by LEGO to see if the product will be approved for production.

I first posted about the project here last year when the project had 1,366 supporters. I'm really excited that the Anne of Green Gables project idea has reached this milestone! Let's hope that the idea is approved and goes forward into production. 


Official Website:
Anne of Green Gables Product Idea at LEGO IDEAS by Iyan Ha

Image Credits:
Image of the Anne of Green Gables Product Idea by Iyan Ha at LEGO IDEAS.


Created September 21, 2024.
© worldofanneshirley.com

September 20, 2025

Pen Pals Play Starring Megan Follows and Michelle Clunie

Postcard for Pen Pals Play Starring Megan Follows and Michelle Clunie, photograph copyright World of Anne Shirley

Last weekend, I was lucky to catch Megan Follows in a performance of Pen Pals at the DR2 Theatre in New York. The off-Broadway play is billed as, "the extraordinary story of two friends that unfolds over decades."

Having loved Megan Follows's performance in Anne of Green Gables (1985) and its sequels, I was excited to watch her act on stage and see her in person. Pen Pals is a two-woman play, and Megan Follows's co-star was Michelle Clunie (Queer as Folk).

The plot of Pen Pals is as follows: "Bernie and Mags live in two different countries, they’ve never met, and yet they’re best friends. Because they’ve been pen pals for over fifty years. Since they were teenagers, they’ve shared every aspect of their lives with each other. The trivial bits, the most intimate details, all the happiness, all the heartache. They’ve told each other things they wouldn’t dare tell another soul. Even though Bernie lives in New Jersey and Mags is from England, the women are closer to each other than anyone else in the world. Come witness the journey of their lifetime. In their own words."

Megan Follows played Mags, and Michelle Clunie played Bernie. The script was written by Michael Griffo and inspired by the true friendship of Griffo's mother and her pen pal. Pen Pals is unique in that it is a story told through letters written over many years. The actresses read the letters from binders throughout the show, and their scripts were not memorized. I found it interesting to watch both the writer and the recipient of the letters at the same time. The story was humorous and emotional, and both actresses gave great performances. As a person who appreciates writing and receiving letters, I enjoyed the uniqueness of the script, and its focus on letter writing and lasting friendship.

By the end of the play, much of the audience was in tears. I thought the script felt somewhat manipulative with the emotional moments piling on as the end drew near. I felt especially sorry for a soon-to-be bride and her bridesmaids who came to watch the show as part of a bachelorette party because I don't think they expected such a teary roller coaster ride. Their initial joy prior to the show had entirely evaporated as they stood outside the theatre after the performance. I guess that stories about life and friendship are not always simple or straightforward.

Overall, I enjoyed the story, and I was really glad to watch Megan Follows perform in person, which made the show extra special for me.

What's a bit sad is that Pen Pals is presented with a rapidly rotating cast that switches every two weeks. Unfortunately, Megan Follows's run from September 3rd to 14th is already over.

Here is the list of actresses set to perform in the show during its current run: 

August 15 – August 31 - Nancy McKeon and Gail Winar
September 3 – September 14 - Michelle Clunie and Megan Follows
September 17 – September 28 - Sharna Burgess and Paige Davis
October 1 – October 12 - Kathleen Chalfant and Ellen McLaughlin
October 15 – October 26 - Kate Burton and Pauletta Washington
November 12 – November 23 - Sharon Lawrence and Maureen McCormick
November 26 – December 7 - Mystery Stars to be Announced
December 10 – December 21 - Emily Skinner and Donna Lynne Champlin


Here's a photograph of Megan Follows performing on stage in Pen Pals by Russ Rowland from the BroadwayWorld website. The article includes several more photos from the play.

Pen Pals Play Starring Megan Follows, Photo by Russ Rowland

Here are a few photos I took of the stage prior to the show, the back of the performance postcard, and the posters outside the DR2 venue.

Set for Pen Pals Play Starring Megan Follows and Michelle Clunie, photograph copyright World of Anne Shirley

Back of Performance Postcard for Pen Pals Play Starring Megan Follows and Michelle Clunie, photograph copyright World of Anne Shirley

Poster for Pen Pals Play at the DR2 Theatre Starring Megan Follows and Michelle Clunie, photograph copyright World of Anne Shirley

Poster for Pen Pals Play at the DR2 Theatre Starring Megan Follows and Michelle Clunie, photograph copyright World of Anne Shirley

Poster for Pen Pals Play at the DR2 Theatre Starring Megan Follows and Michelle Clunie, photograph copyright World of Anne Shirley

Official Site:
Pen Pals
Pen Pals Digital Program

Image Credit:
Photograph of Megan Follows on stage in Pen Pals by Russ Rowland from BroadwayWorld.
All other photos by World of Anne Shirley.

Links:
Papadatos, Markos. (September 8, 2025). Chatting with Megan Follows: Canadian actress and director. Digital Journal. Retrieved from: https://www.digitaljournal.com/entertainment/chatting-with-megan-follows-canadian-actress-and-director/article.

