Looking for Anne of Green Gables

Looking for Anne of Green Gables: L.M. Montgomery and Her Timeless Heroine is a book by Irene Gammel that was published in July 2025 by Sutherland House Publishing. The book explores L.M. Montgomery's sources of inspiration when she created Anne Shirley. It also examines Montgomery's secrecy during her life and her way of curating information to create her public persona.

The 324-page book is a newly expanded edition of Gammel's research, which was originally published in 2008 for the Anne of Green Gables centenery under the following titles: Looking for Anne: How Lucy Maud Montgomery Dreamed Up a Literary Classic and Looking for Anne of Green Gables: The Story of L.M. Montgomery and Her Literary Classic. The new paperback edition includes additional chapters and research.

In a 2008 interview, Irene Gammel described her work, saying: "Looking for Anne is a dual biography because I wanted to show that Maud projected aspects of herself into the novel—her own ambition, her determination, her loneliness, and her hunger for love and family life. I also wanted to show that the novel was a wish fulfilment dream. She dreamed up the things she did not have in her own life. Ultimately, we also see a woman who was successful as a writer because she combined the role of romantic dreamer with that of pragmatic business woman, launching herself from small-town Cavendish onto the world stage."

In a 2025 interview with The Eyeopener, Irene Gammel noted that the first edition of her book was more like a research assemblage, and "This time around I had the feeling I was telling a story."

Here is the description of the book from Sutherland House:

For over a century, Anne Shirley has captivated readers with her fiery red hair, boundless imagination, and plucky spirit.

First introduced as the protagonist of Anne of Green Gables in 1908, she quickly became one of fiction’s most iconic characters, with the novel selling over 50 million copies and translated into more than forty languages. Yet little is known about Anne’s origins. Her creator, Lucy Maud Montgomery, a farm girl from Cavendish, Prince Edward Island, was an intensely private person.

In Looking for Anne of Green Gables, Irene Gammel draws on her archival discoveries, and on the author’s private journals to reveal an emotional landscape of longing, loss, and a deep yearning for connection—themes that found their way into her famous novel. Blending biography and cultural history, Gammel traces the parallel journeys of Montgomery and her beloved heroine, showing how the author’s personal grief was transformed into the triumphs and joys of Anne Shirley. This dual biography of Montgomery and her timeless character explains how a literary classic was conceived and why it continues to enchant readers today.

ISBN-13: 9781998365715

Link:
Looking for Anne at Sutherland Books.

References:
Simpson, Molly. (October 28, 2025). TMU professor releases new edition of 2008 novel. The Eyeopener. Retrieved from: https://theeyeopener.com/2025/10/tmu-professor-releases-new-edition-of-2008-novel/

Author: Irene Gammel on Looking for Anne. (2008). The Anne of Green Gables Centenary. Retrieved from: https://www.torontomu.ca/mlc/anne/inside5.html

Image credits:
Book cover of Looking for Anne of Green Gables: L.M. Montgomery and Her Timeless Heroine.

Created December 4, 2025.
© worldofanneshirley.com

Happy 40th Anniversary to the Anne of Green Gables Miniseries

Forty years ago today, Anne of Green Gables first aired on CBC Television. The miniseries was adapted for the screen by Kevin Sullivan from the novel by L.M. Montgomery. The first part of the two-part, made-for-television miniseries aired on December 1, 1985, and the second part aired the next day on December 2, 1985. Starring Megan Follows as the unforgettable Anne Shirley, the television film was directed and produced by Kevin Sullivan.

The miniseries was highly rated on Canadian television, and it was later distributed internationally to acclaim around the world. The film re-introduced L.M. Montgomery's stories and Anne Shirley to a new generation.

As a child, who watched the miniseries when it first aired, the film had a profound impact on my life. I watched it again and again with my family each year. When I moved to another country, the miniseries was an essential and important part of my Canadian identity. The story shaped my worldview and my belief in friendship and kindred spirits, and it reinforced my love of nature.

I'm grateful to have grown up with Kevin Sullivan's enduring production and to have had the story play a lasting role in my life.

Image credit:
Photograph of Megan Follows as Anne Shirley in Anne of Green Gables © Sullivan Entertainment.

External link:
Anne of Green Gables: The Official Website

Created December 1, 2025.
© worldofanneshirley.com

Unboxing Anne of Green Gables x Ullala Pajamas

Last month, I wrote a post about the new Anne of Green Gables x Ullala Pajamas collaboration for Fall/Winter 2025. The clothing line is inspired by Nippon Animation's Anne of Green Gables.

