Showing posts with label Spin-Offs and Retellings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Spin-Offs and Retellings. Show all posts

October 27, 2024

Josie Pye: A Tale from Avonlea

Josie Pye: A Tale from Avonlea by Laura Kelly and Jane Kelly

Josie Pye: A Tale from Avonlea by Laura Kelly and Jane Kelly was independently published in June 2022. The book tells the story of Josie Pye, who dreams of a life bigger than Avonlea can offer. Have you ever wondered what made Josie tick? Maybe this story holds the answer.


Here is the description of the story from the book's back cover:

JOSIE PYE IS NOT A KINDRED SPIRIT...

In fact, she could not care less about the red-headed Anne Shirley, with her freckled nose always in a book. And while the whole village of Avonlea may have been infatuated with the dramatic goody-goody orphan, Josie has her heart set on a far more glamorous and exciting life than her small Canadian village can offer. Her opportunity finally comes with the arrival of a handsome stranger to Avonlea. Could this be the fulfillment of all her dreams and ambitions?

Here is the description of the book from Amazon:

Devoted readers of Anne of Green Gables will remember the coastal farming village of Avonlea as the home of kindred spirits -- a community of close-knit characters that opened their hearts to the bright, talkative, and imaginative red-headed orphan, Anne Shirley. Well... mostly kindred spirits. The cruel Pye sisters, led by Josie Pye, instantly disliked Anne for her intelligence, charm, and the attention she drew from others, especially Gilbert Blythe. Josie, described as spoiled, vain, and vindictive, knew she was better than Anne, better than Avonlea. She deserved a life more glamorous and exciting than even Anne Shirley could imagine.

This book continues the story of Josie Pye, as she sets her sights on a handsome stranger as her ticket out of her humdrum home. She soon discovers that the best laid plans can lead you astray. Josie faces new challenges that force her to reconsider her perception of Avonlea, its people, and her own desires. Josie Pye may yet become a kindred spirit after all, with many misadventures and a budding romance along the way. Beloved characters, including Diana Barry, Ruby Gillis, Marilla Cuthbert, and Rachel Lynde, are all part of this continuing story.


Image credit:
Book cover of Josie Pye: A Tale from Avonlea.

Purchase and read Josie Pye: A Tale from Avonlea:

Josie Pye: A Tale from Avonlea by Laura Kelly and Jane Kelly

Created October 27, 2024.
© worldofanneshirley.com

September 10, 2024

Marilla Cuthbert and Darth Vader

Colleen Dewhurst and James Earl Jones in Hamlet in 1972

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away....

Marilla Cuthbert and Darth Vader fell in love. They adopted a young orphan named Anne Shirley, and even though she was not a boy, they decided to keep her. Anne grew up to be the most powerful Jedi of all, entirely because she was a girl.

Well, not really, but that's what I imagined earlier today when I saw a photograph of Colleen Dewhurst, who played Marilla Cuthbert in Anne of Green Gables, and James Earl Jones, who gave voice to Darth Vader in Star Wars. This photograph was taken when these two talented actors starred in a production of Hamlet in 1972 in New York City's Central Park. Colleen Dewhurst played Gertrude and James Earl Jones played Claudius.


Image credit:

Billy Rose Theatre Division, The New York Public Library. (1972). Colleen Dewhurst and James Earl Jones in publicity for the stage production Hamlet. Retrieved from https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/c91c5430-1183-0130-f059-58d385a7b928.

Created September 10, 2024.
© worldofanneshirley.com

September 06, 2024

Anne of Green Gables Retelling by Nosy Crow Classics

Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery adapted by Katherine Woodfine and illustrated by Isabelle Follath

L.M. Montgomery's classic story Anne of Green Gables was adapted for young readers by Katherine Woodfine and illustrated by Isabelle Follath. Published on September 3, 2024 by Nosy Crow, the retelling is 96 pages long and geared toward children ages 7–10.

This is the third book in the Nosy Crow Classics series. The series also includes Kenneth Grahame's The Wind in the Willows abridged by Lou Peacock and illustrated by Kate Hindley and Animal Tales from India: Ten Stories from the Panchatantra by Nikita Gill and illustrated by Chaaya Prabhat.

