Anne Dreams: Inspired by Anne of Green Gables

Anne Chapter Book #6

by Kallie George, Abigail Halpin (illustrator)

The sixth and final book in an early illustrated chapter book series inspired by Anne of Green Gables, starring the spirited Anne Shirley as she pursues her dream of becoming a teacher.
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.

Genres: Chapter Books, Picture Books, Historical Fiction, Childrens, Classics, Graphic Novels, Juvenile

72 pages, Hardcover

Published August 6, 2024

About the author

I’m an author, editor, and speaker living in Vancouver, BC, near the sea. When I’m not writing or editing, I’m teaching creative writing workshops.

I have my Masters of Children's Literature from the University of British Columbia.

I love picture books, fairy tales, beautiful art and music, and baking cookies.

Reviews

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of, Anne Dreams, by Kallie George, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I love the Anne of Green Gables series, I grew up watching the show on pbs. This book show Anne growing up, always her feisty self. I love Marilla and Matthew, they were definitely Anne;s people. I really enjoyed this book.

[Manybooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Anne Dreams (2024) is the sixth and seemingly also the final of Kallie George's based on L.M. Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables early reader chapter books. And Anne Dreams, it features aside form the famous Anne Shirley trying to dye her red hair brown but ending up with green tresses episode she dreaming about becoming a teacher, Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert strongly and readily encouraging this, letting Anne take a special preparatory course at school for the entrance exam to attend Queen's Academy in Charlottetown, PEI, with Anne Shirley and Gilbert Blythe tying for first place in said test, and that Anne Dreams ends with Matthew Cuthbert driving Anne to Charlottetown to start her teacher preparatory course. But no, even though Anne Dreams looks like it is the final of the AOGG chapter books, George's adaptation (and which I have indeed rather enjoyed and considerably more than her previous instalments) does sadly not cover Anne Shirley's time at Queen's, her return to Avonlea, Matthew's death and Gilbert giving up his spot teaching at Avonlea School for Anne (which is kind of frustrating for me and that I do think Kallie George should at least mention Matthew Cuthbert dying in Anne Dreams, and yes, Anne Shirley and Gilbert Blythe reconciling and becoming friends in Anne Dreams also feels a wee bit off since in Anne of Green Gables, Montgomery has this happen after Gilbert gives up his teaching position for Anne, but I guess that since George does not cover all of this in Anne Dreams the reconciliation then obviously needs to happen before Anne Shirley and Gilbert Blythe leave to attend Queen's Academy).

But while my rating for what Kallie George textually provides for and in Anne Dreams is solidly four stars (even with my above mentioned but also rather minor and not hugely hugely significant content frustrations), sorry, but I just do not really find Abigail Halpin's accompanying artwork for Anne Dreams all that aesthetically appealing. Yes, Halpin's illustrations are a bit less exaggeratedly angular with regard how she depicts Marilla Cuthbert (and at least now, at least in Anne Dreams Marilla no longer looks so much like a hag, does no longer appear so much like a shrivelled old crone). However, for both Marilla Cuthbert and for Muriel Stacy (for Anne Shirley's teacher) the white stripes in their hair (for each of Abigail Halpin's illustrations of them) to my eyes, these make both characters look a bit skunk-like (or that they have experienced a huge hairdressing disaster) and not to mention that how Halpin has in Anne Dreams visually rendered Anne Shirley with her green hair is much too darkly hued and that the green hair really does not at all look even remotely green to and for me, and that my visual annoyances regarding Halpin's illustrations, they do lower my rating of four stars for George's words to three stars for the combination of Kallie George's text and Abigail Halpin's kind of sub-par for some instances pictures in Anne Dreams.

