The illustrators
The visual beginnings of our beloved Anne of Green Gables, began when L.M. Montgomery spied a picture of a girl, flowers in hair, in her magazine copy of The Metropolitan published in September of 1903, cut it out and hung it on the wall of her room.
For a time, the name of this girl was shrouded in mystery. But, the mystery was eventually solved and identified as famous model and actress Evelyn Nesbit.
The picture above, Montgomery’s muse for Anne, inspired a nostalgic feeling of youth. love of nature, and a mixture of loss tempered with love that we all identify with in Anne of Green Gables.
Montgomery knew very little about the person behind the face she chose as her muse, only that it touched her imagination, and may have been the definitive spark that led to Anne, almost five years later.
Various literary influences converged, danced through Montgomery’s personal experiences and beloved locations on PEI, to bring us this most beloved of stories, among them, most surprisingly, was Washington Irving’s Tales from the Alhambra.
I have gathered as many of the illustrated Anne of Green Gables that I could find, some of which accompanied me on my visit to PEI (see video below). I hope you find the version that inspires and delights you!
*Original!
M.A. and W.A.J. Claus
M.A. and W.A.J. Claus, who illustrated the original edition when it was published in June of 1908, make up a wife and husband team. During my research I read that L.M. Montgomery was not completely satisfied with the illustrations, especially in the chapter titled The Unfortunate Lily Maid. At that time, Anne should have had short hair, after dying it green resulted in an impromptu haircut, but is portrayed with long hair. Nonetheless, these are the very first portrayals of the beloved characters we have come to know and love, and truthfully, they are rather wonderful!
(It may be of interest to note that the majority of the work was most likely done by M.A. Claus, the wife of the team).
This Version: Barnes & Noble, 2012
Below Links are to a newer edition by Sky Publishing, August 2023 and to the updated Barnes and Nobles Edition, 2016
Find It:
∞ Amazon
Elizabeth R. Whithington
American illustrator Elizabeth R. Whithington adorned Anne with her sweetly expressive illustrations in 1931.
In my opinion the best way to enjoy Elizabeth R. Whithington’s illustrations is in this beautiful, annotated edition that also displays artwork by the original illustrators (above) and Sybil Tawse (below). Whithington’s illustrations are more numerous than the others, and at present I can find no easy or affordable version that makes sense, besides the one pictured here. The volume also has the distinction of being the first to identify Montgomery’s model for the character of Anne; a picture from a magazine pinned to the wall of L.M. Montgomery’s bedroom (and later placed in her journal) of a mysterious young woman – as Evelyn Nesbit, by co-editor, Wendy E. Barry.
It is marvelously informative.
This Version: The Annotated Anne of Green Gables, Oxford University Press, 1997
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Sybil Tawse
British illustrator Sybil Tawse’s eight color plates adorned ‘Anne’ in 1933 and here they are beautifully reproduced in this Children’s Classics Everyman’s Library edition.
Tawse lived in London most of her life and among the many classics she illustrated are Elizabeth Gaskell’s Cranford, Eleanor H. Porter’s Pollyanna and Alexandre Dumas’ The Count of Monte Cristo.
Alfred A.Knopf, 1995
Find It:
∞ Abebooks
Hilton Macdonald Hassell
Ontarian artist Hilton Hassell was highly successful as a commercial artist in portraiture, advertising and book illustrations, but landscape painting seemed to be what he loved most, especially if it included water. He has also illustrated Anne of the Island and Anne of Avonlea.