I was tempted to order "Anne's Rain Shower" pajamas. They arrived a few weeks back. I took a few photos while unboxing them because the packaging was so cute. The pajamas themselves are well-made and adorably feminine.



I especially love the dreamy Anne Shirley on the back of the neck.



I imagine I'll only have sweet dreams in these pajamas.

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

Image Credits:
Photographs by World of Anne Shirley.

Created November 28, 2025.
© worldofanneshirley.com

Anne of Apple Blossom Valley (2025)

Anne of Apple Blossom Valley (2025) is a play adapted by Bleu Do’zia from the novel Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery.

Produced by the Selah Theatre Project, this contemporary adaptation reimagines the story of Anne of Green Gables in the Shenandoah Valley. According to a media release, "This modern retelling captures the spirit and charm of the original story while introducing fresh perspectives and themes relevant to today's audiences. Set in the picturesque town of Apple Blossom Valley, this adaptation follows the adventures of Anne, a spirited and imaginative young girl who, despite her challenging beginnings, finds a place where she truly belongs. As Anne navigates her new life, she encounters friendships, adventures, and the occasional trials that shape her journey of self-discovery."

Anne of Apple Blossom Valley opened on May 9, 2025 and starred Naomi Greenwalt as Anne Shirley, Joanne Thompson as Marilla Cuthbert, and Eric Lee Santiful as Matthew Cuthbert. In addition, the cast featured Oliver Varela as Gilbert Blythe, Kaia Hoffman as Diana Barry, Desirae Zentz as Rachel Lynde, and Kathryn Naylor Milton as Aunt Josephine. The premiere was held at the McCoy Theatre in Alson Smith Hall at Laurel Ridge Community College.

The 2-hour long play is described as follows:

In Anne of Apple Blossom Valley, Bleu Do'zia reimagines the classic tale of Anne of Green Gables through a contemporary lens, set in the scenic Shenandoah Valley. The story follows Anne, an imaginative girl transitioning from a group home to a new family, symbolizing her journey of growth and belonging amidst the vibrant apple blossoms of her new surroundings.

As Anne adapts to her new life, she infuses her creativity into the quiet town, transforming everyday moments into extraordinary experiences. Throughout her adventures, she meets a variety of characters who challenge and inspire her, teaching her valuable lessons about friendship, love, and self-acceptance. Anne learns to embrace her identity evolving from her time in foster care to becoming a cherished "daughter of the stars."

Official Website:
Anne of Apple Blossom Valley by the Selah Theatre Project

Image Credit:
Image advertising Anne of Apple Blossom Valley (2025) from the Selah Theatre Project.

References:
Burton, Cynthia Cather. (May 8, 2025). 'Anne of Apple Blossom Valley' is modern retelling of 'Anne of Green Gables.' The Winchester Star. Retrieved from: https://www.winchesterstar.com/winchester_star/anne-of-apple-blossom-valley-is-modern-retelling-of-anne-of-green-gables/article_42f8ff49-eb68-5070-9905-83235d61cc9d.html

Rabinowitz, Chloe. (April 23, 2025). ANNE OF APPLE BLOSSOM VALLEY to be Presented at Selah Theatre Project: Performances of "Anne of Apple Blossom Valley" will take place at Laurel Ridge Community College, with opening night scheduled for May 9th. Broadway World. Retrieved from: https://www.broadwayworld.com/washington-dc/article/ANNE-OF-APPLE-BLOSSOM-VALLEY-to-be-Presented-at-Selah-Theatre-Project-20250423

Created November 28, 2025.
© worldofanneshirley.com

My Maud by Katie Maurice

My Maud by Katie Maurice is a book by Rosalee Peppard Lockyer about L.M. Montgomery's life as told by Katie Maurice, her imaginary friend. The 82-page, softcover book is written in verse and is illustrated with Montgomery's own photographs and portraits, which were selected, edited, and colorized by Lockyer. The book commemorates the 80th anniversary of L.M. Montgomery's death and is annotated with information about the author. The book celebrates creativity and friendship.

Here is the description of the book from the author:

This storybook is a celebration of friendship and imagination. Have you ever had an imaginary friend? Well, I have, and so did Lucy Maud Montgomery (Maud), author of the world famous Anne of Green Gables. As a child, Maud actually had two imaginary friends, but one was her "kindred spirit." Maud's imaginary friend (as well as Anne's) was Katie Maurice.