Rabinowitz, Chloe. (September 5, 2025). Photos: Michelle Clunie and Megan Fellows in PEN PALS Off-Broadway. BroadwayWorld. Retrieved from: https://www.broadwayworld.com/off-broadway/article/Photos-Michelle-Clunie-and-Megan-Fellows-in-PEN-PALS-Off-Broadway-20250905.

Created September 20, 2025.
© worldofanneshirley.com

September 19, 2025

Becoming Green Gables Podcast

Becoming Green Gables Podcast

The latest episode in the Witness to Yesterday podcast series by The Champlain Society is called Becoming Green Gables: The Diary of Myrtle Webb and Her Famous Farmhouse. In this episode, host Nicole O'Byrne speaks with author Alan MacEachern about his book Becoming Green Gables: The Diary of Myrtle Webb and Her Famous Farmhouse, which was published in 2024. It's the history of Green Gables, the farm and home that inspired the setting of L.M. Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables.

Here are details on the podcast from The Champlain Society's website.

Episode Details:


Nicole O'Byrne speaks with Alan MacEachern about his book Becoming Green Gables: The Diary of Myrtle Webb and Her Famous Farmhouse. In 1909 Myrtle and Ernest Webb took possession of a Cavendish, Prince Edward Island farm—ordinary except that it was already known as the inspiration for Anne of Green Gables, written by Myrtle’s cousin, L. M. Montgomery. The Webbs welcomed visitors to “Green Gables” and took in summer boarders, making their home central to PEI’s growing tourist trade. In the 1930s the farm became the centerpiece of a new national park, though the family remained its caretakers for another decade.

During these years Myrtle kept a diary. When she began in 1924, she was a forty-year-old homemaker managing a household of eight; by 1954, she was a seventy-year-old widow, no longer resident in what had become the most famous house in Canada. In Becoming Green Gables, Alan MacEachern reproduces a selection of her diary entries, using them to explore topics from modern conveniences to wartime hosting and visits from “Aunt Maud” herself.

Alan MacEachern is professor of history at the University of Western Ontario and has written widely on Canadian environmental history.

Series Description:


Witness to Yesterday

This series of podcasts furthers the Champlain Society's mission of deepening awareness of Canada’s documentary past and of the people who created it. Hosted by Greg Marchildon, Nicole O’Byrne, Larry Ostola, and Simon Nantais, each podcast examines a particular document, the people behind it, its significance, and its relevance to today.

This podcast is made possible by the members of the Champlain Society who work hard to bring to life original documents in Canadian history. We want to thank a number of Canadian scholarly book publishers including the University of Toronto Press, UBC Press and McGill-Queen’s University Press for their financial support.

Credits:

Podcast series: Witness to Yesterday
Episode 330: Becoming Green Gables: The Diary of Myrtle Webb and Her Famous Farmhouse
Date: 19 September 2025
Host: Nicole O'Byrne
Special Guest: Alan MacEachern
Published by The Champlain Society


Official website:

Becoming Green Gables: The Diary of Myrtle Webb and Her Famous Farmhouse at The Champlain Society

Image credit:

Screencapture from The Champlain Society's website.


Created September 19, 2025.
© worldofanneshirley.com

Cavendish Literary Festival

Cavendish Literary Festival

The first-ever Cavendish Literary Festival is taking place on September 26–28, 2025. The event aims to gather readers, writers, and storytellers "to connect over books, share their big ideas, and let their imagination wander in the very place that inspired the iconic works of L.M. Montgomery."

The three-day festival includes a literary walk through Cavendish, as well as workshops on bringing a novel to life, getting published, and journaling. There are talks by several authors, including one on Jane Austen and L.M. Montgomery and another on food writing. The festival also includes sessions on mindful movement for creative writers and flow yoga. There will be an open mic stage for writers, poets, and storytellers.

Here is the event description, according to the Festival's official website:

"Readers, writers, and storytellers are invited to join us for the first-ever Cavendish Literary Festival.

The festival features three delightful days of intimate events, including workshops, author talks, and wellness retreats, all set within Cavendish’s charming countryside, with venues no more than ten minutes apart.

In this inaugural year, we are proud to celebrate local, regional, and national voices who shaped our cultural identity and inspire and support new writers just beginning their journey.

Come find kindred spirits, feed your creativity, and celebrate the transformative power of literature."

You can purchase a festival weekend pass, which includes several events, or purchase individual tickets on the Festival's website. Tickets for the "Secret Paths: A Literary Walk through Cavendish," an activity of interest to Anne of Green Gables fans, must be purchased separately.

The Festival Weekend Pass (CA$149.00 + CA$7.45 fees + CA$23.47 taxes) includes:
- Access to three Featured Events with spotlight authors Donna Jones Alward, Antonio Michael Downing and Linden MacIntyre
- Your choice of five curated sessions
(*Secret Paths: A Literary Walk through Cavendish and Oven Mitts and Oyster Rakes: Sensual Storytelling in Food Writing with Stuart Hickox are not included in the Festival Ticket Package and must be purchased separately.)

