The Anne of Green Gables Storybook

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Summary: Montgomery's classic novel with photos from the series
Review: I first read L. M. Montgomery's classic novel "Anne of Green Gables" after having stumbled across the Kevin Sullivan production on PBS. I then proceeded to work my way through all of the Anne books and everything else written by Montgomery that I could get my hands on (this was before everything got reprinted in paperback). The chief charm of this particular edition of "Anne of Green Gables" is for those who will always think of Megan Follows, Colleen Dewhurst and Richard Farnsworth as Anne, Marilla and Matthew. This storybook version, with a more than adequate condensation by Fiona McHugh, is illustrated with photographs from the exquisite television production, which captured the captivating charm of the novel. So what if Dewhurst is not as skinny as Montgomery describes Marilla or that Patricia Hamilton is not as large as the Rachel Lynde in the Anne books? I am one of those countless admirers who consider these performers to be the "real" characters from this beloved novel. I read one of the original reviews of "Anne of Green Gables" from way back when that complained Anne did not change over the course of the novel. Of course the point is not how much the imaginative red-haired orphan changes once she comes to live at Green Gables; the point is how she changes those around her. Who would not fall in love with the endearing antics of this glorious child, who comes from one crisis to the next with such dramatic and comic flair? That is why this is an enduring classic that we pass down to our children at the earliest opportunity. Whether you start with the television film or this storybook, be sure you enjoy both and eventually get to the complete original classic novel.

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Summary: Full of Life and Imagination
Review: This book is a must for all Lucy Maud Montgomery fans...or anyone who enjoys a good read. Anne Shirley is full of life and imagination, making every page more exciting and enjoyable than the last. Anne's adventures through school and finding a family keep the reader interested with every page turn. It is a wonderful story and should be read by all.