Review by Sophia Thomson
Tundra, Penguin Random House Canada
PUB: August 6th, 2024
68 pages, Hardcover, $16.99 CAD, 9780735272156
Early Readers Chapter Book, Ages 6-9
Fiction, Children’s Classics
“I didn’t think I liked my red hair, but now I know I did. It doesn’t matter — I won’t dream about changing my looks anymore. I want to focus on improving myself inside,” Anne said.
As Anne comes to learn, our true value comes from within.
In the sixth and final instalment of Kallie George’s early readers book series, inspired by Lucy Maud Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables, we get the ever so charming Anne Dreams, illustrated by Abigail Halpin.
Much like the other five wonderful chapter books in the series, we return to Avonlea to see Anne getting herself into trouble, as well as getting herself out of it.
When Anne gets the fabulous idea to dye her hair to match her bosom bestie, Diana’s, raven black hair, Anne jumps at the chance. Considering her hair is one of her own greatest points of contention – I mean, Gilbert Blythe even called her Carrots once! – Anne believes that changing her hair will change her…and it does, just not how she expected.
What begins as a hair disaster of the ages turns into a powerful learning moment about the importance of valuing what’s within rather than what’s on the surface. When Anne stops focussing on her looks, she realizes she has other dreams, like taking after her favourite teacher Miss Stacy, and working towards attending Queen’s College.
As Anne’s hair grows out, she grows up; while still full of whimsy and spunk, we can see Anne develop her voice as a young woman and find purpose. Perfect for readers who have already enjoyed the first five books in this early readers series, those familiar with Anne will get the full effect of how much she has evolved. Between seeing Anne, Marilla, and Matthew reflect on their time together since Anne first came to Avonlea, combined with the callbacks to puffed-sleeve dresses, the Lake of Shining Waters, and cherry blossoms that fall like snow, there’s a sense of sweet nostalgia built into this charming chapter book.
With Halpin’s gorgeous illustrations marking the passage of time, we see Anne age up and leave Avonlea as she embarks on her next adventure. The illustrations throughout help add dimension and work in tandem with Anne’s feelings. When she despairs over her hair, the illustrations are rendered with darker tones of watercolour and graphite, and as she grows into herself, the colours reflect a lightness and boldness with vibrant and rich colours to match. Anne Dreams is one more fantastic example of how well George and Halpin work together in bringing Lucy Maud Montgomery’s classic children’s novel to life. I must say, I’m sad to see this series come to an end, but how special it is to have and return to.
Sophia Thomson graduated with a BFA in Creative Writing from the University of British Columbia in 2023 and is currently pursuing her Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing. She has a soft spot for stories about love, friendship, and family, which is probably why most of her YA and screenwriting projects end up featuring a mixture of the three.
YOUNG ADULTING 