Secret Paths: A Literary Walk through Cavendish (CA$65.00 + CA$3.25 fees + CA$10.24 taxes)
- A guided 7 km stroll through L. M. Montgomery’s favourite spots in Cavendish, followed by a lunch


The event sounds like great fun for readers and writers to connect in the same special setting that once inspired L.M. Montgomery to create Anne Shirley. 


Official Websites:
Cavendish Literary Festival

Image Credit:
Screencapture of the Cavendish Literary Festival website.

Created September 19, 2025.
© worldofanneshirley.com

September 17, 2025

Puffin Clothbound Classics

Puffin Clothbound Classics book covers: Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie, The Railway Children by E Nesbit, A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett, Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, David Copperfield by Charles Dickens, Kiki's Delivery Service by Eiko Kadono, Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll, The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling, Grimms' Fairy Tales by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimmm, Hans Christian Andersen's Fairy Tales by Hans Christian Andersen, The Great Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle, The Call of the Wild by Jack London, and The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame

This summer, Puffin released a new version of Anne of Green Gables as part of their Clothbound Classics series.

Pictured above are 15 of the 40 books in the series. From left to right and top to bottom, they include:


I love the new cover designs, and I only wish the entire Anne of Green Gables series was available as a matching clothbound paperback set. Could you release the other seven novels in the Anne series, pretty please, Puffin?

Image credit:
Collage of Puffin Clothbound Classics.

Created September 17, 2025.
© worldofanneshirley.com

September 02, 2025

Celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the Anne of Green Gables Miniseries at the Atlantic International Film Festival

40th Anniversary Screening of the Anne of Green Gables Miniseries at the Atlantic International Film Festival

The 45th annual Atlantic International Film Festival will take place from September 10–17, 2025 at Cineplex Cinemas Park Lane in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

The festival is holding a free screening of Anne of Green Gables (1985) starring Megan Follows as Anne Shirley and written, directed, and produced by Kevin Sullivan. The free screening is in celebration of the adaptation's 40th anniversary and will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday September 14, 2025 in Theatre 6.

Here's the synopsis from the festival's program (with my corrections):

Now 40 years since its premiere, the most treasured screen adaptation of Lucy Maude Montgomery’s classic of Atlantic Canadian literature returns to the big screen. Megan Follows stars as Anne Shirley, a spirited orphan whose arrival transforms life in Avonlea. Starring renowned theatrical actress Colleen Dewhurst and an unforgettable role for the beloved character actor Richard Farnsworth (as Mr. Hammond Matthew Cuthbert) this Emmy-winning miniseries continues to charm and captivate audiences of all ages.

Director: Kevin Sullivan
Writer: Kevin Sullivan, Joe Wiesenfeld
Producers: Ian McDougall, Kevin Sullivan
Cast: Megan Follows, Colleen Dewhurst, Richard Farnsworth, Patricia Hamilton
Country: Canada
Province: Prince Edward Island
Runtime: 200 minutes + 10 minutes intermission

Along with the special screening of Anne of Green Gables, the festival features 60 films, including seven world premieres. The Festival Pass costs $200, the Weekender pass costs $100, or you can purchase general admission tickets or various ticket packages. See the website for more info about the fun event!

Official Websites:
Atlantic International Film Festival

Image Credit:
Screencapture of the Atlantic International Film Festival's '25 Program Guide.

Reference:
DiRisio, Haeley. (August 18, 2025). Atlantic International Film Festival celebrates 45 years next month. CTVNews. Retrieved from: https://www.ctvnews.ca/atlantic/nova-scotia/article/atlantic-international-film-festival-celebrates-45-years-next-month/.

Created September 2, 2025. Last updated September 24, 2025.
© worldofanneshirley.com

August 02, 2025

Kindred Spirits Book Arts Exhibit

Kindred Spirits Book Arts Exhibit, Handcrafted art by Loralee Butler of the Canadian Bookbinders and Book Artists Guild

Kindred Spirits: The Lucy Maud Montgomery Legacy as Interpreted by Contemporary Book Artists is a touring book arts exhibition. The pieces in the exhibit were created by members of the Canadian Bookbinders and Book Artists Guild and were inspired by the work and life of Lucy Maud Montgomery. The exhibit celebrates the 150th anniversary of Montgomery's birth.

The Kindred Spirits Book Arts Exhibition includes 37 original works from contributors from across Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom. The exhibition launched on Friday June 21, 2024 at the Lucy Maud Montgomery Institute in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island and will tour nationally throughout Canada through 2026.

