When I saw Anne Dreams by Kallie George on NetGalley, I knew I had to request an advance reader copy to review. I was a huge Anne of Green Gables fan growing up and this early chapter book based on L.M. Montgomery's series was delightful.
About the Book
Here's the blurb as it appears on NetGalley:
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.
My Review
Anne Dreams, the sixth and final installment in Kallie George's early chapter book series inspired by L.M. Montgomery's classic Anne of Green Gables gracefully captures the essence of growing up and chasing dreams. The book follows the beloved, spirited Anne Shirley on her journey of self-discovery and ambition as she aspires to become a teacher.
In this charming narrative, Anne's perennial dissatisfaction with her red hair leads to a humorous yet poignant incident: her quest for raven black hair akin to her best friend Diana's results in an unexpected shade of green. This mishap serves as a catalyst for Anne, shifting her focus from external appearances to internal growth. George adeptly weaves this moment into a larger narrative about self-acceptance and the importance of nurturing one’s inner qualities.
The story progresses with Anne joining a club for students aiming to enter Queen's College, setting the stage for her dream of teaching. Here, George introduces relatable themes of overcoming fear and self-doubt. Anne's struggle with the possibility of failure and her distractions, particularly those caused by the pesky Gilbert, add depth to her character and make her journey more compelling.
What stands out in Anne Dreams is George's ability to maintain the authenticity of Anne's character, beloved by generations. The prose is accessible, making it an ideal read for young readers and a delightful nostalgia trip for older fans of Anne.
Abigail Halpin's illustrations are a noteworthy addition, lending a nostalgic and whimsical charm to the story. Her artwork beautifully complements George's storytelling, capturing the essence of Anne's world and the emotions of the characters.
In conclusion, Anne Dreams is more than just a retelling of a classic; it is a heartwarming tale about growing up, embracing one's quirks, and the beauty of chasing one's dreams. Kallie George has done a wonderful job of adapting Anne's story for a new generation, making it a perfect read for both new and old fans of Anne Shirley.
The book leaves readers with a sense of warmth and the enduring message that it is the journey of self-improvement and the pursuit of dreams that truly defines us. Anne Dreams will be available in August 2024.
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