Anne of Green Gables (Puffin Classics)

LoveReading4Kids Says

First published in 1908 and an instant bestseller, Anne of Green Gables has sold over 50 million copies and inspired films, television dramas, cartoons, musicals and comics. Now reissued as part of the Puffin Classics series, this fresh paperback edition features charming black and white illustrations by Ayesha L. Rubio, making it a perfect introduction for a new generation of readers.

Set in late nineteenth century Canada on Prince Edward Island, the story follows Anne, a spirited young orphan who, after a childhood spent in strangers' homes and orphanages, is mistakenly sent to live with siblings Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert at their farm, Green Gables. The Cuthberts had hoped to adopt a boy to help work the land, but red-haired, irrepressible Anne quickly captures Matthew's heart and eventually Marilla's too.

Anne is one of children's literature's most beloved heroines: feisty, funny, endlessly optimistic and utterly incorrigible. Her sheer delight in the natural world, the changing seasons and everything around her is completely infectious, and through her breathless wonder and madcap mishaps, she brings joy and hope to everyone in the community of Avonlea. The hilarious scrapes and sparkling dialogue are just as funny today as they were for readers over a century ago.

Discovering Anne in the original is a genuine gift. Despite, or perhaps because of, a start in life marked by sadness and hardship, she approaches the world with a positivity that is both moving and uplifting. Parents and carers may find it helpful to offer some context around the historical setting, language and social attitudes for younger readers encountering them for the first time, but this in no way diminishes the magic of the story.

A timeless classic that stands the test of time: today's readers will love Anne every bit as much as those who have treasured her for the past hundred years.

Reviewed by Louise Johns-Shepherd
Louise is the Chief Executive of The Kids Network, a charity supporting children through mentoring to feel happy and confident about themselves and their futures.
More reviews by Louise Johns-Shepherd

About Anne of Green Gables (Puffin Classics)

Rediscover the Puffin Classics collection and bring the best-loved classics to a new generation - including this irresistible illustrated edition of Anne of Green Gables.

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