Terrific Tuesday - Linnea in Monet's Garden - Picture Book & KID KANDY

Linnea in Monet's Garden
Written by Christina Bjork
Drawings by Lena Anderson
(R & S Books, 1985)

In honor of St. Patrick's Day, when all wear green, I would like to share a book about a green space - Linnea in Monet's Garden.

Claude Monet is one of my favorite artists. My husband and I were blessed to visit Monet's home and gardens outside of Paris when we spent some time in France. I was in love, following the meandering pathways, admiring the gorgeous flower gardens, touring his home, and snapping photos like a crazy woman. Perhaps I was crazy. It's not every day one gets to view the inspiration for so many wonderful works of art.

Linnea and Mr. Bloom, a former gardener, embark on a journey to travel to Monet's home and gardens. Linnea in Monet's Garden is a wonderful book. It's part history, part speculation, part art lesson, part nature lesson, and even a gardening book of sorts. Giverny is beautifully represented as Mr. Bloom and Linnea explore, paint, have a picnic, and enjoy an outing worthy of a bucket list dream.

This book is perfect for those ready to visit France during summer break. It is also just as good for those who cannot go, but want to learn and maybe someday take a long trip to visit Monet's Giverny.

KID KANDY:

Paint a Garden or Visit a Garden

Dig out acrylic or watercolor paints. Help your child secure heavy paper to a clipboard or table. Study flowers, trees, rocks, or bushes to see the lines, colors, and shapes. Let your child experiment with ways to capture nature on paper. You could even join in the fun!

Visit a garden! Many larger cities have public gardens or arboretums. Pack a picnic and take your child on an outing such as the one Linnea went on with Mr. Bloom. Cameras are great for recording the beauty (and images can be used later for painting practice). Make sure your child gets a chance to take some shots of the nature at its best.

Angie Quantrell loves gardens and gardening. She dreams of visiting other fabulous gardens where weeds do not belong to her and beauty is a feast for the eyes.