Here is the exhibit tour schedule:

June 21, 2024 to August 23, 2024
Confederation Court Mall
134 Kent Street
Charlottetown, PEI C1A 8R8
Official launch reception - Friday, June 21, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

September 16, 2024 to December 7, 2024
Carleton University: MacOdrum Library
1125 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6

January 10, 2025 to mid-end March 2025
Western University: Weldon Library Building
Schweitzer Gallery, Archives and Special Collections Research Centre
1151 Richmond Street
London, ON N6A 3K7

April 15, 2025 to May 15, 2025
Massey College - Robertson Davies Library
4 Devonshire Place
Toronto, Ontario M5S 2E1
Open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Check-in at the Porter Gate and let them know you are there to see the Kindred Spirits Exhibit.

May 31, 2025 to July 5, 2025
Andrew & Laura McCain Art Gallery
8 McCain Street
Florenceville-Bristol, New Brunswick E7L 3H6

August 6, 2025 to September 21, 2025
Helson Gallery
9 Church Street
Halton Hills, Ontario L7G 2A3
Official Launch - Sunday, August 10, 2025 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

January 5, 2026 to May 1, 2026
University of Guelph - McLaughlin Library
50 Stone Road East
Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1

June 1, 2026 to June 30, 2026
Calgary Public Library - Central Library
800 3 St SE
Calgary, Alberta T2G 2E7

July 15, 2026 to August 20, 2026
Regina Public Library - George Bothwell Branch
2965 Gordon Road
Regina, Saskatchewan S4S 6H7

Coming at the end of 2026
Victoria, BC Exhibition
Specific venue and firm dates TBD


Official Websites:
Kindred Spirits Book Arts
Canadian Bookbinders and Book Artists Guild

Image Credit:
Handcrafted book art in the Kindred Spirits Book Arts Exhibit by Loralee Butler of the Canadian Bookbinders and Book Artists Guild.

References:
Collington, Christian. (July 19, 2025). Unique touring exhibition honouring Anne of Green Gables author coming to Georgetown. Independent Free Press. Retrieved from: https://www.theifp.ca/things-to-do/unique-touring-exhibition-honouring-anne/article_1555692e-c7ff-51dd-a1c9-16ac7c852a6f.html.

Oakville News Staff. (July 20, 2025). Canadian book artists honour L.M. Montgomery in touring show. Oakville News. Retrieved from: https://www.oakvillenews.org/local-news/canadian-book-artists-honour-lm-montgomery-in-touring-show-10955683.

Created August 2, 2025. Last updated September 25, 2025.
© worldofanneshirley.com

July 24, 2025

Anne of Green Gables - 40th Anniversary Screening

Anne of Green Gables - 40th Anniversary Screening at Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema

Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema is holding a 40th anniversary screening of Anne of Green Gables (1985) starring Megan Follows as Anne Shirley and directed by Kevin Sullivan. The screening will take place at 506 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON M5S 1Y3, Canada on Sunday, July 27, 2025 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. General admission is CA$15.00.

Here is the film synopsis and event info from BlogTO:

Celebrate the 40th anniversary of the film adaptation of one of Canada's most beloved stories.

Based on the international best-selling novel by Lucy Maud Montgomery, this Emmy award-winning production, filmed amid the spectacular scenery of Prince Edward Island, is a delicate epic full of wit, style, and emotional power. When Anne Shirley (Megan Follows) mistakenly arrives at the home of an elderly couple looking to adopt a male farmhand, she creates a meaningful life for herself. A landmark story of an outsider struggling through adolescence to triumph as a young woman.

Includes a 15 minute intermission.


Website:
Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema

Image Credit:
Image from @funthingstoronto.

Created July 24, 2025. Last updated September 26, 2025.
© worldofanneshirley.com

July 05, 2025

Anne of Green Gables Day at Fanshawe Pioneer Village

Anne of Green Gables Day at Fanshawe Pioneer Village

The Fanshawe Pioneer Village in London, Ontario is holding an "Anne of Green Gables" Day on Sunday, July 13, 2025.

Here are the event's details:

"Spend a day and experience the beloved world of Anne of Green Gables, as brought to life by Fanshawe Pioneer Village. Pretend you are in Avonlea and enjoy a day filled with all things Anne!

Enjoy readings of the Anne of Green Gables series, learn how to make ice cream and cordial the old-fashioned way, and meet characters around site as the Village is transformed into Avonlea for the day!

Anne of Green Gables and other indicia of Anne are trademarks and Canadian official marks of the Anne of Green Gables Licensing Authority Inc., Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, used under licence by Fanshawe Pioneer Village."

Anne of Green Gables Day takes place from 10:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m. at the Fanshawe Pioneer Village located at 1424 Clarke Road London, ON, N5V 5B9 Canada. Admission to the Village is $13 for adults, $11 for seniors 65 +/students 17+ with Student Card, $7.50 for children 4 to 16 years old, and free for children 3 and under.


Official Website:
Anne of Green Gables Day

Image Credit:
Image from the Fanshawe Pioneer Village Instagram page.

