Linnea in Monet's Garden (Hardcover)

~ Cristina Bjork (Author), Lena Anderson (Illustrator), Joan Sandin (Translator) "Just think I've been in a famous artist's garden!..." (more)
Key Phrases: pink house, Eiffel Tower

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Linnea, a fresh-faced European girl with a mop of black hair and a white smock, gives a solid lesson in art history in the gentlest way, through a first-person account. Her story is like a scrapbook, reliving a trip she took to Paris and Giverny to learn about Monet's water-lily paintings. Airy, light-filled watercolors showing Linnea in Monet's environment are juxtaposed with period photographs of the artist and reproductions of the paintings themselves. The focus is always on the specific. Monet's brushstrokes are examined (Linnea terms them "splotchy"). A section is devoted to expressionism: "Even stone walls could shimmer sometimes." Also included are Monet's biography, a family tree and a brief guide to Paris. But, it is the sense of being there, and Linnea's own enthusiasm, that carries the book. Ages 7-up.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-6 An original and highly entertain ing child-centered book of art apprecia tion. Photographs introduce the home and family of the artist Monet, full-color reproductions of paintings are used to ex plain his work, and ink and watercolor il lustrations picture the delight that a young girl finds in learning about a fa mous artist. Linnea and her elderly friend Mr. Bloom travel to Paris, visit Monet's home in Giverny, picnic in the artist's garden, and admire the waterlilies and the Japanese bridge which he often paint ed. In Paris, the two companions stop at a museum to see Impressionist paintings, view the sunlight over the Seine, and chatter about the life and times of the art ist. The book ends with a page of infor mation about things to do and see in Par is. Linnea sparkles with the joy of discovery and charms readers. Monet's paintings delight the eye, and the bright conversation and happy adventures of the young girl and the old gentleman per suade readers that the world of art is rich in color and peopled with fascinating characters. Shirley Wilton, Ocean County College, Toms River, N.J.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Hardcover: 56 pages
• Publisher: R & S Books; 1st edition (October 1, 1987)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 9129583144
• ISBN-13: 978-9129583144
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.7 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #169,190 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Monet Lovers Dream, August 30, 2000

By A Customer

I read this book to my 5 year old and my 3 year old and they both love it. What a wonderful way to introduce art to them and learn a lot about Monet and his family myself. My five year old really loves the book, she can't wait to go to the Museum of Fine Arts and see some of the actual paintings now. This book deserves five stars, plus!

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A delightful peice full of beauty, art & child-like wonder!, October 25, 1999

By A Customer

It was six years ago that I stumbled into Linea's story when strolling into a little sea-side bookshop in Ocean City, NJ. (This little book kept me sneaking back in day after day.) Over these years I have had the priviledge to dream alongside of friends young and old. Just last Spring ('99) I was struck with such amazement as I meandered through Monet's home and gardens, so much the space was familiar. KUDOS to Ms. Bjork and Ms. Anderson for their wonderful and creative work! I was truly amazed by the thoroughness and creativity . . . all the book is missing is the scents of Giverny. (And by no means do I suggest a scratch and sniff version!) I can't wait to share this with my children someday. Hopefully Linea will become a family tradition!

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Impossible to resist, October 16, 2003

By	Peggy Vincent "author and reader" (Oakland, CA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

I picked this up at the home of a friend. Her little girl scampered over and, eyeing me with suspicion, said, "That's MY BOOK." Once she gave me permission to look at it if I promised to treat it carefully, I began to wish I really could steal it!
What a treasure. Linnea in Monet's Garden is a way to introduce children (about age 6-10, I'd say) to the appreciation of Impressionist art. The book includes photographs and drawings of Monet's home and family, a story of his life, and full-color reproductions of many of his paintings. Linnea is taken to Giverny by the elderly Mr. Bloom and, as she is entranced by all things Monet, so will you be, too.
Buy two copies: one for yourself and one for a young friend.