Anne of Green Gables: A Graphic Novel

by Sharon Rimmer (Illustrator), Rodriguez Sanchez, Paul Strausman (Editor), Erika Kuster (Editor)

Overview

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

 

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781449479602
Publisher:	Andrews McMeel Publishing
Publication date:	10/24/2017
Pages:	232
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.70(d)
Age Range:	7 - 12 Years

Editorial Reviews

08/14/2017
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. (Oct.)

Publishers Weekly

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 illustrations are incredible. Like Anne, I wanted to stay in Green Gables right away, and I loved it even more as the seasons changed and the years passed. And Anne is such a captivating character—uncertain but determined, vulnerable but strong, unique but universal. I finished reading this book and then immediately read it again. (Dana Simpson, cartoonist, “Phoebe & Her Unicorn,” “Ozy & Millie”)

From the first panel, I was enchanted. . . . Thummler's illustrations are beautiful, inviting, and lovely . . . I read it in one sitting, and it stayed with me long after. This was a delight! (Georgia Dunn, cartoonist, “Breaking Cat News”)

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. (Oct.) (Publishers Weekly, Publishers Weekly)

“L. M. Montgomery’s classic tale is delicately and lovingly transformed into a graphic novel…Though the original tale is abridged and adapted, Marsden is careful not to rush the plot…[Thummler’s] 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.” (Snow Wildsmith, Booklist)

“A gem of a graphic novel adaptation that should be shelved right alongside the original…A must-purchase.” (School Library Journal)

From the Publisher

The classic novel by L.M. Montgomery, first published in 1908, introduced the world to a now beloved character in literature: a little orphan girl, sent to the wrong set of foster parents, who used her wit and imagination to charm her way into the hearts of the people of Avonlea on Prince Edward Island. During her adventures and misadventures she discovered not only how hard it is to grow up, but also how rewarding it is to put the needs of others above your own. The novel spawned additional books, films, television movies and series, radio and stage productions, and, now, a graphic novel. This latest adaptation is quite good. It is faithful to the original, with most of the major plot points included, and it captures the essence of the characters. Readers familiar with the novel will recognize and enjoy the re-animated spirit of Ms. Montgomery’s work, while newcomers will get a taste of just how joyful the original manuscript was. Green and blue dominate the color scheme of the illustrations, which are often large, two-page spreads. Readers may be puzzled about the unusual green-dot, comic-book eyes of Anne; but some will draw a comparison to that other famous girl, Little Orphan Annie. There are some drawbacks to this version. About two-thirds into the book, the author introduces an omniscient narrator; but this disrupts the flow of the story. There is also barely any acknowledgement of the original book and author. Reviewer: Leona Illig; Ages 7 to 12.

Children's Literature - Leona Illig

This graphic format of Anne Of Green Gables includes many of the memorable vignettes from the original book. Aging siblings, Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert, reluctantly take in a talkative and highly imaginative orphaned girl to help them on their farm. Red-headed, hot tempered, and emotional, Anne (with an “e”) eventually wins their hearts but not without numerous bumps in the road. Anne insults a nosy neighbor but apologizes dramatically, inadvertently gets her friend, Diana Barry, drunk on current wine, and bakes a cake with liniment for the new minister. When Matthew dies, Anne and Marilla bond in their shared sorrow. Anne proves to be an excellent student and her ongoing feud with Gilbert Blythe, who called her “Carrots,” eventually fizzles and buds of romance blossom as the story ends. Growing up in Canada, this reviewer devoured the Anne books and approached this graphic novel with skepticism. A few pages in, however, she was completely charmed. The illustrations by Thummler beautifully flesh out Marsden’s adaption of the original story. The dark frame of Matthew on his bed as he contemplates returning Anne to the orphanage shows his all-encompassing misery. Another illustration requires no words to describe Marilla’s love as she gently kisses the sleeping Anne. The outdoor scenes, like the drive-through at the White Way of Delight or the sleigh in winter, highlight the picturesque setting. This version of Anne Of Green Gables serves to widen the classic’s appeal. Reviewer: Barbara Johnston; Ages 11 to 18.

VOYA, October 2017 (Vol. 40, No. 4) - Barbara Johnston

★ 09/01/2017
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

School Library Journal

2017-08-02
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)

Kirkus Reviews