Sure, they will miss their friend - but will they miss them, too? And how will they know they are being missed?
For little Moomintroll, it's hard to reconcile this loss. His friend Snufkin is heading south for the winter and Moomin will miss him terribly. As the winter snows begin to gather, he tries to console himself with a missing friend. He knows Snufkin will return - and as Little My says - he always goes and always comes back, but Moomintroll is still overcome with sadness - how can he sail reed boats before the river freezes over, without his best friend?
Until a parcel arrives. It's from Snufkin! And inside is a note reminding Moomin that spring will soon be here - and with it, his best friend. But wait, there's more. There's also the sweetest little reed boat - a sure sign Snufkin is also pining the day they can set their little boats to sail on the river once again.
A sweet book about the strength of friendship, and how important it is to express that friendship openly. This is my first Moomin book - I have heard a lot about the series - but this is the first time I've experienced this little creature - originally the creation of Swedish-Finnish novelist, artist and cartoonist - Tove Jansson (1914 - 2001).
Moomin and the Winter Snow is actually a new book, based on Jansson's original stories - perhaps inspired by the original 1957 book Moominland Midwinter. The book's gorgeous endpapers instantly give away its retro history, with a slightly more modern visual take as the story unfolds. I'm just loving the choice of colour and illustrative design - just beautiful, and typical of that stunning Scandinavian style.
It's easy to see why Moomin and his friends and family have become firm favourites of adults and children around the world - he is charm personified, and is a character kids could easily relate to.
Pee-hoo!
Title: Moomin and the Winter Snow
Author/Illustrator: Tove Jansson
Publisher: Penguin, $19.95 RRP
Publication Date: 28 July 2011
Format: Hard cover
ISBN: 9780141337968
For ages: 4 - 8
Type: Picture Book
