Amazon.com
Lena Anderson and Christina Bjork have turned their popular children's book into a charming, simply animated introduction to the work of Impressionist painter Claude Monet. Linnea, a vibrant little Swedish girl, is intrigued by the paintings of gardens she sees in a book in the home of her friend, Mr. Bloom. Together they go to Paris, where they visit the Marmottan, a little-known museum with an exceptional collection of Monets. Linnea discovers the familiar paintings are just "blobs and smears" up close, but become recognizable flowers when seen at the proper distance. Mr. Bloom explains that Monet sought to suggest the play of light on water and foliage, rather than recording it in detail. The next day, they make their pilgrimage to Giverny, to walk amid the scenery Monet painted. Linnea is bright and well-mannered but never priggish; her relationship with Mr. Bloom suggests mutual affection and respect. The animation itself is fairly minimal--comparable to Saturday morning cartoons--but the story and well-photographed paintings make up for its limits. Linnea could easily be expanded into a series that would teach children about the life and work of other important artists. --Charles Solomon