Cover Image: If I Couldn't Be Anne

If I Couldn't Be Anne

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Member Reviews

If I Couldn't Be Anne is an excellent way to introduce kids to Anne of Green Gables and show them the power of imagination. Once you finish this book, be prepared for an intense desire to re-read the entire series or watch the 1980's miniseries or both. You can never get enough of Anne!

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This is a beautifully illustrated book that explores the imagination of Anne with an e, and what she would be, if she wasn't herself.

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This beautifully illustrated picture book is written from Anne's perspective as she tells the reader what she would be if she could not be herself. She imagines herself as different animals and fantasy creatures, pictures herself in different life situations, and concludes with all the things that are wonderful about her life. As a long-term fan of the Anne series, I enjoyed this picture book's many nods to Anne's character and different elements from the book.

Previously, I found this author's early chapter book adaptations of Anne of Green Gables inadequate and disappointing, because like most adaptations, they rip the story down to the bare bones and remove much of its charm. However, because this is a supplementary picture book, not an adaptation, it is fully enjoyable for both book fans and people who are only just learning about Anne. Fans will have fun sharing this book with their children, since it is simple, sweet, and charming without spoiling story elements of the series or retelling it poorly.

The illustrations are simple but absolutely radiant, and the text is rhythmic and sweet. This is a delightful picture book, even aside from its associations with L.M. Montgomery's work, and it works as both a general read-aloud and a bedtime story. This will appeal in school and library settings as well as to families, and is a fun introduction to Anne.

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If I Couldn’t Be Anne by Kallie George
Publication Date: May 12, 2020 - in 3 days!

Description from NetGalley...
“A beautiful read-aloud picture book about the power of the imagination, inspired by the best-selling Anne of Green Gables.

In this whimsical and magical picture book, Anne's boundless imagination takes flight! She imagines being all the things she loves so dearly. If I Couldn't Be Anne, Anne with an e, what would I be . . . Anne wonders what it would be like to be the wind dancing round the treetops. A tightrope walker, breathless and brave. A princess in a palace made of apple blossoms. A magical frost fairy or a plain little wood elf. . . . But even as Anne's imagination soars far and wide, she comes back down to earth, recognizing that some things - like friendship! - are even better than the imagination.”

Thank you to @NetGalley, @penguinrandomhousecanada @tundrabooks for the digital ARC in return for my honest review.

My thoughts...
If you’re a fan of Anne of Green Gables, you might want of copy of this book. It’s not a story per se, but more a rhythmic prose that is an ode to Anne. Throughout the book, there are references to what we’ve come to know about Anne and the world around her. It’s quite nostalgic. And if you’re an adult who loves Anne of Green Gables, you might find this book, with whimsical and warm illustrations, a great introduction for children.

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This felt like a bit of a love letter to the character Anne from Anne of Green Gables. I am not sure how well it will work for those that are not fans. Still a beautifully illustrated book with some interesting things about imagination and spirit, but it surely plays better for fans of the classic novel/TV show/movie.

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I love how Kallie George fosters a love for Anne of Green Gables to the next generation of readers. Wonderful illustrations and endearing text.

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Thanks to NetGalley for this book! This lovely children's book details Anne (with an E, of beloved Green Gables fame) as she muses on all of the wonderful things she could be if she weren't Anne with an E.

Stars: The illustrations are delicate and evocative. The prose is simple but inspiring. My 8 year old, fairy and unicorn loving daughter sighed "Oooooh" when we got to the fairies page.

Wishes: I'm not sure if children who have not heard of or read Anne of Green Gables will understand or appreciate this book. My daughter thought it was beautiful, but it didn't resonate with her because we have yet to read the Anne series.

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Growing up I loved anything Anne of Green Gables. The books and movies. I even had a doll! So as you can imagine I was super excited to read this picture book to my daughter. The illustrations are beautiful. All the pictures feel warm and comforting. The story itself is really sweet. My daughter and I will read this one again and again! I recommend to any one who is already a fan of Anne or anyone who wants to discover Anne for the first time.
Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Random House Canada for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Release Date: May 12 2020

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A lovely picture book for Anne of Green Gables fans. See if you can spot all the allusions to the original novel.

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This was fine. The art was very cute, but it didn't feel like much of a story. It'll be appreciated by fans of Kallie George's other Anne books, but it doesn't do much on its own.