Here's a look inside the book that shows an illustration of Anne Shirley and the text at the end of Chapter 1 and beginning of Chapter 2. I think the illustrations are really charming.

Page spread from Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery adapted by Katherine Woodfine and illustrated by Isabelle Follath Here is the book's description from Nosy Crow Classics:

When a spirited and imaginative 11-year-old orphan named Anne moves to Avonlea, she can’t wait to see the home she’s always dreamed of. And it’s perfect! Green Gables is a beautiful farmhouse, set among the summer flowers of Prince Edward Island.

But Anne quickly realizes her dream is too good to be true. There has been a terrible mistake and her new family—gentle Matthew and his stern sister Marilla—were expecting someone quite different. With her cheer, her imagination, and even her mischievousness, Anne is a welcome breath of fresh air . . . but will she succeed in enchanting Matthew and Marilla? One thing’s for sure, there is never a dull moment when Anne is around.

Featuring high-end finishes, including a foil-inlaid cloth binding, textured jacket, and ribbon bookmark, Anne of Green Gables is a timeless gift book for every child to enjoy and treasure. Listen to the free Stories Aloud audiobook— just scan the QR code on the back cover to hear the story read aloud!


Image credit:
Cover of Anne of Green Gables by Nosy Crow Classics.

Purchase and read Anne of Green Gables by Nosy Crow Classics:

Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery adapted by Katherine Woodfine and illustrated by Isabelle Follath

Created September 6, 2024.
© worldofanneshirley.com

August 10, 2024

Anne Dreams (An Anne Chapter Book)

Anne Dreams (An Anne Chapter Book) by Kallie George and illustrated by Abigail Halpin

Anne Dreams by Kallie George is the sixth and final book in the Anne Chapter Book series, which was inspired by L.M. Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables. The children's book series features charming illustrations by Abigail Halpin. Kallie George retells the story of Anne Shirley dyeing her hair and her dream of becoming a teacher. Geared toward early readers, the 72-page long picture book was published by Tundra Books, a division of Penguin Random House in August 2024.

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

The sixth and final book in an early illustrated chapter book series inspired by Anne of Green Gables, starring the spirited Anne Shirley as she pursues her dream of becoming a teacher.

Anne is starting to grow up, but she’s still disappointed with her red hair — it’s one of her lifelong sorrows. One day, she buys a bottle of hair dye in order to have raven black hair like her best friend and kindred spirit, Diana. Unfortunately, the dye ends up turning her hair green! This upset causes Anne to start focusing on improving herself inside, rather than her looks . . . and leads to a new dream taking shape: Anne wanting to become a teacher! She joins a club for students studying to get into Queen’s College. But can Anne overcome her fear of failing? And how can she study hard when pesky Gilbert is distracting her?

Lovingly adapted by Kallie George with beautiful nostalgic illustrations by Abigail Halpin, this series is perfect for fans of Anne, new and old.


ISBN-13: 9780735272132

Image credit:
Book cover of Anne Dreams.

Purchase and read Anne Dreams:

Anne Dreams (An Anne Chapter Book) by Kallie George and illustrated by Abigail Halpin

Created August 10, 2024. Last updated November 19, 2024.
© worldofanneshirley.com

June 24, 2024

The Annethology: A Collection of Kindred Spirits Inspired by the Canadian Icon

Book cover of The Annethology: A Collection of Kindred Spirits Inspired by the Canadian Icon, a collection of stories by Deirdre Kessler, Hope Dalvay, Judith Graves, Matthew Dawkins, Mere Joyce, Natasha Deen, Paul Coccia, Shari Green, Susan White, and Susie Moloney

The Annethology: A Collection of Kindred Spirits Inspired by the Canadian Icon is a collection of short stories by ten Canadian writers who take Anne Shirley on new adventures. The collection was edited by Judith Graves and Robin Sutherland.

