Goodnight, Anne

July 15, 2018
Move over Goodnight Moon, there's another book arriving whose winsome titular character will charm generations of children as they drift off to sleep.Montgomery's bestselling series about a plucky redheaded orphan who finds a home with the Cuthberts in Green Gables continues to delight children around the world, and this gorgeous picture book inspired by the series undoubtedly will also. George's text deftly weaves in characters and situations from the series' first novel, capturing Anne's inquisitiveness and sense of adventure while providing just enough detail that newcomers to the series (probably most of this book's audience) can follow the story and those already familiar with it will not be disappointed. The author's prose melds seamlessly with Godbout's stunning illustrations, which bring Green Gables and the residents of Avonlea (all white) to life on the page. Her delicate pencil work captures every detail that made generations of readers fall in love with Anne's story, from the vivid redness of her hair to the lushness of the Prince Edward Island landscape she calls home. When Anne says goodnight to the stars, the double-page-spread illustration is suffused in a dreamy white light so fairylike that it makes readers feel that they, like Anne, can float on air.A nearly flawless book that invokes nostalgia in older readers and will undoubtedly make newcomers clamor to know what happens next. (Picture book 3-7)

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September 1, 2018

PreS-Gr 1-Anne of Green Gables meets Goodnight, Moon in this charming bedtime tale. Stern but loving Marilla tries to encourage the effervescent Anne to go to sleep, but the effusive charge she and her brother have decided to foster must first bid goodnight to all of her new friends at Green Gables and Avonlea. From kindred spirit Diana Barry to her favorite nooks, each of the people and places she holds dear is given a poetic greeting and adieu. Godbout's gorgeous pastels and colored pencils are awash in somber, nighttime tones, but the warm and welcoming shades of cheery reds and greens peek through, giving young children a sense of what the lively environment looks like during the day. The characters' pitch-perfect expressions will delight readers. The dreamy quality of the writing and images are just right for the classic heroine and story. Whether as a primer to the source material for newcomers or a shorter version for use during nightly rituals, this is a lovely tale to be shared one-on-one or during bedtime storytimes. VERDICT An inspired choice for picture book collections, especially where there are fans of the irrepressible Anne looking to share with the little ones in their lives.-Shelley M. Diaz, School Library Journal

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