Ryerson Press (First Canadian Publisher of Anne of Green Gables, 1942, 1967
Find It:
∞ Abebooks (1942 and 1967 editions can be found at this link)
Jody Lee
San Francisco-based illustrator Jody Lee took a break from illustrating works of fantasy to adorn this beautiful edition of Anne of Green Gables with her full-bodied artwork. It also happens to be the version I read with my son, along with Mick Ellison’s version below (we toggled between books to get the most illustration coverage). I love these Illustrated Junior Library editions and have been making a collection of them! Check out her website here: Jody A Lee (jodylee.org)
Grosset & Dunlap, 1983 (Illustrated Junior Library)
Find It:
∞ Abebooks
Troy Howell
If you are familiar with Brian Jacques fantasy Redwall series, or Mary Pope Osborne’s Favorite Greek Myths, you might recognize this Californian artist’s style in his version of Anne. His work was commissioned to harmonize with illustrators of the past and mend the gap between the past and what was, at the time of printing, contemporary. I think he did a marvelous job of keeping to the classic vein.
This version contains the original Claus illustrations as well.
Longmeadow Press, 1988
Find It:
∞ Abebooks
Lauren Mills
Lauren Mills grew up partially in Connecticut and Minnesota and earned her degrees from UC Santa Barbara and San Jose University. She has illustrated many children’s books, including a beautiful version of Thumbelina and a book that caught my eye earlier this year called The Dog Prince. Her watercolor illustrations are part fantasy and part reality, and just wonderful!
Decorated chapter headings, full color and black and white illustrations throughout, and wonderful color floral or fruit spot illustrations make this book a fantastic choice!
David R. Godine, Pubisher, 1989
Find It:
∞ Abebooks
Mick Ellison
Mick Ellison may or may not be the same Mick Ellison of paleontology illustration and photography at the American Museum of Natural History. I have had a hard time finding definitive information and have sent the artist an email to find out. Either way, this version is a pleasure to read and a favorite of my collection, and if the dinosaur connection is true, my son will be very pleased!
Update: I have heard back from Mr. Ellison and he is indeed the illustrator of this version of Anne! Any Mom’s out there wanting to read Anne to your sons? This might be your way in!
The Readers Digest, 1992
Find It:
∞ Abebooks
Gabriela Dellosso
Now a successful artist in the world of fine art, Gabriela Dellosso started off her career in illustration with this beautiful version adorned in her fine watercolors. I especially love her portrayal of Anne and Marilla towards the end of the book.
Hugh Lauter Levin Associates, 1994
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∞ Abebooks
Laura Fernandez and Rick Jacobson
Husband and wife team out of Toronto, the couple were both trained at the Alberta College of Art.
With gorgeous full page color illustrations, streamlined with fun spot and chapter headings depicting well-researched botanical species native to Prince Edward Island during L.M. Montgomery’s time, I love that Green Gables is so beautifully and truthfully depicted in one of the illustrations.
Tundra Books, 2000
Find It:
∞ Abebooks
Maki Minami
I love this Manga version by Maki Minami! One full color page in the front of the book, followed by prolific black and white illustrations which animate and modernize the text.
Another great thing? The awesome map of Avonlea!
Seven Seas Entertainment, 2014
Find It:
∞ Abebooks
Sophie Allsopp
Sophie Allsopp grew up in the South of England and, although living for a short while in Hong Kong as a teenager, returned to study illustration in England (Bath).
She has also illustrated Little Women for Usborne and her artwork is perfect for both of these classics – gentle, expressive, wholesome and full of life and color.
Lavishly illustrated with one-page, two-page spreads and a plush, “squishy” feel, this is a perfect choice for young readers.
Usborne Publishing, 2016
Find It:
∞ Abebooks
Unknown
More information coming as soon as I found out more. This copy had no illustrator information listed so it is going to take some sleuthing….on it! If you happen to know the illustrator, please let me know in the comments below- Thank You!
What I can tell you is that the illustrations are a nod to the original Claus illustrations, and that one of them, (the one on the cover) is actually the Claus illustration, colorized.
North Parade Publishing (Canterbury Classics, 2017)
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∞ Abebooks
Susan Hellard
I like to recommend a nice paperback version for those readers who prefer having a lightweight book to carry around, and this is my favorite. North Londoner Susan Hellard’s black and white line drawings, appear as chapter headings only, but they are adorable and draw out the essence of each chapter. Her penchant for capturing humorous characterizations of people, make her a wonderful illustrator for this particular story.