[Lexi · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️

Thank you Anne for making me smile, especially during my rough weeks. 🥰🥰🥰.
~~~~~~
***Pre-Read:*** I am NOT ready to say goodbye to Anne but, I NEED a serious win right now. 😔😔😔.

[Rod Brown · Rating 2 out of 5]

A too-thin and breezy adaptation of Anne of Green Gables chapters 27 and 30-34 has Anne Shirley dealing with a regrettable dye job before studying hard in order to earn a spot at college.

At least one description I've seen says this is the final book in a series of adaptations intended for younger readers, meaning someone decided to end it on a high note instead of dealing with a major development in chapters 35 through 38 that brings a more melancholy tone to the conclusion. I'm reminded of the episode of Friends where Phoebe discovers that during her childhood her mother had always turned off movies like Old Yeller before things got too sad.


Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher through the LibraryThing Early Reviewers program.

[Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I still think this series is a great idea and the illustrations are wonderful. Unfortunately as she adapts chapters in the second half of Anne of Green Gables, the author begins to summarize and condense incidents in order to adapt them tothis style. This is not necessarily a fault – the second half of the book is more complex as Anne grows older, and does not translate as well into an easy reader style.
Still a sweet concept, and I will continue to enjoy and collect this series - I just really enjoyed the first three volumes best.

[Michelle Quinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm new to this series and was so excited to get to see the ARC from #netgalley and #Tundra books! Kallie George's adaptation blends beautifully with Abigail Halpin's beautiful illustrations to make a lovely accessible Anne for younger audiences. I can't wait to read the others in the series and they are going on our wish list of new books for our school library!

[Kelsey Schmitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series was an absolute delight! I’m already a Kallie George fan from her Heartwood Hotel series so I was excited to step into these Anne books. Being a fan of the original book, I was eager & hopeful to introduce this timeless character to my kids and boy did they quickly fall in love. This series was the perfect way to foster an early love for the classic novel, complete with the best parts of the novel while still being in bite-size form. Not to mention the gorgeous illustrations that fill the pages. I know we will read these again and again until ready for the full novel. My daughter already loves to share when she’s “in the depths of despair” or when something is “tragical” 😂 I think we may have another “kindred spirit” of Anne’s on our hands.

[Elaina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a nice short adaption of one of my fav books! Lovely illustrations as well. This covers parts from books 1-2 I believe, and maybe a little of 3? Had the green hair moment which I think was from book one lol And then Anne taking the extra classes preparing for Queen's College, and lastly the ball with her dress Marilla made for her with ✨puffed✨ sleeves 😂💙 Very short, but a nice read as this is one of my fav series growing up and to this day 🥰 Started with the last installment, but it's all my library had haha

[Elevetha · Rating 3 out of 5]

*An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review*

A mini adaptation with a few events from "Anne of Green Gables" for the chapter books audience. The illustrations were mostly good, except I didn't care for how Marilla and (especially) Matthew were portrayed. Charming and a good introduction for young kids to Anne and her adventures, but it left me wanting something more substantial.

[Tarissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is wonderful! Anne is growing up in this final book. I may just have a tear in my eye! And as for the illustrations?! Simply amazing!

Definitely 5 stars!! Would make a lovely gift for the youngsters in your life who are just waiting to be introduced to Anne Shirley.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley, but was not required to leave a positive review.

[Katelyn]

Because of this adapted series, I was able to pass on my love for this story to my toddler. 🥹 Core memories were made with lots of snuggles, laughs, and happy tears (and no sad tears, thanks to an adapted ending! Iykyk 😅).

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book shows Anne growing up and becoming more comfortable in her own skin and she prepares to go to Queens College. This book was so cute and beautifully illustrated! I've always had a soft spot of Anne of Green Gables and I think this would be perfect for any fan!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

[Sonia | chaptersofautumn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Siamo arrivati agli ultimi due volumi di questa edizione illustrata di Anna dai capelli rossi e Green Gables è uno dei luoghi più preziosi che ti fanno sentire a casa, al sicuro, accettata. Ed è sempre bello ritornare a casa!

