KIRKUS -- A miscommunication leaves Matthew andMarilla Cuthbert responsible for a plucky, effusive orphan girl instead of theboy they'd expected to help maintain theirfarm.Retold in traditional manga format,with right-to-left panel orientation and detailed black-and-white linework, thisadaptation is delightfully faithful to the source text. Larger panels establishthe idyllic country landscape while subtle text boxes identify thesetting-Prince Edward Island, Canada, in the 1870s. The book follows redheadedAnne Shirley from her arrival at Green Gables at 11 to her achievement of acollege scholarship. In the intervening years, Anne finds stability, friendship,personal growth, and ambition in Avonlea and in the strict but well-intentionedCuthbert siblings' household. The familiar story is enhanced by the exciting newformat and lush illustrations. A variety of panel layouts provides visualfreshness, maintaining reader interest. Backmatter includes the floor plan ofthe Green Gables house, as well as interior and exterior views, and notes aboutresearch on the actual location. A description of the process of adapting thenovel to this visual format indicates the care that was taken to highlightparticular elements of the story as well as to remain faithful to the smallestdetails. Readers who find the original text challenging will welcome this as anaid to comprehension and Anne's existing fans will savor a fresh perspective ontheir beloved story. All characters appear to beWhite.A charmingadaptation.