Anne's Tragical Tea Party: Inspired by Anne of Green Gables (An Anne Chapter Book)

The fourth book in an early chapter book series inspired by Anne of Green Gables, starring the spirited Anne Shirley as she hosts her very first tea party with her kindred spirit, Diana, to disastrous results.
Anne loves having pretend tea parties by herself. She even decorates her room with branches and colorful leaves for the occasion. Marilla Cuthbert, who adopted Anne in the last year, wishes Anne would act a little more sensibly. One day, Marilla comes up with a plan to keep Anne out of mischief -- Anne can host her very own tea party and invite her kindred spirit, Diana Barry! Anne is thrilled, and sets out to host the most lovely and grown-uppish tea party she can muster. But when she makes Diana sick by accidentally giving her the wrong drink, Diana's mother is furious. Can Anne be forgiven? Will she ever be allowed to play with Diana again?
Lovingly adapted by Kallie George with beautiful nostalgic illustrations by Abigail Halpin, this series is perfect for fans of Anne, new and old.
From School Library Journal
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 Schuckα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.