Created July 5, 2025.
© worldofanneshirley.com

June 15, 2025

Dan in Green Gables

Dan in Green Gables by Rey Terciero and illustrated by Claudia Aguirre


Dan in Green Gables (2025) is a graphic novel adaptation of L.M. Montgomery's novel Anne of Green Gables, written by Rey Terciero (also known as Rex Ogle) with illustrations by Claudia Aguirre. The graphic novel is 256 pages in length, and it re-imagines the story of Anne of Green Gables.

Publishers Weekly describes the plot as follows: "After being abandoned by his mother, a queer teen endeavors to cultivate a sense of home and belonging in this tender and heartfelt graphic novel reimagining of Anne of Green Gables. Living on the road with his flighty mother, who has an alcohol dependency, forced pale-skinned 15-year-old Dan to assume adult responsibilities early in his childhood. His nomadic lifestyle abruptly ends when his mother takes him to rural Tennessee to meet his late father’s parents; the next morning, Dan is heartbroken to realize his mother is gone, leaving him with the grandparents he’s never known."

Rey Terciero spoke about his choice to re-imagine Anne of Green Gables as a graphic novel for today's kids who have "less time than ever." In an essay at Publishers Weekly, he writes, "...while I was daydreaming about reforging my required reading (and sometimes extra credit), I thought, 'Hmm. These would be so much better as comics.' So as an adult, I wanted to write stories for the younger me. I wanted to see myself reflected in these stories. With prose, it’s easy to say a character is white, or brown, or Black. But when you see these characters with the same skin color as you, something magical happens and awakens a hunger for more stories.

That’s why I wrote Meg, Jo, Beth, & Amy. That’s why I wrote Northranger. That’s why I wrote Doña Quixote. And that’s why I wrote Dan in Green Gables.

So if I’m going to write for teen me, I know he’s going to want something that’s not only fun and powerful and emotional and hilarious, but also...short. Graphic novels are quick reads for kids. So much so, that they often go back and read them again, and again, and again.

And if those kids are anything like me—and trust me, they are—they’ll want to start creating their own classics, so they can take well-known stories and re-imagine them to see themselves."


Here is the description of the book from Penguin Random House:

In this modern reimagining of Anne of Green Gables, effervescent extrovert Dan Stewart-Álvarez is surprised to find home and community in rural Tennessee.

Despite a life on the road with his free-spirited mother, fifteen-year-old Dan Stewart-Álvarez has always wanted to settle down. He just didn’t think it’d be like this: with his mother abandoning him in rural Tennessee with two strangers—his gentle grandmother and conservative, rough-around-the-edges grandfather. Here, he is forced to adjust to working the farm, entering high school, and hardest yet—reckoning with his queerness in a severe Southern Baptist community.

But even as Dan grows closer to his mawmaw, befriends fellow outsiders at school, and tries to make a new life for himself in Green Gables, he has to discover whether he can contend with intolerance and adapt to change without losing himself in the process.

From award-winning author Rey Terciero and Eisner Award nominee and illustrator Claudia Aguirre comes a new retelling of Anne of Green Gables about unconventional families, queer identity, and finding the meaning of home in the most unlikely of places.



Reviews

"Animated, intricately detailed artwork by Aguirre (Lifetime Passes) has a watercolor feel that evokes a nostalgic 1990s ambiance. Utilizing a bustling, distinctly limned cast anchored by a protagonist whose personality leaps off the page, Terciero (Northranger) explores religion, generational trauma, acceptance, and self-worth with grace."
Publishers Weekly, starred review (full review)

"The art style is detailed, especially in capturing the 1990s Tennessee setting, while still maintaining an appealing bright, bold look. VERDICT: a must purchase, especially for fans of Mike Curato’s Flamer or those who enjoy the works of Ivy Noelle Weir and Kathleen Gros."
School Library Journal, starred review

"An energetic and enchanting YA graphic novel [that] embodies the spirit of L.M. Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables while giving it a shiny new take that compassionately incorporates chaotic family dynamics, friendship, queer identity, religion, bullying, and—above all—love. Dan in Green Gables stands alone as an uplifting and gratifying graphic novel, relatable to any reader who believes, like Dan, that 'happiness is a revolution.'"
Shelf Awareness, starred review

"The dreamy, whimsical illustrations are steeped in the sweet, slow feeling of a humid East Tennessee afternoon. Pops of saturated color flood the background of some panels, highlighting emotional moments and mirroring Dan’s vibrant personality. Satisfying thematic parallels and a spirited, vulnerable carrot-topped protagonist will satisfy fans of the original, which is refreshingly remixed by Terciero’s joyfully queer spin. An effervescent search for belonging and a heartfelt ode to a beloved classic."
Kirkus Reviews

"Dan in Green Gables captures the charm and sincerity of the beloved classic with a new protagonist whose infectious energy and perseverance will enthrall fans of Anne Shirley. Terciero depicts the struggles of his protagonist with tenderness, striking an excellent balance between hardship and joy: Dan in Green Gables never feels too demoralizing, nor too lighthearted...meanwhile, Claudia Aguirre’s lush illustrations capture Dan’s year in Tennessee in warm, inviting hues that imbue the characters with liveliness and depict a world you’ll want to revisit again and again."
BookPage


ISBN-13: 978-0593385586


Image credit:
Book cover of Dan in Green Gables.

