We’re midway through October, which means we’re halfway through my Fall for Anne feature! It’s been so much fun introducing readers of all ages to Anne of Green Gables. And I can’t wait for the rest of the posts this month!
Today’s post is really exciting for me. I absolutely adore Kallie George’s books, some of which are inspired by Anne. In case you missed it, I reviewed her chapter books Anne Arrives and Anne’s Kindred Spirits this week. My review of Goodnight, Anne is coming!
Kallie George is on the blog today to chat about how Anne has influenced her – I hope you all enjoy!Anne’s Influence
I’ve always adored Anne with an e. I read Anne of Green Gables growing up, and watched the mini-series too. Although I wasn’t an orphan, nor did I live in PEI, when I was young I felt like Anne and I were kindred spirits. I still feel this way, especially after immersing myself even more in L.M. Montgomery’s wonderful world.
Here are a few of the reasons why:
Anne loves nature. So do I. I grew up on the Sunshine Coast, in BC, on 5 acres of land. My parents are environmentalists. Most of my time was spent daydreaming in the woods, exploring magical mossy wilderness areas along the West Coast, or reading in my tree fort.
Anne loves books. So do I. That one is obvious!
Anne is imaginative. So am I. When I was young, I had countless make believe friends – from dryads in the trees, to an echo in the deep woods behind my house. I loved to make up story worlds, and shared them with my friends.
Anne is feisty. She isn’t afraid to stick up for herself. There is a story my mom tells about me, that happened when I was 5 or 6 years old at my grandma’s house in Wisconsin. My grandma on my dad’s side was quite old fashioned and believed that children shouldn’t speak until they are spoken to at the dinner table. Of course, I did not agree with that! When she presented this rule, I jumped up and burst, “Children have rights, too.” Like Anne, I was – and I’m still not – afraid to speak my mind. I believe that is a true power of Anne. She sticks up for herself, and what she believes in. She has passion and conviction, two traits I try to foster in myself and, now, in my little son.
I feel so honoured – and often a little overcome with awe – that I have been able to work on picture books and early chapter books about Anne of Green Gables. I hope I can help introduce Anne of Green Gables to younger readers, and encourage readers to immerse themselves in the original series, when they are ready for them, falling in love with Anne with an e, just like me.
Thank you so much to Kallie George for participating in my Fall for Anne feature! I highly recommend checking her Anne inspired books (and her others) out if you haven’t already! I can’t wait to share Goodnight, Anne with you all tomorrow.
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