Judith Graves, who describes herself as an L.M. Montgomery and Anne of Green Gables "fangirl," had once written a short story about Anne being a cyborg. Writing this story gave her the idea of creating an anthology of stories. In an interview with the CBC, Graves says, "I pitched the idea of what if it wasn't just my little Anne story? What if we got a whole bunch of authors writing and taking Anne on these wild new adventures?" Graves invited writers to contribute with the following guidelines: "the main character had to be named Anne with an E and was adopted by an older couple."

The book includes stories by Paul Coccia (Leon Levels Up), Hope Dalvay (Welcome to Camp Fill-in-the-Blank), Matthew Dawkins (Until We Break), Natasha Deen (Key of Nira Ghani), Judith Graves (Retribution series), Shari Green (Macy McMillan and the Rainbow Goddess), Mere Joyce (Oracle of Senders series), Deirdre Kessler (Lobster in my Pocket), Susie Moloney (The Thirteen), and Susan White (The Year Mrs. Montague Cried).

Graves notes that, "Very much this anthology will rock some people's world, I think. But I think the underlying theme of everything, all the stories … was a nod to L.M. Montgomery's work and a hearkening back to those themes of finding yourself, belonging, being quirky but that's OK — being your own person and finding your people who may not be related to you."

Here is the book's description from Acorn Press:

Who is YOUR Anne?

Join ten of Canada's top young adult fiction writers as they set Canada's favourite red-haired orphan, Anne Shirley, on brand new adventures. With its futuristic settings, cybernetic beings, ghosts, mysterious books and boxes, and racial and sexual diversity in its cast of characters, The ANNEthology offers serious "scope for the imagination" for all readers.

2024 marks the 150th anniversary of L.M. Montgomery's birth and the 30th anniversary of Acorn Press, Prince Edward Island's longest-running traditional publishing house. What better way to celebrate these milestones than publishing a collection of stories inspired by the Island's (and one of Canada's) most beloved authors?

Sure to include something for everyone, this is a must-have collection for Anne of Green Gables fans.

The book launch for The Annethology took place yesterday at The Guild in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada. What do you think of the concept of The Annethology? Will you read it?

Image credit:
Cover of The Annethology: A Collection of Kindred Spirits Inspired by the Canadian Icon by Acorn Press.

Reference:
Ross, Shane. (2024, June 22). Anne with an Edge: New anthology will 'rock some people's world:' This is not your grandmother's Anne Shirley. CBC. Retrieved from: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/pei-annethology-green-gables-judith-graves-1.7243762

Purchase and read The Annethology: A Collection of Kindred Spirits Inspired by the Canadian Icon:

The ANNEthology: A Collection of Kindred Spirits Inspired by the Canadian Icon

Created June 24, 2024.
© worldofanneshirley.com

May 10, 2024

Anne of Green Gables: A Graphic Novel

Anne of Green Gables: A Graphic Novel adapted by Mariah Marsden, illustrated by Brenna Thummler

Anne of Green Gables: A Graphic Novel (2017) is an adaptation of L.M. Montgomery's novel by Mariah Marsden with illustrations by Brenna Thummler. The graphic novel is 232 pages in length. The lovely dedication reads: "To Lucy Maud Montgomery, who reminds us that nothing is more powerful than a girl with an imagination."

Here's the publisher's description of the book from the Andrews McMeel website:

Schoolyard rivalries. Baking disasters. Puffed sleeves. Explore the violet vales and glorious green of Avonlea in this spirited graphic novel adaptation.

The spirit of Anne is alive and well in Mariah Marsden's crisp adaptation, and it's a thrill to watch as the beloved orphan rushes headlong through Brenna Thummler's heavenly landscapes. Together Marsden and Thummler conjure all the magic and beauty of Green Gables. Like Anne herself, you won't want to leave.
— Brian Selznick, author/illustrator of "The Invention of Hugo Cabret" and "The Marvels"

The magic of L.M. Montgomery’s treasured classic is reimagined in a whimsically-illustrated graphic novel adaptation perfect for newcomers and kindred spirits alike.

When Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert decide to adopt an orphan who can help manage their family farm, they have no idea what delightful trouble awaits them. With flame-red hair and an unstoppable imagination, 11-year-old Anne Shirley takes Green Gables by storm.