Extra material for young readers is included at the back and includes a wonderful quiz.
Alma Classics, 2017
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Luisa Uribe
This spritely edition has the most wonderful illustrations by Colombian illustrator, Luisa Uribe, who’s artwork modernizes the imagery while remaining true to it’s time. The typeset is a bit on the small side, so do note. It comes with a beautifully decorated slip case. I love it and have added this one to my collection!
Arcturus, 2019
Find It:
∞ Abebooks
(Available in both hardcover and softcover via this link)
Adapted Retellings, Readers, Graphic Novel and Picture Books
Here are some adaptations that I felt stood out among the many Anne of Green Gables adaptations! (See others I chose not to highlight in the “Others” section below)
Graphic Novels
Adapted by Mariah Marsden Illustrated by Brenna Thummler
I cannot tell you how much I love this graphic novelization of Anne of Green Gables. The adaptation hits every cord, and made me laugh all over again. This is Pennsylvania – born Brenna Thummler’s first graphic novel, and her remarkable illustrations are well timed and paced to work with Mariah Marsden’s fantastic retelling, especially her landscape scenery.
Published in 2017 by Andrews McMeel Publishing
Where to Find:
Stand-Alone Episodes
Adapted by Kallie George Illustrated by Abigail Halpin
Abigail Halpin’s illustrations are dainty and delicious! I love her color palette and her way of capturing that dancing quality that Anne has.
These books are wonderfully made and each one focuses on a set of events from the original novel that make up a stand-alone story. For example, in Anne Arrives we follow Anne’s arrival into Avonlea until her apology to Mrs. Rachel Lynde.
I have two of them now and wish to collect them all. A new one was recently published: Anne Dares
Books in this series began publishing in 2018 by Tundra Books
Where to Find:
∞ Amazon
Picture Books (Board Books and Primers)
Anne of Green Gables retold by Stephanie Clarkson and Illustrated by Annabel Tempest
One of my favorite adapted versions!
I have Annabel Tempest’s ‘The Jungle Book’ too – I think these books from the Babylit Storybook series (ages 3-5) are well-made, engaging and eye-catching. I chat about it more on my latest YouTube video (A Visit to Prince Edward Island-See below!).
Published in 2018 by Gibbs Smith, one of their BabyLit series.
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Adapted by Alex Fabrizio with artwork by Greg Paprocki
I have not yet seen this one in person but it looks adorable.
Published 2021 by Starry Forest Books as part of their Baby’s Classics
Find It:
∞ Abebooks
Picture Books
Anne of Green Gables retold by Mary Sebag-Montefiore and illustrated by Alan Marks
This is a delightful romp through Anne’s adventures, with Alan Marks distinctive illustrations delighting every page. Written for a very young audience, much is glazed over or omitted (such as the raspberry cordial incident), in favor of its target audience, but it still retains the story’s substance.
Published 2016 by Usborne Publishing
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Adapted by M.C. Helldorfer and illustrated by Ellen Beier
This is a beautiful picture book with a very sweet-faced Anne, Diana and Gilbert by Oregon-based illustrator Ellen Beier. I find the watercolor illustrations soft and appealing.
Published in 2001 by A Doubleday Book for Young Readers
Where to Find:
Readers
Classic Adventures - Jamie Green
Jamie Green’s bright and bold illustrations adorn this cleverly condensed version. Some adored events are missing, such as Anne’s “Lilly Maid” episode, but it is still a wonderful version to gift young readers.
Published 2021 by Starry Forest Books
Where to Find:
Classic Starts - Retold by Kathleen Olmstead and illustrated by Karl James Mountford
I love these new versions of the Classic Starts series. Sturdy and well made, easy for young hands to hold, they stand out with their brilliant cover art and the crisp, full page, spot and chapter heading illustration by Karl James Mountford. There are also a few pages at the end devoted to discussion in Q&A style.