References:
Dan in Green Gables (March 31, 2025). Publishers Weekly. Retrieved from: https://www.publishersweekly.com/9780593385579.

Terciero, Rey (Rex Ogle). (June 3, 2025). Why Reimagining Classic Literature as Modern Graphic Novels Is So Important for Young and Reluctant Readers. Publishers Weekly. Retrieved from: https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-industry-news/article/97935-why-re-imagining-classic-literature-as-modern-graphic-novels-is-so-important-for-young-and-reluctant-readers.html.

Purchase and read Dan in Green Gables:

Dan in Green Gables by Rey Terciero and illustrated by Claudia Aguirre

Created June 15, 2025. Last updated September 17, 2025.
© worldofanneshirley.com

March 31, 2025

Literary Locations Jigsaw Puzzle

Literary Locations Jigsaw Puzzle Featuring Green Gables

Check out this Literary Locations Jigsaw Puzzle by Pippi Post. It's a 500-piece jigsaw puzzle featuring places and imagery from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson, The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett, The Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum, Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery, Peter and Wendy by J.M. Barrie, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass by Lewis Carroll, and Little Women by Louisa May Alcott.

I like that it features Green Gables and images from some of my other favorite classic novels.

Image credit:
Photograph of Literary Locations Jigsaw Puzzle.

Purchase the Literary Locations Jigsaw Puzzle:

Literary Locations Jigsaw Puzzle Featuring Green Gables

Created March 31, 2025.
© worldofanneshirley.com

February 19, 2025

Megan Follows, Star of Anne of Green Gables, Will Play Lucy Maud Montgomery

Photograph of actress and producer Megan Follows

Megan Follows, star of the beloved Canadian series Anne of Green Green Gables (1985), will play Anne's creator L.M. Montgomery in an upcoming series called Lucy. Maud. Known for her moving and unforgettable portrayal of Anne Shirley, Megan Follows is producing a new television series based on Lucy Maud Montgomery's life.

Speaking to Variety, Megan Follows explained, "I’ve always been incredibly grateful to be introduced, as a young woman, to the power of a character who was a central figure in her own story. One thing I share with the writers [of the show] is that our lives were greatly influenced by Anne. She defined us as artists, as writers, me as an actor."

Megan Follows will play L.M. Montgomery alongside other actresses. She explains to Variety, "I will play Maud, as that was her preferred name, from her forties through the end of her life. But we will also go on a wonderful journey with a young Maud and Maud in her 20s. There are multiple timelines we are discovering and experiencing with her."

The series will be the first dramatic depiction of L.M. Montgomery's life and will delve into her "passionate affairs, literary stardom and vivid imagination." The team optioned L.M. Montgomery's biography The Gift of Wings by Mary Rubio, a scholar who co-edited L.M. Montgomery's journals, as the source material for the series. Megan Follows elaborated, telling Variety, "It has been our extraordinarily rich source material, as well as many novels which have recently come into the public domain. We believe our project is really the first dramatic adaptation of this life story."

In the 1980s, when Megan Follows was playing Anne, she would take Montgomery's journals with her. Megan Follows told Variety, "I used to carry them around, because I could see there was so much more to this woman writing, at times very subversively, and exposing the world with a wicked sense of humor. She was extraordinarily intelligent, witty, observant. She had passionate affairs and lived in a time of great social upheaval and change. She’s a woman who speaks to our times."

Megan Follows went on to say, "Examples of really intelligent, creative, powerful women are worth celebrating and introducing to newer generations." The project has been in the works for some time. Megan Follows previously mentioned developing this project with the CBC in December 2023.

Produced by Story Girls Productions, the limited series will be eight episodes long, and each episode will be 60 minutes in length. Megan Follows will direct and star in the series. Susan Coyne is the creator of the series and its showrunner. Previously, Coyne wrote the screenplays for L.M. Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables (2016), L.M. Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables: Fire and Dew (2017) and an episode of Daisy Jones & The Six. The writers for Lucy. Maud include Susan Coyne and Rosa Laborde. The series is produced by Megan Follows, Edwina Follows, and Mary Young Leckie.

Producer Edwina Follows spoke to Variety about the series saying, “It’s a compelling drama about a powerful woman whose life experience remains relatable to this day.” Megan Follows elaborated on the production, telling Variety that it will appeal to L.M. Montgomery's fans as well as those unfamiliar with her work: "They can watch a show about the power of creativity as a saving grace and as a means of exploring the world and finding your voice. Even when you’re up against extraordinary odds. She fought and fought for that recognition, and fought for young people around the world. She understood what it was like to be on the outside."