Anne’s misadventures bring a little romance to the lives of everyone she meets: her bosom friend, Diana Barry; the town gossip, Mrs. Lynde; and that infuriating tease, Gilbert Blythe. From triumphs and thrills to the depths of despair, Anne turns each everyday moment into something extraordinary.


I read this graphic novel last year and enjoyed it. The illustrations are bright and crisp with the glorious reds, greens, and blues of Prince Edward Island.

Some readers have found Anne's green, pupil-less eyes to be blank, puppet-like, and somewhat off putting. And it's true that her eyes are curious and odd.

Scenes between Anne and Matthew from Anne of Green Gables: A Graphic Novel adapted by Mariah Marsden, illustrated by Brenna Thummler

Anne's strange eyes also made me smile. They reminded of a wonderful set of books I was given as a child (and still have today) that were part of a series called "The World of Fairy Tales" by Froebel-Kan. The tales featured photos of puppets in elaborate sets as a form of storytelling. Some of the puppets had blank stares too (see photos of my Little Red Riding Hood and Jack and the Beanstalk books below). Don't the puppet's eyes look like Anne's?

Book covers of Little Red Riding Hood and Jack and the Beanstalk from The World of Fairy Tales series by Froebel-Kan featuring photographs of puppets to retell classic fairy tales

Using puppets to create scenes helped retell classic fairy tales in a unique way in the Froebel-Kan series. Similarly, Anne of Green Gables: A Graphic Novel is a unique retelling of Anne Shirley's story. I especially liked how the graphic novel captured Anne's most over-dramatic moments in spectacular fashion. You can just feel the drama.

Scene where Anne Shirley is crying that no one wants her from Anne of Green Gables: A Graphic Novel adapted by Mariah Marsden, illustrated by Brenna Thummler

Some of the most beautiful and touching pages were the ones without words, like this scene where Anne visits Matthew's grave.

Illustration of Anne Shirley at Matthew Cuthbert's grave from Anne of Green Gables: A Graphic Novel adapted by Mariah Marsden, illustrated by Brenna Thummler

I really enjoyed this retelling of Anne's story and recommend it.

Official Websites:
Andrews McMeel website
Brenna Thummler's website

Image Credits:
Book cover and panels from Anne of Green Gables: A Graphic Novel by Mariah Marsden and Brenna Thummler. Photographs of Froebel-Kan's Little Red Riding Hood and Jack and the Beanstalk book covers from "The World of Fairy Tales" series by World of Anne Shirley.

Purchase and read Anne of Green Gables: A Graphic Novel:



Created May 10, 2024. Last updated June 4, 2024.
© worldofanneshirley.com

October 28, 2023

Anne Dares (An Anne Chapter Book)

Anne Dares (An Anne Chapter Book) by Kallie George and illustrated by Abigail Halpin

Anne Dares by Kallie George is the fifth book in the Anne Chapter Book series, which was inspired by L.M. Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables. The children's book series features charming illustrations by Abigail Halpin. Kallie George retells the story of Josie Pye challenging Anne to a dangerous dare. Geared toward early readers, the 72-page long picture book was published by Tundra Books, a division of Penguin Random House in October 2023.

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

The fifth book in an early chapter book series inspired by Anne of Green Gables, starring the spirited Anne Shirley as she agrees to a dangerous dare and learns a valuable lesson about courage.

Anne is excited to be a guest at a party at Orchard Slope, the home of her kindred spirit, Diana Barry. But when the dares start and mean Josie Pye makes the others feel bad, Anne can’t stop herself from challenging Josie to a dare . . . which leads to Anne being dared to climb the house and walk along the ridgepole! Anne’s dangerous dare ends in injury . . . and teaches her an important lesson. But Anne must pluck up her courage again when she is chosen to recite at a Christmas concert! How can Anne perform in front of so many people? And what is shy Matthew Cuthbert hiding from the family?

Lovingly adapted by Kallie George with beautiful nostalgic illustrations by Abigail Halpin, this series is perfect for fans of Anne, new and old.


