Linnea in Monet's Garden (1993)

Linnea in Monet's Garden is a deliberately, artfully drawn animation about a young girl named Linnea and her elderly neighbor, Mr. Bloom, who share an appreciation for fine art, esp. the paintings of Monet. Together they examine an art book of Monet prints -- which the program reproduces for the closer study of the viewer -- and then travel to visit the garden that Monet created and painted so voluminously. Actual photos of Monet in his garden then and the garden itself now are woven into the pair's art adventure and solid information is imparted to help more deeply appreciate Monet's work -- including closeups and discussion of his brush-stroke technique. The program conveys Monet the artist's connectedness with nature; at one point, as Linnea achieves her dream and stands on Monet's Japanese bridge, gazing at the skies reflected in the water, she murmurs, "It's never been more 'now' than right now." Any child can appreciate this story, forthrightly drawn and told, as can any adult who loves art. 4 stars.