Linnea in Monet's Garden

This is an incredible book, which involves you from the very begining... It starts talking in a deep and intresting way about Monet's personal life and career. As it is told by a gradfather, it makes it more exiting. Belive it or not, with this book an at least 10 year old child will be delighted with it and learn more than you think; I'm sure of it because I received this book at the age of 8 and it is my favorite till today that I'm 13.

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.

Linnea in Monet's Garden is a book written by Christina Bjørk, and illustrated by Lene Anderson, both come from Sweden.The book tells the story of Linnea, a small Swedish girl, and her old friend and neighbour, Mr. Bloom. Linnea and Mr. Bloom share a love for paintings and for flowers, and Claude Monet is a painter they both love. Together they decide to visit Paris, and Monet's garden in Giverny, and with the help of this book we can go with them on this journey.The book is first of all a beautiful, everyday story about two friends visiting the house and garden of a beloved painter. But it is also a masterpiece in the way it is built up. The way the story, the information about the impressionist period in art, the pictures and paintings all melt together. I and my 6 years old daughter can never get tired of the book, and after reading it an uncountable number of times we both felt that we knew the garden in Giverny. It was a very special day for us then, last summer when we were able to visit Giverny, the house and the garden. We could walk around seeing the same sights as Linnea had seen, sit on the bench together with both Monet and Linnea, walk over the Japanese bridge, and take pictures of all the flowers Linnea had also photographed.Though this book is first of all a book for children it is a treasure for all ages. A pure joy to read over and over again.Britt Arnhild Lindland

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!

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!