ISBN-13: 9780735272101

Image credit:
Book cover of Anne Dares.

Purchase and read Anne Dares:

Anne Dares (An Anne Chapter Book) by Kallie George and illustrated by Abigail Halpin

Created October 28, 2023. Last updated November 19, 2024.
© worldofanneshirley.com

October 29, 2022

Anne: An Adaptation of Anne of Green Gables (Sort Of)

Anne: An Adaptation of Anne of Green Gables (Sort Of) by Kathleen Gros

Anne: An Adaptation of Anne of Green Gables (Sort Of) (2022) is a modern adaptation of L.M. Montgomery's story as a graphic novel, written and illustrated by Kathleen Gros. The graphic novel is 304 pages in length, and it re-imagines the story of Anne of Green Gables with an LGBTQ+ spin.

In this retelling, Anne Shirley is a foster child who is taken in by the Cuthberts and find a new home at the Avon-Lea apartments. Anne develops a strong relationship with her neighbor Diana, and her feelings grow to be more than friendship.

Author and illustrator Kathleen Gros previously published a modern retelling of Louisa May Alcott's Little Women in 2020, entitled Jo: An Adaptation of Little Women (Sort Of). In an interview with Emma Kantor for Publishers Weekly, Kathleen Gros reflected on how she approaches her adaptations saying, "My approach is to try and hold on to the heart of the story—the themes, the feelings of the characters, and what resonated with me as a reader. At the same time, I try to find analogous ways to express those ideas that might feel more familiar to readers today."

Kathleen Gros explains why she explored LGBTQ+ themes in her contemporary retelling of Anne's story saying, "In my retelling, I was particularly interested in further exploring Anne and Diana’s friendship. So many of the queer women I know saw their childhood crushes reflected in Anne and Diana’s relationship. I wanted to speak to those feelings and honor them with this adaptation."

In an essay at the New York Times, Catherine Hong reviewed several modern adaptations of Anne of Green Gables. In discussing Kathleen Gros's retelling, Hong writes: "Much has been written about repressed desire in the series at least since 2000, when Laura Robinson’s paper 'Bosom Friends: Lesbian Desire in L.M. Montgomery’s Anne Books' sparked a mini-furor at an academic conference. It’s no stretch: Even casual fans have to raise an eyebrow at Anne’s flamboyant passion for Diana and her scornful attitude toward marriage. 'I love Diana so, Marilla,'” Anne declares. 'I cannot ever live without her. But I know very well when we grow up that Diana will get married and go away and leave me. And oh, what shall I do? I hate her husband — I just hate him furiously.'" Catherine Hong says that Gros doesn't shy away from these observations of repressed desire and instead "puts the gay stuff front and center."


Here is the description of the book from Quill Tree Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers:

In this modern graphic novel retelling of Anne of Green Gables from graphic novelist Kathleen Gros, foster kid Anne Shirley finally lands in a loving home and befriends a girl who she may have more-than-friends feelings for.

Anne Shirley has been in foster care her whole life. So when the Cuthberts take her in, she hopes it’s for good. They seem to be hitting it off, but how will they react to the trouble that Anne can sometimes find herself in . . . like accidentally dyeing her hair green or taking a dangerous dare that leaves her in a cast?

Then Anne meets Diana Barry, a girl who lives in her apartment building, the Avon-Lea. The two become fast friends, as Anne finds she can share anything with Diana. As time goes on, though, Anne starts to develop more-than-friends feelings for Diana.

A new foster home, a new school, and a first-time crush—it’s a lot all at once. But if anyone can handle life’s twists and turns, it’s the irrepressible Anne Shirley.