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This was so adorable! This is all about anne of green gables and who she'd want to be if she couldn't be herself. I thought this was a very cute kind of adaption of anne's character. I think this would be a great book to introduce your child to anne. I also absolutely loved the artwork! This is also cute to read if you're a huge fan of anne (like I am)

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If I Couldn't Be Anne is a beautiful tribute to one of literature's most beloved characters. I love Anne of Green Gables, and I had high expectations for a book that featured one of my all-time favorite characters. Kallie George's story was perfection. I was blown away with the connection to everything that makes Anne who she is. Not-to-mention, the illustrations are just stunning! I would absolutely hope that If I Couldn't Be Anne be in the running for this year's Caldecott award! It deserves to be considered.

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Thank you so much for the opportunity to read and review this title!

When I saw this title come through I stopped everything and read it aloud to my daughter. We are long time fans of both Kallie George and Genevieve Godbout.

The illustrations are absolutely beautiful and they alone completely captured my daughter's attention. The text was perfect and whimsical.

We have already preordered a copy of this book and look forward to enjoying it for a long time to come!

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I am not sure why the current obsession with Anne of Green Gables (tv show, chapter books, now a picture book) but I feel like a lot has to do with nostalgia. I will admit that I have read all the chapter books and have enjoyed them. This picture book, however, seems completely unnecessary. Who is the audience for this? Is it parents who loved Anne growing up and want to share it with their young child? If so, the language in the book is too sophisticated for the audience. Also, the repetition of "If I couldn't be Anne, Anne with an e" actually took away from the rhythm of the text. Just not really into picture books that I can't find a use for, whether it is for a one-on-one reading, a storytime, or fills a need. The illustrations are nice, with bright colors that are appealing. ,

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Title: If I couldn’t be Anne
Author: Kallie George
Release Date: 5.12.2020
Review Date: 4.25.2020


I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I have been a fan of Anne Shirley since childhood so when I saw this adorable book I had to read it. The art was beautiful and everything was very Anne. The little things from the full book Anne of Green Gables, it is a great way to introduce little ones to such a beloved character from literature. Very good.

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A gorgeous homage to "Anne of Green Gables" and fitting introduction to the series for the picture book set. Beautiful, watercolor illustrations accompany the text with little bits of the novel thrown in. Nostalgic and yet so fitting for our times. Highly recommended!

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A beautiful illustrated book of Anne of Green Gables as she uses her imagination to be something else. If I couldn't be Anne with e, I would rather be.... It is a beautiful way to look at the world and see it from another perspective. If you are fan of the Green Gables, you will love this edition.

A Special Thank you to Tundra Books and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

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Those who already know and love Anne Shirley will recognize her on the cover of this beautifully illustrated story.  Clearly the author knows and loves one of the world's favorite red heads. 

In this book, Anne uses her wonderful imagination to think of who she would be if she were not Anne with an E; maybe she would be a tightrope walker or a grand lady drinking tea or...so many choices.  Anne then imagines who she would not choose to be as, for example, someone following a recipe.  At the end of the story, our narrator concludes that she would like to be Anne of Green Gables.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.  This book will be enjoyed by Anne lovers and those who value the places imagination can take one.

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If I Couldn't Be Anne by Kallie George is a sweet whimsical introduction to Anne of the beloved Anne of Green Gables Series. It is in no way a retelling of the story but it is a young person’s first meeting with Anne, getting to know her through her thoughts and opinions. One of the things that a reader of the Lucy Maud Montgomery series would remember is Anne’s inquisitive and imaginative nature. That comes into full focus in this book.

I read this book with a five year old and a seven year old. They most definitely enjoyed the book but it was me who loved it. The references to events and people that I remembered reading long ago came back, such as Anne not liking her red hair so much but saying it was better than green. It was like meeting an old friend I haven’t seen in many years but of whom I had such fond memories. I loved the illustrations, the lyrical wording and of course, the characterization which was right on spot. It sounded just like the Anne I remember meeting in the beginning of the series. I hadn’t thought of that young Anne in many years, but it was wonderful to see her again. It was even more wonderful to introduce others to her through this sweet book.

The publisher through Net Galley provided a digital ARC. I have voluntarily decided to read and review, giving my personal opinions and thoughts.

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Beautiful Illustrations, wonderful adaptation of a beloved story. It was super fun to be able to see the parts of the story that directly related to the original Anne of Green Gables

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