Parents' Guide to

Linnea in Monet's Garden

By S. Jhoanna Robledo, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 7+

Charming animated film explains artist's work to kids.

Movie NR 1999 29 minutes
Linnea in Monet's Garden Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

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age 2+

Based on 1 parent review

conservativereviewer
conservativereviewer Parent of 4, 5 and 7-year-old
April 26, 2013
age 2+

Perfect for 2yr-8yr, art appreciation short film

This short 24 min. show is the perfect amount of time for the genre. I love it's unique feel. There aren't any other cartoon's out that teach the value of art appreciation in the form of painting; at least that I have found. It will probably not hold most 2-3 yr attention for long but my 4 and 5.5 yr old were intrigued. They sat and watched attentively the entire time. My 8 yr old didn't care for the mix between cartoon and real life film. However, I found there to be great value in the way they used cartoon characters yet showed actual film of Monet's paintings and a few flowers. When the review mentions wine, it really is only a bottle of wine in a picnic basket full of foods and then a photo that the girl takes of the elderly gentelmen in front of the picnic spread and he is holding a glass (not even a wine glass, more like a tumbler) of wine and smiling. There isn't any actual "drinking" of the wine that I recall and it was super short lived. If you were concerned about it (as I was a little) don't be and do not let it stop you from viewing this show with children of any age. I am pretty tight with what I let my kids watch (I don't allow any of the cartoon network junk that Netflix added to the "Just for kids" section, no Ruby Gloom, Rango, Shrek, I even think Phineas & Ferb with the whole older sibling boy attraction is over the top for an 8 yr old...just to give you an idea of what I limit) and I would not second guess this one at all. It teaches the value of art with no name calling, feelings getting hurt, or arguing and that's what I consider a great movie for my kids!
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What's the Story?

Linnea, a young girl, loves the work of Claude Monet, especially his paintings of one particular pond, featuring a bridge, a rowboat, and flowers. Her friend Mr. Bloom, an elderly Parisian gentleman who's quite familiar with the famous Impressionist painter, decides that the best way to help her understand Monet's work is to visit the artist's home in France, where she can see the garden that inspired so many famous images.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (1 ):
Kids say: Not yet rated

LINNEA IN MONET'S GARDEN, a charming animated film based on a children's book of the same name, is a pleasant excursion and beautiful introduction to Impressionism. Mr. Bloom is a patient and pleasant teacher, and he helps both Linnea and the viewers see how Monet transferred his visions to canvas. The film mixes a basic animation style with real photos of Monet, his family, and his paintings. The result is a delightful lesson in art appreciation.

But it's not much more than that: a lesson. There's not really a story beyond Mr. Bloom's explanations, and while they're ideal for younger viewers, some might complain that Linnea in Monet's Garden is better suited for a classroom than for watching at home. But at 24 minutes, most kids won't even have the chance to complain.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about Monet. Did you learn anything new about the famous painter? What do you think about his work?

  • Does this seem more like a story or an educational lesson?

Movie Details

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