There once was a lad who did dare,
Tease a red-head regarding her hair,
How that lass got irate,
On his head, smashed her slate,
Then she dyed her hair green in despair.

Here’s a tribute to one of my favourite set of books (and films) growing up.

The Anne of Green Gables series, by Lucy Maud Montgomery, follows the childhood adventures of an extremely imaginative and chatty orphan girl, named Anne Shirley (that’s Anne spelt with an ‘e’ of course!) who comes to live – by way of a mistake – with straight-laced elderly siblings Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert.

I can’t help flying up on the wings of anticipation. It’s as glorious as soaring through a sunset. Almost pays for the thud!”

Interestingly, I watched the 1985 film adaptation, produced by Kevin Sullivan, before reading the books! And I’m pleased to say, this didn’t ruin the stories for me, but only made me want to read them even more!

I was absolutely spell-bound by the characters, the cinematography and the film-score, and got very quickly swept up into the wonderful world of Anne, her ‘bosom friend’ Diana Barry, Gilbert Blythe, and all the other characters from Avonlea.

As a fellow red-head, I too had been called Carrots a time or two! (And ‘Gingernut’ and ‘Duracell’). So I instantly empathised with Anne, and felt like something of a kindred spirit.. I also shared her love for reading, writing, poetry and flowers – and having a somewhat fanciful imagination!. Fortunately, though, I happened to be a lot less hot-headed! I’m not sure I would have had the guts to walk the ridge-pole of a roof if Josie Pie had ever dared me. And I’m pretty sure I would have forgiven the handsome Gilbert Blythe in a heart-beat if he’d called me Carrots.

I will never forgive Gilbert Blythe, Diana. The iron has entered my soul…

After watching the films, I raced out and bought the first few books, eager to find out more about the mishaps and antics of Anne, who was constantly ‘getting into scrapes,.’ a few of my favourites being:

• Accidentally setting Diana drunk because she mistook Rachel Lynde’s redcurrant wine for Raspberry Cordial;
• Getting rescued by Gilbert Blythe when she fell into the ‘Lake of Shining Waters’ after re-enacting a scene from Tennyson’s ‘Lady of Shallot’;
• Falling into the mud after trying to prevent an errant cow from entering a crotchety neighbour’s field….

…to mention just a few….But you’ll have to read the books for yourself!

Isn’t it nice to think that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet?”

I was delighted to discover that the stories took Anne into adulthood! As a kid there was nothing better than a book series, which followed a beloved cast of characters through all their ups and downs as they grew up.

Even as an adult, I still have the full set on my book case and occasionally re-read them. They are wonderfully comforting and a bit like old friends to me. My youngest daughter recently listened to an audio version of the first book at bedtime and she absolutely loved it – which just goes to show their enduring appeal. Admittedly, they are quite wordy compared to many children’s books nowadays, but they are wonderfully descriptive, especially about the natural beauty of Prince Edward Island, where the books are set. There are one or two sentences in them that really sing… and if you’re anything like me, you’ll find yourself reading them twice, because they’re just so lovely.

A September day on Prince Edward Island Hills, a crisp wind blowing up over the sand dunes from the sea; a long red road, winding through fields and woods…now basking in open sunshine between ribbons of Goldenrod and smoke blue Asters…

The stories are funny, quite poignant at times – and they have a wonderful wholesome feel about them.

I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers. It would be terrible if we just skipped from September to November, wouldn’t it?

What books did you enjoy growing up? I’d love to hear from you in the comments section below.