Story Girls Productions is currently at the Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale) Co-Production Market to secure financing, presales, and international distributions for the series, which aims to shoot in 2025.

Info on the Series:


Story Girls Productions, Canada

Writers: Susan Coyne, Rosa Laborde

Director: Megan Follows

Producers: Edwina Follows, Mary Young Leckie, Megan Follows

With pilot script and second episode ready, this Canadian show is about to introduce a wider audience to writer Lucy Maud Montgomery, forgotten force behind such classics as “Anne of Green Gables.” As well as her personal life, her passionate affairs, turbulent marriage, the pressures of fame, her ongoing struggle with mental illness and the solace she found in her writing. Supported by Canadian Media Fund.


I haven't been this excited about an L.M. Montgomery-related production since back in 1999/2000 when I was awaiting Sullivan Entertainment's Anne of Green Gables: The Continuing Story (aka Anne3). I hope Lucy. Maud will be distributed worldwide, so all L.M. Montgomery fans have a chance to see it. Let's hope that Story Girls Productions has great success in Berlin.


Image credit:
Photograph of Megan Follows.

References:

Balaga, Marta. (February 18, 2025). ‘Anne of Green Gables’ Star Megan Follows to Play Its Author Lucy Maud Montgomery in Series ‘Lucy. Maud’ (EXCLUSIVE). Variety. Retrieved from: https://variety.com/2025/tv/global/anne-of-green-gables-megan-follows-lucy-maud-1236311127/.

Balaga, Marta. (February 18, 2025). Berlin’s Co-Pro Series Welcomes Skateboarders, Drug Kingpins and Fernando Meirelles. Variety. Retrieved from: https://variety.com/2025/tv/global/fernando-meirelles-berlinale-series-market-co-pro-series-1236311488/.

Megan Follows: Playing Anne in Anne of Green Gables and bringing the story to a new generation. (December 15, 2023). Q with Tom Power. CBC Arts & Entertainment. Retrieved from: https://podcasts.apple.com/ro/podcast/megan-follows-playing-anne-in-anne-of-green-gables/id256943801?i=1000638664483.

Created February 19, 2025.
© worldofanneshirley.com

February 18, 2025

Story Girl: The Life of Lucy Maud Montgomery Podcast Series

Story Girl: The Life of Lucy Maud Montgomery Podcast Series (2024-2025) artwork, featuring a photograph of Nora Lefurgey taken by L.M. Montgomery

Story Girl: The Life of Lucy Maud Montgomery is a seven-episode podcast series about the life of author L.M. Montgomery. The series launched on December 26, 2024, and new episodes are released biweekly. The series is written and hosted by Ryan Barnett. It is a production of Knockabout Media and was funded by the Government of Canada to commemorate the 150th anniversary of L.M. Montgomery's birth.

Along with listening, you can take part in the series. There's a call to listeners, which asks listeners to send in a voice memo about L.M. Montgomery by February 28, 2025. If you do, you might be featured in an upcoming episode of the series.

Series Description:


The Life of Lucy Maud Montgomery

Lucy Maud Montgomery once wrote that biography is a “screaming farce,” adding that the best biographies give only a two-dimensional portrait of its subject, while everyone has a half-dozen “different sides.” Aware of this fool’s errand, we’re leaning in, and examining the different-sidedness of Maud. Each episode explores her personal triumphs and struggles, her creative inspirations, and the ways in which her “scribblings” left a lasting impact on literature and culture.

Discover the life and legacy of L.M. Montgomery in this insightful 7-part podcast, in which we explore her childhood, literary journey, and the timeless impact of Anne of Green Gables on generations of readers.

Credits:
Written & Hosted by Ryan Barnett
Produced by Ryan Barnett & Sonia Gemmiti
Associate Producers Maia Foster-Sanchez & Kristi Prophet
Recorded by Tyler Rauman
This series features interviews with Kate Macdonald Butler, Kate Scarth, Jessica Young, Laura Robinson & Yuko Matsumoto.
Additional voices by Candace Amarante & Matthew Barnett

A Knockabout Media Production | Funded by the Government of Canada


Episode Synopses:


Episode 1: Spadework (27 minutes) - In this episode, we explore the formative years of author Lucy Maud Montgomery. We delve into her early life in Prince Edward Island and discuss the influences and experiences that shaped her writing, including the loss of her mother and the complexities of growing up in a strict household. Join us as we uncover how Montgomery’s youth laid the foundation for her beloved novels.

Episode 2: The Road to Anne (20 minutes) - Maud is now an adult. She attends teacher's college, gets engaged and falls in love (not necessarily in that order). She also begins writing the novel that will change her life: Anne of Green Gables.

Episode 3: Double Burden (24 minutes) - Maud is now a published author, and she is about to become a multi-hyphenate. In this episode, Maud also becomes a minister's wife, and a mother, and sadly she endures the greatest loss in her life.