🌿 In questo ultimo volume, Anna supera l’esame ed è ammessa alla scuola per diventare insegnante, insieme a Gilbert.

È sempre emozionante leggere del legame tra Anna e i fratelli Cuthbert, che l’hanno cresciuta e accompagnata fino all’inizio del suo futuro da donna - e sono anche sempre state le mie illustrazioni preferite nel corso dei volumi 🫖
Quanto vorrei che questa serie fosse infinita: super adorabile, una vera coccola. Ringrazio di cuore Il Castoro per queste copie 🤍

•••

«E non importava dove sarebbe andata: Anna sapeva che non avrebbe mai lasciato davvero Green Gables.»

«Sarò sempre la tua Anna di Green Gables, piena di sogni.»

[Abigail · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an illustrated chapter book inspired by Anne of Green Gables. This was so sweet. I’ve loved the original books since I was younger and this was such a great book. The illustration that is spread throughout the chapters is wonderful. This is a perfect book for younger readers that will introduce them to Anne of Green Gables. I wish these were around when I was younger, and will definitely be a gift for my girls when they get older.

I was given a copy of this book via Netgalley. I was not required to write a review. These are my own honest thoughts.

[Sara Mion · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a sweet and simple introduction to Anne of Green Gables!

I grew up reading the originals and watching the PBS movies. As another red haired girl who often felt out of place, reading about Anne felt like finding someone who understood. The series holds a special place in my heart, so I was excited to discover this early reader series based on the books I so loved.

Having not read the books that come before this one in the series, it took me a minute to adjust to the fast pace of the story in this volume. But ultimately loved how her character and personality was able to still shine through in such a quick and easy book.

I cannot wait to introduce this series to my young readers!

Thank you to NetGalley and Tundra Book group for providing me with a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Markita_Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anne of Green Gables! This makes my heart happy that this book exists. Every little girl | child should have the opportunity to experience Anne and the wild and crazy adventures she takes.
This is a great illustrated chapter book for elementary children.
The illustrations are DONE to perfection and the writing to match.
.
.
♡Thank you, Netgalley, for allowing me to have the ARC for my honest opinion.

[Christine B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anne Dreams is a great chapter book to help kids fall in love with Anne of Green Gables! The simple language and text broken into short chapters is a great introduction to this wonderful series. I really liked the storyline and how the author condensed the original story. I would recommend it for younger kids before reading the original when older. I was not a fan of the illustrations however, which lowered my personal rating. I received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley in trade for my honest opinion. My thoughts are my own.

[Marissa Wells (Marissa's Library) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderfully done short version of the original story!

I absolutely loved the artwork and layout of the pictures with the words!

"Anne Dreams" would make a perfect girly gift for any young girl.

Many thanks to Tundra Book Group Publishing for the complimentary e-book copy of this book I received to review through Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and the thoughts above are my own.

[Tara Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mila: “I liked that one.”

[Liz Benbow · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve never read the Anne of Green Gables books, but am familiar with the story from the tv series. This illustrated short chapter book was super cute and easy to read. I can see young readers falling in love with Anne’s story through these illustrated books.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC.

[Leah Cyphert · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Anne Dreams” by Kallie George - (5 Stars-Out Now) is the sixth and final book in the early chapter series based loosely on key plot points and characters from Anne of Green Gables. This adaptation by Kallie George stays true to the spirit of the source story and ties several cherished story lines together to bring young readers to the end of Anne’s childhood journey. The illustrations by Abigail Halpin add new and fresh, original art to a frequently illustrated story.

