136. Anne Dreams

Anne Dreams. (Anne Chapter Book #6) Kallie George. 2024. 72 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars] [early chapter book, adapted book]

First sentence: It was spring in Avonlea.

Premise/plot: Kallie George has adapted L.M. Montgomery's classic orphan novel, Anne of Green Gables, into six early chapter books. These chapter books condense the story and illustrate it. In this sixth and final book, Anne dyes her hair green, enters Miss Stacy's special program, is accepted into Queen's College, and smiles at Gilbert. George has NOT adapted the whole novel. She ends it on a happy, happy note.

My thoughts: I have enjoyed all the previous books in this series. (Anne Arrives; Anne's Kindred Spirits; Anne's School Days; Anne's Tragical Tea Party; Anne Dares) I love, love, love the original novel. These adaptations have been lovely. Not a replacement for the original, but, a nice introduction perhaps. 

I can't help but think that the covers look like old school paper doll books. I would LOVE it if they did use these illustrations to make Anne of Green Gable paper dolls. That would have been a dream come true as a kid.

 

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers

92. Wuthering Heights (Easy Classics)

Wuthering Heights. Stephanie Baudet. 2021. [July] 96 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: It was a mistake to walk the four miles across the moor to Wuthering Heights.

Premise/plot: Stephanie Baudet has adapted Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights into an illustrated chapter book. The jacket copy reads, "adapted and illustrated for children aged 7+".

Wuthering Heights is a classic told within a framework. The same is true of the adaptation.

My thoughts: Hate is a strong word. And it's not a kid-friendly word. I know a few households where the word 'hate' is a "bad word" and not allowed. Yet. I hated Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights. I have reread it once? maybe twice? Nope. Nope. Still nope. I see nothing beautiful, romantic, redeeming in its dark pages. 

Yet now and then a summary of Wuthering Heights proves useful. I didn't like the actual story/storytelling of the original novel. But I liked this summary of the original story well enough. (Did that make any sense???)

I would recommend it for adults that want a refresher course on the book. Perhaps before deciding if they want to read or reread the original. I don't think this is a story that is appealing or appropriate for children.
 

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers

115. Anne's School Days

Anne's School Days. Kallie George. Illustrated by Abigail Halpin. 2021. [July] 72 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Everyone loved autumn in Avonlea. Especially Anne of Green Gables. “What a splendid day,” said Anne to Diana Barry as they walked to school. “Isn’t it good to be alive on a day like this?” Three weeks of school had gone by and, so far, Anne loved it. 

Premise/plot: Anne Shirley starts school in Avonlea in the third book in Kallie George's adaptation of L.M. Montgomery's classic Anne of Green Gables. She is adapting the classic novel into an early chapter book series. The series remains true in spirit--with a little condensing, okay a lot of condensing--to the original. In this one, Anne has a few adventures and misadventures in school regarding a certain Gilbert Blythe. Will she ever forgive him for calling her Carrots???

My thoughts: LOVE. I won't try to hide my bias. I can't. It would be like me playing a game of "poor, poor kitty." (If you don't know about the game, you could read about it here.) I love, love, love, love, love, crazy love L.M. Montgomery's books. I particularly LOVE the character of Anne Shirley. And Gilbert, well, don't get me started on how much I LOVE him. I love how the book focuses on two or three incidents instead of trying to tell every single one. It keeps the pace going. (That being said, I wouldn't have minded seeing Anne's green hair make an appearance. But editing matters, and George stayed on task.)

I highly recommend this one!

Quotes:

Anne turned away and quickly forgot about Gilbert. Instead, she gazed off and started imagining. Anne loved imagining. This time, she dreamed she was a fancy lady with puffed sleeves and glossy black hair. All of a sudden, she was tugged out of her daydream. It was Gilbert. He had slid over and now he was pulling her braid! “Carrots,” he whispered. Anne froze. Anne’s red hair was her lifelong sorrow. That was the worst name Gilbert could call her. The worst name anyone could call her.

 

© 2020 Becky Laney of Young Readers

85. A Christmas Carol

A Christmas Carol. Adapted by Philip Gooden. 2020. [October] 96 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Let’s begin at the beginning: Marley was dead. There could be no doubt about that. Yes, old Marley was as dead as a doornail.

