Anne of Green Gables

August 14, 2017
An orphan with “hair as red as carrots” and the mischief she creates come to vivid life in this graphic novel version of Lucy Maud Montgomery’s classic novel, a debut for both author and artist. Thummler’s crisp illustrations warmly capture pug-nosed Anne’s indomitable spirit as she navigates her new life with sibling caretakers Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert. Marsden distills the high notes from Montgomery’s original—the raspberry cordial incident, Anne’s redemption, and the dress with the pretty puffed sleeves among them—while Thummler’s bright palette showcases the natural beauty in Avonlea that so captivates Anne. Darker shades and stark blocking imbue somber moments with deep emotion: Matthew’s loneliness is viscerally apparent in an early scene in which he contemplates returning Anne to the orphanage, his figure hunched and still on the lower quarter of the page while vast darkness stretches above him. But the story is carried by Anne’s pure, unabashed joy and eagerness. Newcomers to Anne’s world and devoted fans alike should devour this spirited adaptation. Ages 7–12.

Starred review from September 1, 2017

Gr 3-7-A jewel-toned graphic novel adaptation of the beloved classic. This abridged version of Anne of Green Gables appropriately condenses the longtime favorite into a more accessible volume, but it doesn't cut out the spirit of Montgomery's effervescent heroine. As chatty, imaginative, and scatter-brained as ever, the redheaded protagonist and her new family and town are brought to vivid life by the humorous dialogue and the vignettes that Marsden selected for this treatment. Anne's adventures with the raspberry cordial, dyed hair, Haunted Wood, puffed sleeves, and Lady of Shallot are portrayed with aplomb. Readers are also treated to the endearing characters of busybody Rachel Lynde, dreamy but practical Diana, teasing Gilbert Blythe, shy Matthew, and the hard-on-the-outside, gooey-on-the-inside Marilla. Other favorite characters get short shrift: Miss Stacy is barely mentioned. What makes all of these characters and episodes stand out are the almost-Technicolor illustrations by Thummler, whose interpretation of Avonlea and Green Gables will make anyone understand why the verbose orphan would want to stay in this candy-colored paradise. The landscapes, characterizations, joys and triumphs, and moments of despair are brilliantly depicted in a variety of panel sizes, which serve to heighten the narrative plot points and convey the pacing of each scene. Full pages and spreads are used intermittently to dramatic effect. The winning combination will please both fans and newcomers. VERDICT A gem of a graphic novel adaptation that should be shelved right alongside the original for those who don't want to wade through the wordy prose. A must-purchase.-Shelley M. Diaz, School Library Journal

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

August 15, 2017
A beloved and feisty heroine gets a graphic-novel makeover.In this adaptation that follows L.M. Montgomery's novel fairly faithfully, orphan Anne Shirley, with fiery tresses and an even more red-hot temper, arrives in Avonlea to help aging brother and sister Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert at their lovely home, Green Gables. Brimming over with imagination and having a propensity for florid ramblings, Anne stands out in the plainspoken town but manages to weave her way into the hearts of those who meet her, including her new "bosom friend," the mild and well-behaved Diana Barry, and her academic rival and possible love interest, Gilbert Blythe. Anne manages to find herself in many a predicament, but time after time her inherent goodness always rights her wrongdoings. Marsden's reprise of Montgomery's time-honored tale stays true and manages to hit all the notes of the original. Thummler's envisioned Avonlea is lush and verdurous, capturing the earthy beauty of the bucolic hills. However, some of her all-white characters--including Anne--are depicted with eyes as pupilless colored discs with no whites; this makes them appear blank and their bearers almost sightless, sounding a discordant note. But this small quibble is not enough to tarnish an otherwise vivacious imagining. A sweet and cheerful adaptation of the beloved classic. (Graphic adaptation. 7-13)

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October 15, 2017
Grades 4-8 Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert, brother and sister, wanted an orphan boy to help out on their farm, Green Gables, but the orphanage accidentally sent a girl, Anne. The Cuthberts are, however, quickly won over by the plucky redhead, and soon, so are the townspeople of Avonlea as Anne changes all of their lives for the better. L. M. Montgomery's classic tale is delicately and lovingly transformed into a graphic novel by Marsden and Thummler. Though the original tale is abridged and adapted, Marsden is careful not to rush the plot, faltering only once in that task but quickly finding her feet again. The rather bland cover sadly does not hint at the beauty of Thummler's art, which revels in the loveliness of the Canadian countryside as well as the quiet beauty of the ordinary people who live there. Her soft, pastel palette is a perfect complement to the historical setting, and her softly glowing art is the heart of this fitting tribute to a beloved work.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2017, American Library Association.)