What illness does Minnie May have?

She has croup, which makes it hard for her to breathe. Anne treats her with hot water and ipecac until the doctor arrives.

Why did Anne know how to help Minnie May?

Anne had helped care for the Hammond children, including several sets of twins, and she had seen croup before.

From Anne of Green Gables

Minnie May Barry

Diana’s baby sister

Diana’s little sister, who needs Anne’s quick thinking one cold winter night.

Who is Minnie May Barry?

Minnie May is Diana’s baby sister at the Barry farm. One cold winter night, while her parents are away in town, she falls very sick with croup and has trouble breathing. Anne knows just what to do, and her quick care helps Minnie May get well, which brings two families back together.

Minnie May Barry is a character in Anne of Green Gables, the 1908 novel by L. M. Montgomery, retold for ages 6–9 by Sean Lee.

What is Minnie May Barry like?

playful
delicate
sweet

Minnie May Barry’s story

Minnie May is Diana’s little sister, aged three, and she appears at one of the most important moments in the book. Anne and Diana have been kept apart ever since Anne accidentally gave Diana currant wine. Mrs. Barry still believes Anne did it on purpose, and Anne has been very unhappy about it.

One night Mr. and Mrs. Barry are away in town. Diana runs to Green Gables to say that Minnie May has croup and is struggling to breathe. Matthew goes to find a doctor, and Anne hurries to the Barry house. She has helped to look after the three sets of twins in the Hammond family, so she knows what to do. She fills the kettle with hot water, gives Minnie May ipecac and works patiently over her for hours.

By three in the morning the doctor arrives, but Minnie May is already much better and sleeping soundly. The next day Mrs. Barry visits Green Gables to say that Anne saved her daughter’s life and that she is sorry about the wine. Anne and Diana are allowed to be friends again. Later, Diana mentions that Minnie May kicks in her sleep.

“Minnie May has croup all right; she’s pretty bad, but I’ve seen them worse.”

Anne Shirley, taking charge of the sick child. From the original 1908 novel by L. M. Montgomery.

A moment to remember

After a long night of Anne’s care, Minnie May stops coughing and drifts into a peaceful sleep as dawn lights the frosty window.

Diana Barry: big sister
Anne Shirley: girl who cares for her

Talk about it

Anne could help Minnie May because she had cared for babies before. What is something you know how to do that could help someone else?

Questions about Minnie May Barry

How old is Minnie May in Anne of Green Gables?: Minnie May is three years old.
What illness does Minnie May have?: She has croup, which makes it hard for her to breathe. Anne treats her with hot water and ipecac until the doctor arrives.
Why did Anne know how to help Minnie May?: Anne had helped care for the Hammond children, including several sets of twins, and she had seen croup before.