Anne of Windy Willows
#4 in Anne of Green Gables Series
What’s inside...
Anne of Windy Willows is the fourth book about the red-haired Anne Shirley from Green Gables. Now a young woman and her romance with Gilbert Blythe beginning to flourish, Anne Shirley becomes Principal of Summerside High School. But Summerside is virtually ruled by the Pringle family, who don't want Anne at the school. It takes all of Anne's courage and tact, and the comfort she draws from the eccentric household at Windy Willows, to overcome local prejudice and confront the dreaded Pringles. The book includes a behind-the-scenes journey, including an author profile, a guide to who's who, activities and more. The Puffin Classics relaunch includes a variety of other well-known books.
Character compass
Anne Shirley
Rebecca Dew
Elizabeth Grayson
Katherine Brooke
Jen Pringle
Gilbert Blythe
Pauline Gibson
Pierce Grayson
Sophy Sinclair
Diana Barry
Discussion points
How did Anne's resilience and imagination help her overcome challenges at Windy Willows?
What qualities do you admire most in Anne and why?
How do the relationships Anne forms in Windy Willows differ from those in Avonlea?
What lessons does Anne learn about friendship and kindness throughout the book?
How do you think you would handle some of the situations Anne faced?
Tip: Role play these questions
Highlight Anne's creative solutions to problems and ask your child how they might use creativity to handle their own challenges.
Discuss the importance of perseverance and optimism, traits Anne demonstrates abundantly.
Encourage your child to express which character they felt most connected to and why, fostering empathy and understanding.
Explore the theme of change and adaptation, discussing with your child times they've had to adapt to new situations.
Use examples from the book to discuss the value of friendships and how to be a good friend.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Anne demonstrates perseverance as she faces and overcomes challenges in her role as a principal at a high school.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to persist through difficulties in their studies or personal pursuits, understanding that challenges can be stepping stones to success.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Anne's interactions with the people of Windy Willows show her empathetic nature as she listens and relates to their stories and struggles.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the importance of listening to others and understanding different perspectives, fostering a more inclusive attitude.
Example Lesson: Importance of friendship
Explanation: Throughout the book, Anne values and nurtures her friendships, which play a crucial role in her happiness and support system.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and cultivate their relationships, recognizing the role of friendship in emotional support and personal growth.
Example Lesson: Creative problem-solving
Explanation: Anne often uses her imagination and creativity to resolve conflicts and find solutions to problems at the school.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to think outside the box and use creativity to handle conflicts and challenges in their lives.
Example Lesson: Self-expression
Explanation: Anne actively engages in writing letters to share her experiences and express her feelings, demonstrating the importance of self-expression.
Real-World Application: This lesson highlights the value of articulating thoughts and feelings through writing, which can help children in processing their emotions and communicating effectively.