A is for Anne

Mo Duffy Cobb and Ellie Arscott have certainly captured the spirit of the inimitable Anne, of Green Gables (of course!). Fans of L. M. Montgomery’s literary heroine will enjoy this board book. It is gently illustrated and draws on many memorable moments from the first few Anne of Green Gables books. Cobb makes good use of the alphabet, but here it is to structure a poetic visitation back into the world of Anne. While the text does rhyme, it transcends the form to ultimately draw out the poetry of Anne’s spirit.

Arscott’s artwork will likely be enjoyed by fans of Anne. While Arscott does not depart dramatically from the expected visuals of Montgomery’s world, she also does not fail to render the whispery, windy quality of Prince Edward Island. The final spread (“Z is for zoom, Anne’s heart in a blink.”) is singularly gorgeous as Anne sits and gazes at the windswept dunes and piercing moon.

One of my main critiques of this work is in the selection of the board book format. While the book, itself, is pleasant to hold, the content is simply better suited for children a bit older with some notion of Anne’s world. Seasoned Montgomery fans will enjoy gifting it to babies, but I think once you have “met” Anne, you will more deeply appreciate Cobb and Arscott’s collaboration. Nevertheless, A is for Anne is a lovely little book.