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On days you’ve had it up to here with Dora or Mickey, how about trying another type of childrens’ video? Auryn Inc. brings you two wonderful choices, Almond Blossoms: A Vincent Van Gogh Story and In Winter Still: A Claude Monet Story. Both are $7.99 (or you can buy the set for $12.99) and can be ordered on or downloaded from the Auryn Inc. site.

In Winter Still, Claude Monet’s selfish gardener decides to block the children from playing in Monet’s gardens at Giverny, a relentless winter curse falls upon the estate. The ceaseless winter devastates Monet, bringing his painting to an end. It is not until a mysterious and brave boy has the courage to enter the garden that winter finally disappears. The gardener is fired and Monet returns to painting in his beautiful gardens and lily ponds with the company of the village children. Years pass and Monet often wonders about the small little boy who saved his garden. Eventually, the boy returns and Monet is able to paint in paradise. The story is based on Oscar Wilde’s short story "The Selfish Giant."

Almond Blossoms is inspired by O. Henry’s classic short story, "The Last Leaf" and is set within some of Vincent Van Gogh’s most stunning paintings. It is a story about the friendship between a self conscious young Marguerite Gachet and a struggling outcast, Vincent Van Gogh. When Marguerite’s mother falls ill, she must turn to Van Gogh’s friendship and paintings for solace. Marguerite’s despair deepens as she watches her mother lose hope. Together, they watch from the hospital window, as the last clinging blossoms fall from the beautiful almond tree, seemingly signaling that the end is near. But Vincent Van Gogh’s faith in the healing power of the human spirit leads him to paint his greatest masterpiece that will save Marguerite’s mother’s life.

The videos are Dove Foundation family approved. (The Dove Foundation mission is to encourage and promote the creation, production, distribution and consumption of wholesome family entertainment.) They also - unofficially - carry the Nichols family seal of approval. My family loved watching them. Even my husband was enchanted by the beautiful animation and sweet stories. We just wish they were longer.

These would be a wonderful gift in combination with a children’s art book, like Usborne’s The Children’s Book of Art. Over 30 of the world’s best-known, best-loved pictures have been chosen for this fascinating introduction to art for children. There are lots of facts about the artists and their lives, and how they created their work, to help beginners understand what art is and why people think it is important. There are also Internet links to recommended websites where you can view lots more pictures, play art games and create your own art online.

Technorati tags: children’s books, Christmas, art

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