Reviews

"Gird your loins, traditionalists, because the queerification of Anne is in full flower."
—Catherine Hong, The New York Times

"Coupled with easy-to-follow paneling, expressive characters rendered in vibrant hues aptly covey middle school dramas that tug on the heartstrings and provide levity in this cozy jaunt."
Publishers Weekly

"Gr 6-8-The "Sort Of" in the subtitle is an important clarification for readers expecting a graphic novel of Anne's adventures in Avonlea, who might be startled at the modern take on the beloved novel. In Gros's version, Anne Shirley is a foster kid living with the Cuthbert siblings, who are surprised at the teenaged girl who arrives at their door. The Cuthberts live in an apartment building named Avon-Lea, where Anne Shirley fans will find many recognizable characters. Similar to Montgomery's telling, Anne is headstrong and difficult to get along with, and she has her characteristically recognizable run-ins with the neighbors and classmates. Diana is introduced to Anne as a possible friend, and the girls do form a quick bond, spending lots of time together. Readers will begin to see the graphic novel and original novel diverge when Anne and Diana attend the neighborhood middle school and interact with other seventh graders who have modern-day issues. This is especially showcased when Anne and Diana develop crushes on each other and attend a dance together. As a stand-alone story rather than an adaptation, this graphic novel succeeds on its own, with plenty of realistic plot points for middle grade readers to find compelling and fun. VERDICT A fun story for middle grade readers who enjoy coming-of-age graphic novels and modern adaptations of classics."
—Kim Gardner, School Library Journal


ISBN: 9780063057654


Image credit:
Book cover of Anne: An Adaptation of Anne of Green Gables (Sort Of).

References:
Hong, Catherine. (November 4, 2022). Anne of Everywhere: Suddenly, remakes and adaptations of L.M. Montgomery’s “Anne of Green Gables” series are proliferating. The New York Times. Retrieved from: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/04/books/review/anne-of-green-gables-reboots.html.

Kantor, Emma. (September 1, 2022). Kindred Spirits: Children's Authors Reimagine 'Anne of Green Gables.' Publishers Weekly. Retrieved from: https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-book-news/article/90208-kindred-spirits-children-s-authors-reimagine-anne-of-green-gables.html.

Purchase and read Anne: An Adaptation of Anne of Green Gables (Sort Of):

Anne: An Adaptation of Anne of Green Gables (Sort Of) by Kathleen Gros

Created October 29, 2022. Last updated May 2, 2024.
© worldofanneshirley.com

March 23, 2022

Anne's Tragical Tea Party (An Anne Chapter Book)

Anne's Tragical Tea Party (An Anne Chapter Book) by Kallie George and illustrated by Abigail Halpin

Anne's Tragical Tea Party by Kallie George is the fourth book in the Anne Chapter Book series, which was inspired by L.M. Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables. The children's book series features charming illustrations by Abigail Halpin. Kallie George retells the story of Anne Shirley's disastrous tea party with Diana Barry. Geared toward early readers, the 68-page long picture book was published by Tundra Books, a division of Penguin Random House in March 2022.

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

The fourth book in an early chapter book series inspired by Anne of Green Gables, starring the spirited Anne Shirley as she hosts her very first tea party with her kindred spirit, Diana, to disastrous results.

Anne loves having pretend tea parties by herself. She even decorates her room with branches and colorful leaves for the occasion. Marilla Cuthbert, who adopted Anne in the last year, wishes Anne would act a little more sensibly. One day, Marilla comes up with a plan to keep Anne out of mischief — Anne can host her very own tea party and invite her kindred spirit, Diana Barry! Anne is thrilled, and sets out to host the most lovely and grown-uppish tea party she can muster. But when she makes Diana sick by accidentally giving her the wrong drink, Diana’s mother is furious. Can Anne be forgiven? Will she ever be allowed to play with Diana again?

Lovingly adapted by Kallie George with beautiful nostalgic illustrations by Abigail Halpin, this series is perfect for fans of Anne, new and old.


ISBN-13: 9780735267220

Image credit:
Book cover of Anne's Tragical Tea Party.

Purchase and read Anne's Tragical Tea Party:

Anne's Tragical Tea Party (An Anne Chapter Book) by Kallie George and illustrated by Abigail Halpin

Created March 23, 2022. Last updated November 19, 2024.
© worldofanneshirley.com

March 08, 2022

Anne of West Philly: A Modern Graphic Retelling of Anne of Green Gables

Anne of West Philly: A Modern Graphic Retelling of Anne of Green Gables by Ivy Noelle Weir and illustrated by Myisha Haynes

Anne of West Philly: A Modern Graphic Retelling of Anne of Green Gables (2022) is an adaptation of L.M. Montgomery's novel written by Ivy Noelle Weir with illustrations by Myisha Haynes. The graphic novel is 256 pages in length, and it re-imagines the story of Anne of Green Gables.