Good Things: The adaptation uses key quotes and plot lines from the original Anne of Green Gables to tell the “Anne Dyes Her Hair Green” the “Anne Studies to Go to College” and “Anne Graduates in the top of her college class - tied with Gilbert” storylines while also appropriately simplifying the concepts of determination and growing up for the early chapter book audience. The art is stylistically simple, but I appreciated the new versioning and spirit of the art for a story that’s been adapted and adapted again, over the last century. I also appreciated the reference to Gilbert being more interesting then previously considered and the sweet, romantic smile illustrated in the final pages. I also liked the images of Anne in all her stages of child and young adulthood from the previous books.

Final Thoughts: I love the original Anne and have always resented the reimagining of her story for younger audiences, not because I don’t think younger children can or should have access to her story, but because I’m a bit of a purist about the content, I want readers to come to the work as it was originally written. But as I’ve gotten older I realize that earlier entry points to good literature can only help bring the story to more and more readers. This adaptation not only does the original justice, it also very subtly teaches young readers how to make connections in stories, that more mature readers need to enjoy more complex content. Teaching kids how to be good readers is an amazing extra for this book. 100% would buy for the 4-8yo early chapter reader.

As always, I appreciate the opportunity afforded me to have an early read by netgalley and Penguin Random House Canada / Tundra Books. The opinions in this review are expressly those of ButIDigressBookClub and are intended for use by my followers and friends when choosing their next book. #butidigress #butidigressbookclub #annedares #tundrabooks #penguinrandomhouse #kalliegeorge #abigailhalpin #anneofgreengables #annewithane #kidlit #illustrations #netgalley #netgalleyreviewer #arc #arcs

[Adele Lostinaclassicworld · Rating 5 out of 5]

Volumi 5 e 6

Nel quinto volume si parla di coraggio, non solo quello di Anna nell'affrontare certe sfide, ma anche quello di Matthew, disposto a vincere la propria timidezza pur di vedere Anna felice.

Nel sesto volume, invece, Anna inizia a pensare al futuro e a quello che vuole fare nella vita.

Questi sei volumi mi sono piaciuti tantissimo. Ho apprezzato il modo in cui la storia riesce a rimanere fedele ai testi originali, conservandone l'atmosfera, i personaggi e i messaggi più importanti. Le illustrazioni sono splendide e riescono a riprodurre benissimo le vicende e le emozioni dei vari personaggi.

Questa serie è un ottimo modo per avvicinarsi ad Anna per la prima volta o anche per riscoprirla in una veste diversa.

Lo spirito di Anna rimane intatto, così come la sua immaginazione e il suo entusiasmo contagioso. Mi colpisce sempre la sua crescita, il coraggio che la accompagna in ogni momento e la forza con cui affronta i cambiamenti della vita.
È un'amica fedele, una figlia premurosa e una giovane donna che, passo dopo passo, sta costruendo il proprio futuro.

Mi dispiace doverla salutare ancora una volta, ma so che, ogni volta che sentirò il bisogno di ritrovarla e di passeggiare tra le strade di Avonlea, i suoi libri saranno lì ad aspettarmi, pronti ad accogliermi di nuovo.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, Penguin Random House Canada, and Tundra Books for the opportunity to read an advanced reader's copy of this book for an honest review.

Inspired by Anne of Green Gables, “Anne Dreams” by Kallie George is the sixth and final illustrated chapter book in this series that breaks down the end chapters to the original novel in a way that’s easier to understand for younger readers. While I feel that Anne of Green Gables is a must read for everyone, the novel can seem a bit overwhelming for children who need a shorter version with some delightful illustrations to get the main points across.

“Anne Dreams” only contains eight chapters, but the bountiful illustrations help fill in some of the details left out by this book. My favorite was the illustration inside Anne’s room with the sun setting and Marilla’s shocked by Anne’s hair. The colors and patterns were perfectly chosen and really captured the moment almost exactly how I had imagined it when I read the original novel.

I would absolutely recommend this book to younger readers to introduce them to the original novel. I’m definitely going to check out the previous five books in this series and recommend them to any child or middle grader who’s not quite ready for the full novel.

[Anne Shirley · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone who has long cherished Anne of Green Gables— Anne being my literary kindred spirit—reading Anne Dreams felt like reconnecting with an old friend through a new lens. Kallie George’s adaptation brings the beloved story to a new generation with warmth, sincerity, and a simplified storytelling style suited perfectly for younger readers.

While longtime fans may miss the rich, immersive atmosphere of L.M. Montgomery’s original—the kind that lets you feel every season on Prince Edward Island—Anne Dreams skillfully condenses the story without losing its emotional essence. This chapter book series format is accessible, digestible, and just right for early readers beginning their journey into classic literature.

