Anne's Tragical Tea Party: Inspired by Anne of Green Gables

Gr 2-4--Quite the vivacious child, Anne has a flair for the dramatic. A newly adopted orphan, she also has a knack for unwittingly causing havoc for her new Cuthbert family. When she is allowed to have a tea party with her best friend, Diana, catastrophe ensues as Anne mistakes wine for raspberry cordial and Diana gets intoxicated. As a result Diana's mother, Mrs. Barry, refuses to let them be friends. How can they convince Mrs. Barry that it was an accident? The story is told with lyrical text and beautifully rendered illustrations composed of graphite, watercolor, and colored pencil. The characters in this abridged version of the "Anne of Green Gables," the characters are slightly two-dimensional. Short chapters are sure to be a hit with struggling readers. There is some incongruity between the reading level of the book and its intended audience. Children at this reading level may not be familiar with vocabulary such as cordial, currant wine, or bosom friend. They may also be perplexed as to why Matthew has to fetch a doctor and not just call him, as the time period is not well developed. VERDICT Not a must-have, but a nice addition to early chapter book shelves. This highly illustrated adaptation will most likey win over future fans of the original.--Elena Schuck