Premise/plot: A Christmas Carol has been adapted by Philip Gooden for a young audience--think 7 on up. The heart of the story remains much the same--most adaptations capture the basics and focus on the most important details. That is certainly the case here, a miserly old man is visited by four ghosts--Marley and the three spirits of Christmas past, present, future--and he's given an opportunity to change before it's too late.

My thoughts: I like this one. I think it is certainly age appropriate. This isn't the whole A Christmas Carol. There are details that are left out or softened. But essentially it remains true to the original. (Though not in language or style. One doesn't really get a sense of Dickens as a writer--but one does get the sense of his storytelling.)

I would recommend especially to those families that LOVE to watch adaptations of Christmas Carol (Mickey Mouse, Muppet, Magoo, Sesame Street, etc.) 

© 2020 Becky Laney of Young Readers

59. Pride and Prejudice (Jane Austen's Children's Stories)

Pride and Prejudice. Jane Austen and Gemma Barder. 2021. [February 2021] Sweet Cherry Publishing. 96 pages. [Source: Review copy] [Adaptations; Classic]

First sentence: Mrs Bennet was in a very good mood. She had just discovered that a rich man called Mr Bingley had rented the largest house in her neighbourhood. ‘Why should that be such good news for us?’ asked Mr Bennet. He was trying to read his newspaper and growing tired of his wife’s excitement.

Premise/plot: Who needs a plot summary of Pride and Prejudice?! No one really. For those that have seen the movie or read the book, it would be irrelevant. For those who haven't--why give any of the good bits away?! But I will say a few words about this SPECIAL adaptation of Pride and Prejudice.

Gemma Barder has written a chapter book adaptation of Jane Austen's classic Pride and Prejudice. This chapter book even features illustrations. There are about fifteen chapters or so. This chapter book is no more condensed than most screen adaptations--in terms of plot. I would say it's more faithful than some adaptations. (I'm thinking in particular of the black and white adaptation which is a MESS if strictly considered in terms of faithfulness to the actual book.)

My thoughts: I definitely enjoyed this delightful book. It is an adaptation. Not all the words are Austen's original text. But some of the best bits--the most quotable bits--are very much present in this one. (For example, " ‘It is no good,’ Mr Darcy said at last. ‘My feelings cannot be denied. You must allow me to tell you how deeply I admire and love you.’ " and "My feelings and wishes are unchanged. However one word from you will silence me forever.’ ‘Oh, my feelings are very much changed,’ said Lizzy, laughing. ‘I believe they are the exact opposite to what they were.’ "

I loved it. I did. I think it's probably written for Austen devotees to share with their young daughters, nieces, granddaughters, etc. I'm not sure if children would choose to read this one on their own if Austen wasn't present in their homes in some way. Then again, maybe they would. Every child is different. And this sweet romance might prove satisfying for any age.

It is about 96 pages long. It has illustrations.

© 2020 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Anne Arrives

Anne Arrives. Kallie George. Illustrated by Abigail Halpin. 2018. 72 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: One sunny afternoon in June, Mrs. Rachel Lynde looked out her window.

Premise/plot: This is an early chapter book adaptation of L.M. Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables. That is it’s an adaptation of the first handful of chapters. It begins with Mrs. Lynde, Matthew, and Marina being surprised. Anne is a girl orphan and not a boy one like the Cuthberts requested! It ends with Anne apologizing to Rachel and being allowed to stay after all. (We don’t get so far as the brooch, the Sunday school picnic, meeting Diana, etc.)

My thoughts: I never thought the story would itself so easily to illustrations. But it does! The illustrations are lovely and delightful!!! They capture the emotional tones of the story quite well. Joy, wonder, anger, love, heartache, etc. The text is not identical to Montgomery’s. It is an adaptation. I had my doubts that anyone could “improve” upon the original. But George’s text fabulously suits young readers. The original text requires a good attention span as a read aloud choice. And it’s not one that most young readers can pick up and read on their own.

I loved the art and text!

© 2019 Becky Laney of Young Readers