This is the story of L.M. Montgomery's Life of Imagination, told from the perspective of its personification, Katie Maurice-Maud's imaginary friend. I wrote it as a poem, in verse. It is illustrated with my selection of 45 of approximately 2000 photos L.M. Montgomery personally took, as well as 22 professional and candid portraits of her, supplemented with field photos and event "snaps" which I've arranged to visually tell her story, and to recall over a dozen of the colourful scrapbooks Maud also created. To commemorate the 80th anniversary of her passing, I am so proud to share this example of my women's history work with you. I invite you to read her story out loud while you look through the camera lens with her. You'll see the people, places and magic Maud saw and loved throughout her lifetime of creativity. And maybe you'll step through Katie's glass door into her fairy room, too.

May your own creative imagination be inspired by this magical, historically accurate storybook-it has so much "scope for imagination!" I hope you'll share it with kindred spirits of all ages. Please let me know; I'd love to hear from you.

-Rosalee Peppard Lockyer

Image credit:
Book cover of My Maud by Katie Maurice.

Purchase and read My Maud by Katie Maurice:



Created November 27, 2025.
© worldofanneshirley.com

Emily of New Moon (2024)

Emily of New Moon (2024) is a play adapted by Cynthia Mercati from the novel Emily of New Moon by L.M. Montgomery.

The comedy is 120 to 130 minutes long and was written for community and family theatres. The script was published by Playscripts, a Concord Theatricals Company, in 2024.

The play is described as follows:

"Emily Starr is an imaginative young girl who has lived an isolated life with her father at The Hollows in the country. She has The Sight, as she calls it, which allows her to see into the past and the future. After her father dies, she is sent to live at New Moon Farm with her stern Aunt Elizabeth Murray, her kind but timid Aunt Laura, and her cousin Jimmy, a gentle man who people persist in saying is "off." Emily promises her father she will hang on hard to herself and clashes with Aunt Elizabeth who "is determined to make her like every other child in Blair Water." But when Emily falls gravely ill, Elizabeth realizes how much she loves her, and Emily comes to understand she can be Emily of The Hollows and Emily of New Moon Farm—and a hundred other places as well."

ISBN-13: 9781623847531

Image Credit:
Image of the Emily of New Moon (2024) script by Cynthia Mercati.

Created November 27, 2025.
© worldofanneshirley.com

Library Avonlea Sign

Earlier this year, I had an Anne of Green Gables sighting at a library. There was a fun city direction sign pointing the way to beloved fictional locales including Neverland, 221B Baker Street, Camelot, Tatoonie, the Emerald City, Avonlea, and more.

It made me smile to see a sign pointing the way to Avonlea.

Image Credit:
Photograph by World of Anne Shirley.

Created November 27, 2025.
© worldofanneshirley.com

A Chapter of Accidents: Twenty-seven Rediscovered Stories by L.M. Montgomery

A Chapter of Accidents: Twenty-seven Rediscovered Stories by L.M. Montgomery, selected and edited by Carolyn Strom Collins, was published in August 2025 by Nimbus Publishing. The book contains a collection of L.M. Montgomery's short stories featuring accidents and unlikely pairings. The stories have not been in print since their original publication in periodicals from 1901 to 1932.

Here is the description of the book from Nimbus Publishing:

A funny and heartfelt collection of rare short stories about unlikely pairings by the famed Anne of Green Gables author.

L. M. Montgomery, best known for creating the beloved Anne of Green Gables series, had a thriving writing career that included several novels and more than five hundred poems and stories.

This collection features rare short stories originally published between 1901 and 1932 that haven’t been in print since their initial periodicals. Montgomery scholar Carolyn Strom Collins has curated a selection of funny and heartfelt stories to provide unique insight into how this famed author’s writing developed over her career. With stories like "A Case of Mistaken Identity," "A Platonic Experiment," and "Frank’s Revenge," each tale features an unusual, accidental, or unlikely pair. Montgomery’s brilliantly written characters and strong sense of place paired with Collins’s scholarly context make this collection a must for every Montgomery fan.

Image credit:
Book cover of A Chapter of Accidents: Twenty-seven Rediscovered Stories.

Purchase and read A Chapter of Accidents: Twenty-seven Rediscovered Stories:



Created November 26, 2025.
© worldofanneshirley.com