Anne of Green Gables: A Graphic Novel

An orphan with “hair as red as carrots” and the mischief she creates come to vivid life in this graphic novel version of Lucy Maud Montgomery’s classic novel, a debut for both author and artist. Thummler’s crisp illustrations warmly capture pug-nosed Anne’s indomitable spirit as she navigates her new life with sibling caretakers Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert. Marsden distills the high notes from Montgomery’s original—the raspberry cordial incident, Anne’s redemption, and the dress with the pretty puffed sleeves among them—while Thummler’s bright palette showcases the natural beauty in Avonlea that so captivates Anne. Darker shades and stark blocking imbue somber moments with deep emotion: Matthew’s loneliness is viscerally apparent in an early scene in which he contemplates returning Anne to the orphanage, his figure hunched and still on the lower quarter of the page while vast darkness stretches above him. But the story is carried by Anne’s pure, unabashed joy and eagerness. Newcomers to Anne’s world and devoted fans alike should devour this spirited adaptation. Ages 7–12. (Oct.)