Anne of West Philly is part of a "Classic Graphic Remix" series, which includes Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy by Rey Terciero, which is an adaptation of Little Women by Louisa May Alcott, and The Secret Garden on 81st Street also by Ivy Noelle Weir, which is an adaptation of The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett.

In an interview with Emma Kantor for Publishers Weekly, Ivy Noelle Weir talks about bringing Anne Shirley to the present day, saying, "I think the message of Anne’s story—about growing, learning, and remaining true to yourself throughout—is as relevant to young readers today as it was then. Approaching this adaptation, I wanted to bring those themes into the modern world and try to apply them to things young people still deal with today: friendships, family issues, school pressure, crushes. It sounds maybe a little lazy of me to say it was easy to bring Anne into the modern day, but it’s true! Anne and the things she experiences really are so timeless in many ways."

Ivy Noelle Weir went on to explain why she set her modern day Anne story in Philadelphia saying, "One major change was moving the story from Canada to Philadelphia. Reading Montgomery’s original text, it was so obvious that she loved Prince Edward Island with her whole heart. Born and raised in the Philly area, I knew that in order to capture that sense of home, I needed to set it where I was from and channel some of my own love for the city into it."

Reflecting on the many interpretations and adaptations of Anne of Green Gables, Ivy Noelle Weir said, "I think that every adaptation and interpolation of Anne also brings different perspectives to her, which to me is the essence of an iconic character. She’s classic enough to persist, but inspiring in a way that invites authors, and readers, to interpret her differently and add their own flavor to her."

In the same article at Publishers Weekly, Emma Kantor interviewed Myisha Haynes, the illustrator of Anne of West Philly. Myisha Haynes reflected on why the character Anne Shirley endures saying, "I think readers connect to Anne because that level of uncertainty when you’re growing up is familiar; determining your place in a family, a friend group, or a community can be scary, more so when you feel like a newcomer. No matter what the interpretation, Anne’s tenacity is aspirational and relatable. Readers can see themselves in Anne’s struggles and hardships, and take inspiration from how she navigates through them, while still being true to her core self."

Here is the description of the book from Little, Brown Ink:

Anne of Green Gables with a twist: in this follow-up to Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy and The Secret Garden on 81st Street, this full-color graphic novel moves Anne Shirley to modern-day West Philadelphia, where she finds new friends, new rivals, and a new family.

When Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert decide to foster a teenage girl for the first time, their lives are changed forever. Their redheaded foster daughter, Anne Shirley, is in search of an exciting life and has decided that West Philly is where she’s going to find it. Armed with a big personality and unstoppable creativity, Anne takes her new home by storm as she joins the robotics club, makes new friends in Diana and Gilbert, experiences first love, and turns the ordinary into the extraordinary. But as Anne starts to get comfortable, she discovers one thing she wasn’t looking for: a family.



Reviews

“Weir and Haynes have done an amazing job of updating this beloved classic to make it relevant today’s readers ... Readers will laugh and cry along with this re-envisioned Anne of 2022, just like they have with L.M. Montgomery’s original vision of her.”
—SLC, starred review

"Still, despite references to Instagram and quinoa, and robotics competitions instead of poetry recitations, 'Anne of West Philly' is a dutiful tribute."
—Catherine Hong, The New York Times


ISBN: 9780316459778


Image credit:
Book cover of Anne of West Philly: A Modern Graphic Retelling of Anne of Green Gables.

References:
Hong, Catherine. (November 4, 2022). Anne of Everywhere: Suddenly, remakes and adaptations of L.M. Montgomery’s “Anne of Green Gables” series are proliferating. The New York Times. Retrieved from: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/04/books/review/anne-of-green-gables-reboots.html.

