Inventively for the early-chapter-book format, the story is told in letters written back and forth Simon’s are impeccably spelled on personalized stationery while Baxter’s spelling slowly improves through the letters he scrawls on scraps of paper. Simon believes that there isn’t enough room in Andy’s life for two furry friends, so he uses the power of the pen to get Baxter to move out.

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

Anne Arrives by Kallie George