Episode 4: A Woman's Humble Name (23 minutes) - Learning that she is under a bum publishing deal, Maud makes the decision to take on her long-time publisher, the shewed, Boston-based L.C. Page.

Episode 5: At Journey's End (38 minutes) - Maud faces some of the toughest years of her life : nuisance lawsuits, an unwanted pursuer, social ostracism, personal humiliations, and drug dependency colour her final days.

Episode 6: An Ode (with an E) to Maud (28 minutes) - This episode, we're doing something a little different. We are taking a pause from our narrative series to hear from you, the listeners. We asked you to send in voicemails with your feelings on Maud and her work, and you answered. A big thanks to Mike DiMascio, Irina Levchenko, Rebecca Sullivan, Laura Leden, Gabrielle Fortier, Naomi Burger, Kelly Gerner & Ragon Duffy, and Lois Adamson for your contributions to the show.

Episode 7: Red-haired Anne : Anne Shirley in Japan (28 minutes) - How did Anne of Green Gables become an icon in Japan? This is the story of Hanako Muraoka, the writer who faced grave danger in translating Maud's book—an enemy text—for future generations of Japan.


Additional Information on the Podcast:


February 18, 2025. Montreal, QC – TheNewswire – A new 7-part podcast series delves deep into the life and legacy of the iconic Canadian author, Lucy Maud Montgomery, whose beloved novel Anne of Green Gables has captivated readers around the world for over a century. The series, titled Story Girl: The Life of Lucy Maud Montgomery, launched this past Boxing Day.

Produced by Knockabout Media, Story Girl offers a fresh perspective on Montgomery’s remarkable life, exploring not only the creation of her timeless literary works but also the complexities of her personal experiences. It will guide listeners through key moments of Montgomery’s journey—from her early years in Prince Edward Island to her rise to fame and the challenges she faced as a woman writer in the early 20th century.

The series features interviews with descendants and experts, including Kate Macdonald Butler, Dr. Kate Scarth, Dr. Laura Robinson, Jessica Young, and Yuko Matsumoto. It is an immersive portrait of a woman who overcame personal tragedy and societal expectations to become one of the most celebrated authors of all time. Story Girl also explores lesser-known aspects of Montgomery’s life, including her struggles with mental health, her complicated relationship with fame, and the inspirations behind her beloved characters, including Anne Shirley, who continues to resonate with readers of all ages.

“On behalf of my family, we are pleased that our grandmother’s story will be told by way of a 7-part podcast. This 150th anniversary year was a true testament to the adoration for L.M. Montgomery, and now a podcast to be added to the list. We are very proud of our grandmother’s achievements.” - Kate Macdonald Butler, President, Heirs of L.M. Montgomery.

This new podcast series was made possible thanks to funding from the Government of Canada in commemoration of the 150th anniversary of Montgomery’s birth.

“The novels of Lucy Maud Montgomery have been instrumental in celebrating and preserving the rich culture and breathtaking landscapes of Prince Edward Island. Her stories invite us to dream, imagine and discover beauty in everyday life. By contributing to this meaningful project, we are honouring her legacy and joining in the commemoration of the 150th anniversary of her birth – a moment to reflect on her life and journey as a female author in the 20th century.” — The Honourable Pascale St-Onge, Minister of Canadian Heritage

Story Girl is available for streaming on all major podcast platforms, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music, with new episodes dropping every two weeks.

For more information, including episode release dates and show details, visit www.knockaboutmedia.com or follow @knockaboutmedia on Bluesky.

About Knockabout Media

Knockabout Media specializes in creative non-fiction storytelling for the cultural and media sectors. On multiple platforms, and in collaboration with leading Canadian heritage interpreters, we commemorate the diverse stories that make Canada unique. We are the producers of the podcasts The Black Hum, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood North, Among Equals, How I Wrote This, and The Story of a National Crime.

For press inquiries or interview requests, please contact:
Ryan Barnett
416.737.9946
ryan@knockaboutmedia.com
www.knockaboutmedia.com


Official websites:

Story Girl at Knockabout Media
Story Girl at Apple Podcasts

Image credit:

Story Girl: The Life of Lucy Maud Montgomery podcast series artwork featuring a photograph of Nora Lefurgey taken by L.M. Montgomery.

References:

New 7-Part Podcast Series Explores the Life of Lucy Maud Montgomery, Creator of Anne of Green Gables. (February 18, 2025). Press release. TheNewswire. Retrieved from: https://www.thenewswire.com/press-releases/1k1vFpwOK-new-7-part-podcast-series-explores-the-life-of-lucy-maud-montgomery-creator-of-anne-of-green-gables.html.

Story Girl. Knockabout Media. Retrieved from: https://knockaboutmedia.com/podcasts-2/story-girl/.

Story Girl Podcast. Apple Podcasts. Retrieved from: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/story-girl/id1783190708.

Created February 18, 2025. Last updated March 30, 2025.
© worldofanneshirley.com