Published 2023 by Union Square Kids
Where to Find:
Classic Starts - Retold by Kathleen Olmstead and illustrated by Lucy Corvino
Great Illustrated Classics - Adapted by Eliza Gatewood Warren. Illustrated by Joseph Miralles
I love the Great Illustrated Classics series because the text is succinct while still retaining the color and depth of the story, and every turn of the page has an illustration, which is fantastic for keeping young readers interested. Joseph Miralles black and white drawings are detailed and cozy. A little section about the life of L.M. Montgomery is included.
Published in 1995 by Baronet Books
Where to Find:
Young Reader's Classics - Abridgment by Barbara Greenwood and illustrated by Muriel Wood
At first glance, this slight book might look outdated. However, having recently paid a visit to PEI, I noticed how true the watercolors guided by Canadian artist Muriel Wood’s paintbrush were to the scene’s I had just witnessed, down to the interior of Green Gables. I think it is utterly beautiful!
Published in 1991 by Key Porter Books
Where to Find:
Foreign Language
Ana De Las Tejas Verdes - Illustrated by Maria Hesse (Spanish)
Ana De Tejas Verdes - Illustrated by Giselfust (Spanish)
Giselfust is another illustrator whose artwork I came across in Barcelona. I purchased her Mujercitas (Little Women) and the illustrations are engaging – from what I have seen of her Ana de Tejas Verdes it is beautiful!
Published in 2023 by Editorial Alma
Where to Find:
Ana La De Tejas Verdes - Illustrated by Antonio Lorente (Spanish)
This one is gorgeous! Edelvives recently published their version of The Little Mermaid in English…perhaps this Ana will receive the same treatment one day. In the meantime, I find so much happiness just gazing at the images. To see some for yourself, check it out on this video by Edelvives: Ana la de tejas verdes, ilustrado por Antonio Lorente – YouTube
Published in 2020 by Edelvives
Where to Find:
Ania z Zielonego Wzgorza - Illustrated by Sylwia Kalzmarska (Polish)
I came across this beautifully illustrated Polish version while visiting the site where L.M. Montgomery lived and wrote Anne of Green Gables. The attendant showed it to me, telling me how it had been gifted to them. Very nice! See below video for interior!
Published by Bahamut Media
Where to Find:
For the Collector
The Folio Society Illustrated by Anna C. Leplar
I do not have Icelandic-English illustrator, Anna C. Leplar’s, Anne of Green Gables in my possession, but I do have her Anne of Avonlea, and it has become one of my most treasured books! I love her soft, whimsical style and find it an excellent match for Anne.
She has also illustrated a version of The Wind in the Willows.
Currently Available on Abebooks however be careful. There is an ISBN number issue that lists an adapted version, illustrated by Jerry Dillingham (see it in my “Other” section below) as the Folio Society edition. If it looks too inexpensive to be believed, you have the wrong one! (I’ve made this mistake now twice!!!)
Other Anne of Green Gables
Here are others that I didn’t feature above but are still worth mentioning – they are too difficult to find or I just felt the illustrations didn’t work for this blog’s target audience (illustrations too sparse etc.). Look for these on Amazon, Etsy, Ebay, Alibris Books, Abebooks, or find them on internet archives or from your local bookstore or library!
That's it for now! I hope you have enjoyed this illustrator Explore! Be sure to follow me on Instagram, Facebook or YouTube for more wonderful "bookish" content.
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References:
Looking for Anne of Green Gables, The Story of L.M. Montgomery and Her Literary Classic by Irene Gammel
The Landscapes of Anne of Green Gables by Catherine Reid
The Annotated Anne of Green Gables (Featured above) by Wendy E. Barry, Margaret Anne Doody and Mary E. Doody Jones
Various bits of information on featured illustrators found on their own websites, Wikipedia, or on flaps within the books they illustrated.