Kantor, Emma. (September 1, 2022). Kindred Spirits: Children's Authors Reimagine 'Anne of Green Gables.' Publishers Weekly. Retrieved from: https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-book-news/article/90208-kindred-spirits-children-s-authors-reimagine-anne-of-green-gables.html.

Purchase and read Anne of West Philly: A Modern Graphic Retelling of Anne of Green Gables:

Anne of West Philly: A Modern Graphic Retelling of Anne of Green Gables by Ivy Noelle Weir and illustrated by Myisha Haynes

Created March 8, 2022. Last updated May 1, 2024.
© worldofanneshirley.com

December 01, 2021

Merry Christmas, Anne

Merry Christmas, Anne by Kallie George and illustrated by Geneviève Godbout

Merry Christmas, Anne is a children's book by Kallie George with beautiful illustrations by Geneviève Godbout that was inspired by L.M. Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables. Deriving from the original source, George tells the story of Anne Shirley's first Christmas in Avonlea for young readers, aged 3 to 7. The 40-page long picture book was published by Tundra Books, a division of Penguin Random House Canada in October 2021.

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

A heartwarming holiday picture book inspired by L.M. Montgomery's beloved classic Anne of Green Gables.

It's Christmas in Avonlea, and Anne is thankful for so many things: feathery frosts and silvery seas, and wreaths as round as the moon. But most of all, she's thankful for her kindred spirits, including Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert, who adopted her, and her bosom friend Diana. But Anne is distracted this holiday by having to recite at the upcoming Christmas concert. And she feels bad that her kindred spirits give her so much during the year when she has very little to give in return. Can Anne overcome her jitters and make her kindred spirits proud -- and also think of a way to show her appreciation for the people she loves?

With magical illustrations and a heartfelt message, this festive picture book is the perfect holiday read for Anne fans old and new and a joyous way to celebrate the season.


ISBN-13: 978-0735267183

Image credit:
Book cover of Merry Christmas, Anne.

Purchase and read Merry Christmas, Anne:

Merry Christmas, Anne by Kallie George and illustrated by Geneviève Godbout

Created December 1, 2021. Last updated October 28, 2024.
© worldofanneshirley.com

July 17, 2021

Anne's School Days (An Anne Chapter Book)

Anne's School Days (An Anne Chapter Book) by Kallie George and illustrated by Abigail Halpin

Anne's School Days by Kallie George is the third book in the Anne Chapter Book series, which was inspired by L.M. Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables. The children's book series features charming illustrations by Abigail Halpin. In Anne's School Days, Kallie George retells the story of Anne Shirley's experiences at her new school in Avonlea and how she meets her rival Gilbert Blythe. Geared toward early readers, the 72-page long picture book was published by Tundra Books, a division of Penguin Random House in July 2021.

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

The third book in an early-reader series inspired by Anne of Green Gables, starring the spirited Anne Shirley as she navigates her first days of school and the incorrigible Gilbert Blythe.

Anne loves autumn in Avonlea, and she’s been enjoying her first three weeks of school. It helps that she walks to school with and sits next to her kindred spirit, Diana Barry. However, one day, Gilbert Blythe joins the class. According to Diana, he’s very handsome, and smart too. However, Gilbert immediately gets on Anne’s nerves. When he pulls on Anne’s braid and calls her “Carrots” because of her red hair, enough is enough. How can Anne enjoy school when Gilbert is ruining everything? Anne vows never to talk to Gilbert again, and even stops going to school for a time when her teacher forces Anne to sit next to her rival. But later, when Anne has an accident on the pond and her wooden plank sinks, who should come to her rescue but her nemesis, Gilbert Blythe?

Lovingly adapted by Kallie George with beautiful nostalgic illustrations by Abigail Halpin, this series is perfect for fans of Anne, new and old.


ISBN-13: 978-0735267206

Image credit:
Book cover of Anne's School Days.

Purchase and read Anne's School Days:

Anne's School Days (An Anne Chapter Book) by Kallie George and illustrated by Abigail Halpin

Created July 17, 2021. Last updated November 19, 2024.
© worldofanneshirley.com