Abigail Halpin’s illustrations are a lovely complement, radiating nostalgia and perfectly capturing Anne’s dreamy, determined world. It’s easy to imagine young readers falling in love with Anne through these pages—and older fans finding a soft, familiar comfort here too.

[Michelle Kidwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anne Dreams
Inspired by Anne of Green Gables
by Kallie George
Pub DateAug 06 2024
Penguin Random House Canada |Tundra Books
Children's Fiction



My review of Anne Dreams is published by Penguin Random House Canada | Tundra Books and Netgalley:


In The sixth and final book in a series based on Anne of Green Gables, Anne Shirley pursues her dream of becoming a teacher.



Even though Anne is growing up, she's still disappointed with her red hair. In order to emulate Diana, her best friend and kindred spirit, she buys a bottle of hair dye. Unfortunately, the dye turns her hair green! The upset causes Anne to focus on her internal improvement, rather than her appearance, which leads to a new dream: becoming a teacher! In order to get into Queen's College, she joins a student club. Can Anne overcome her fear of failure? How Will she be able to study hard when Gilbert is distracting het?


I give Anne Dreams five out of five stars!

Happy Reading!

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Tonya Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adore Anne of Green Gables. I read the books as a child and again as an adult. Knowing they can be a bit overwhelming for a younger child, I was excited to come across this title and preview it before it is released. It was a quick read and hit on some of the unforgettable moments of Anne's life. With the book being short enough to hold a young reader's attention and including illustrations to further activate their imagination, I believe it will also draw them in and entice them to read the full version, when they're older/ready. One of the nice things about the book is that, while it is the sixth title in the series, the book does not make you feel like you cannot follow along with the story line and characters. As I only just discovered this series, I will be checking my library and Libby accounts to see if I can read the others.

[Nex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anne Dreams is the final book in the Anne Chapter book series, and is a wonderful way for fans of the original Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery to introduce the final events of the classic to younger readers. The book's illustrations are beautiful and match the style of writing extremely well. While I did find the pacing of events a bit fast, I would recommend this title to adult fans of the original Anne, and young readers not quite ready for a larger book. As it was broken up into a few 4-5 page chapters, it was a very digestible read, and provides a good lesson - your appearance isn't everything!

Thank you to Penguin Random House Canada, in conjunction with Tundra, Kallie George, and Abigail Halpin for providing me with an ARC. I was not required to write a review, and all thoughts presented in the review above are my own.

[Amanda Rogozinski · Rating 5 out of 5]

My almost 6 year old, early chapter book reader, loves this book. She has read it several times and has started writing poetry pretending to be Anne Shirley. We only just discovered this series here on book 5, but it works as a stand alone story even while connecting to the other Anne episodes that make up the series. The whimsical, colorful illustrations certainly add to the excitement for young readers. I greatly value finding series like this one that make goodness attractive. If my daughter will catch a little bit of Anne's kindness, hope, love of beauty, and perseverance I will be pleased. Though, I must say, one of the best things about Anne is that she's not too perfect, but shares in the struggles we all have. Little people need that encouragement as much as the rest of us!

*Review copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Anne of Green Gables inspired chapter book entitled Anne Dreams is the sixth book in a series published by Tundra Books and Penguin Random House. This particular chapter book for young readers tells about Anne as she strives to be more grown while working for a chance to go to Queen's College.

I have always loved the Anne books. As an adult, I still revisit them and encourage young people to give them a try. I love this adaptation by Kallie George. The series tells Anne's story a little at a time while staying true to L. M Montgomery's original depiction of Anne. The illustrations by Abigail Halpin are fresh and beautiful. I look forward to introducing Anne to new readers with these easy-to-read chapter books.

My sincere thanks to Library Thing Early Reviews, Tundra Books and Penguin Random House for giving me the opportunity to read Anne Dreams.