Selected Reviews for Goodnight, Anne
Kirkus: Starred Review
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.
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CM Magazine
Goodnight, Anne is a lovely work inspired by L.M. Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables. George manages to capture perfectly Anne’s delightful and headstrong ways as she says goodnight to all those with whom she spends time. The reader is immediately aware of George’s accurate portrayal of young Anne as she says to Marilla on page 2 that she will not go to bed “before I say goodnight. I always say goodnight to everyone I love.” Thus begins Anne’s bedtime monologue. “Goodnight, Diana, my bosom friend,” Anne says. “We were kindred spirits the moment we met” (p. 6). The red-haired girl says goodnight to all those she loves, but she does not forget those with whom she has had quarrels, people such as Gilbert. “I will never forgive you for calling me Carrots!” she admonishes (p. 8). Anne’s lively spirit is evident throughout the book, and yet her goodnights are gentle enough to be enjoyed as a bedtime story.
Genevieve Godbout’s illustrations contain lovely light-dark contrast, and capture the expressive nature of Anne and the activity of all that goes on around her. Godbout’s style is reminiscent of Brian Selznik; the illustrations are whimsical, sketched-out, and full of delightful details. Her drawings utilize light and dark in a way that highlight’s Anne’s spiritedness without taking away from the fact that dusk is falling and it is time for bed.
Kallie George’s Goodnight, Anne is a book to be enjoyed by readers of all ages: young ones will be enthralled with Anne’s attitude and spirit as she says goodnight; older readers will find delight in remembering L.M. Montgomery’s works. Goodnight, Anne, a fine tribute to a classic work, holds an original charm all of its own.
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Babybookworms blogspot
This charming book is right up there with "Good Night Moon," and destined to be a classic. It is a perfect bedtime story. Our favourite red-headed chatterbox, Anne Shirley, declares she is unable to go to bed until she says goodnight to everyone that she loves.
She checks off all her beloved friends and family members and gives the reader a sneak peek of those she holds most dear to her heart. She includes: Matthew and Marilla her new family members, Diana her best friend and kindred spirit, Miss Stacy her teacher that she utterly adores, Gilbert the boy who gives her grief at school and called her Carrots, her beautiful Lake of Shining Waters that is forever smiling at her, and tranquil Green Gables, her home that to her is the dearest and loviest spot in the world, just to name a few.
This charming book is a salute and a celebration of the spirit of Anne of Green Gables and a perfect introduction to Canadian author L.M. Montgomery's famous 8-book series, the first one written in 1908 for all ages. A whole new generation will be inspired to seek out her books and enjoy them as so many others have all around the world. The illustrations are beautiful and rich and draw you into the story. I highly, highly recommend this book.
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Story Monsters Blog – Goodnight Anne
I am a true fan of L.M. Montgomery’s classic novel, Anne of Green Gables, and found this sweet reminiscence of Anne’s ability to catch you up in her exuberance, a great delight. Kallie George depicts Anne’s lively ability to breathe in the very essence of life all around her, and will encourage readers everywhere to capture and release every joy with a full and thankful heart. (Ages 3-7)
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7Seven blogspot
This book was inspired by Anne of Green Gables and it follows Anne as she says goodnight to her world, before going to sleep. I read this after Anne Arrives, and honestly when I first saw the cover I thought ‘I am not going to like these illustrations as much as Anne Arrives.” Then I opened the story and fell inside, these illustrations flow with Anne’s imagination beautifully. If you are a fan of Anne of Green Gables plan to by these two picture books on September 25, 2018.Booklist Review
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Pick a Good Book Blogspot
This is a sweet story that brings back memories of many of the characters. The artwork, rendered in pastels and colored pencils, is a wonderful asset to the text. Hopefully, this touching book will draw young readers to explore the classic story that has meant so much to many around the world.
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Booklist Review
George writes from the perspective of Anne Shirley, Lucy Maud Montgomery’s famous redhead, as she wishes her favorite people goodnight. George’s short, sweet language captures Anne’s voice (“Goodnight, Gilbert. Well, really, good-riddance”) as well as the flavor of Avonlea’s quirky cast of characters (“Yes, Marilla, sensible and strict”). With every person—or plant, or place—Anne names, Godbout illustrates a whimsical portrait of Anne with them. She crushes Matthew in a big hug and skips across a field with her bosom friend, Diana. The characters have black button eyes and round, innocent faces, expressing themselves through exaggerated gestures. Butterflies flutter across the page, a visual reminder of Anne’s good cheer. Anne also imagines herself floating above the Lake of Shining Waters, her reflection glowing on its surface, and sleeping in a wild cherry tree, curled beneath a blanket. With the white of the pages bleeding through Godbout’s colored pencils, the soft texture adds airiness and buoyancy to the light-hearted scenes. Read this one to kindred spirits before bed and maybe they’ll, too, thank their loved ones every night.
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Stacked Books Blog
Under the watchful eye of her adoptive mother Marilla, Anne has come to cherish life at Green Gables — the dearest, loveliest spot in the world, and her true home. Every night before she goes to bed, she thinks of all the people and places she loves: her family, her bosom friend Diana, her splendid teacher Miss Stacy, beloved tree Snow Queen, the Lake of Shining Waters and the brilliant sky above. Anne even wishes goodnight — or good riddance! — to pesky classmate Gilbert and nosy neighbor Mrs. Lynde. And through it all, Anne’s imagination takes flight on a whimsical journey through Avonlea. This sweet and heartfelt picture book is a perfect read-aloud introduction to L.M. Montgomery’s beloved Anne and will delight her brand-new fans and lifelong readers alike.
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Midwest Book Review
I am a true fan of L.M. Montgomery's classic novel, Anne of Green Gables, and found this sweet reminiscence of Anne's ability to catch you up in her exuberance, a great delight. Kallie George depicts Anne's lively ability to breathe in the very essence of life all around her, and will encourage readers everywhere to capture and release every joy with a full and thankful heart. (Ages 3-7)
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School Library Journal
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.