Merry Christmas, Anne

K-Gr 3—The beloved Anne Shirley is back in this picture book inspired by Lucy Maud Montgomery's spirited orphan. The third collaboration between George and Godbout, this holiday book chronicles Anne's first Christmas in Avonlea. She is trembling with excitement, because not only has her adopted father gifted her with her first fancy dress with puffed sleeves, but she also gets to perform at the Christmas recital. After a brief bout of stage fright, Anne, inspired by her new dress and the knowledge that kindred spirits are nearby, recites her poem. George's simple but lyrical narrative succinctly summarizes the tale found in the source material, adeptly adapting it for a younger audience. This version keeps the emotions of the original and shifts into the first-person, making it more immediate. Godbout's soft art, rendered in pastels and colored pencils, lends the work an appropriately nostalgic tone. The typeface, based on Godbout's hand lettering, adds just the right touch to complete the package. VERDICT A sweet tale to be shared with established Anne of Green Gables fans and the young readers in their lives. A general purchase for holiday sections and picture books year-round.—Shelley M. Diaz, School Library Journal