Review - Anne's Kindred Spirits

Anne's Kindred Spirits (Anne Chapter Book #2)
by Kallie George
illustrated by Abigail Halpin
Date: 2019
Publisher: Tundra Books (NY)
Reading level: C
Book type: illustrated chapter book
Pages: 64
Format: e-book
Source: NetGalley

The sweet and funny second book in a new early-reader series, starring the spirited and outspoken Anne Shirley as she makes friends and settles into life at Green Gables -- with a few hijinks along the way, of course!

Anne is nervous and excited to meet Diana, a neighbor girl who she just knows will be a kindred spirit. She's even more excited when she learns that she's invited to her very first picnic! Until Marilla's precious brooch goes missing and it looks like it's Anne's fault. That is, Marilla is upset and Anne's picnic adventure is now in jeopardy. Ultimately, the misunderstanding with the brooch is resolved and Anne is able to go to the picnic. Anne and Diana's friendship blossoms and Anne's bond with Matthew and Marilla grows stronger.

Lovingly adapted by Kallie George with beautiful nostalgic illustrations by Abigail Halpin, this series is perfect for fans of Anne, new and old.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This is very cute. I read the original Anne of Green Gables back when I was around eight, and one thing I remember was getting bogged down by some of the vocabulary. If these books had been around back then, they might have been a better option until I was old enough to read Montgomery's novels without needing to look so much up in the dictionary!

This particular story tells the tale of the missing amethyst brooch and Anne's "confession". The author manages to capture the personalities and spirit of the characters quite well. And the illustrations add some more interest. Anne looks just like one would imagine: fiery red hair, lack of puffed sleeves, and freckles galore.

This is a strong early chapter book. I haven't had a chance to read the first one in the series yet, but as I was already familiar with the characters and the story, I didn't really need to. Still, if this is your first introduction to Anne, you'll probably want to read the books in order.

Thank you to NetGalley and Tundra Books (NY) for providing a digital ARC.

Plot: 4/5
Characters: 4/5
Pace: 4/5
Writing & Editing: 3/5
Illustrations: 3/5
Originality: 3/5

Enjoyment: 4/5

Overall: 3.63 out of 5