very short rec

[blamebrampton]

I have been re-reading Moomin books lately. mostly because I have forgotten almost everything that happened, and so they are all fresh and new! (Whether this is a side-effect of losing a big slab of my memory to a taxi, or being Middle Aged, I'm not wholly sure.) Surprisingly, a lot of people in RL have said to me, 'Moomins? Never heard of them. Any good?'

To which I reply: 'Heathen! And Brilliant!'

It's almost impossible to explain the strange charm of the Moomins, but these lines from Moonimsummer Madness sum it up for me. Snufkin has been out travelling the world and come across Little My (who is thumb-sized and who was swept away from her sister by a wave), who has decided to travel in his pocket. A little while later, they find themselves taking care of 24 woodland children ...

"It's raining," said a small woody.

"I'm hungry," said another.

Snufkin looked helplessly at Little My.

"Scare them with the Groke!" she suggested. "That's what my sister used to do."

"Does it make you a good girl?" asked Snufkin.

"Of course not!" said Little My and laughed so she toppled over.

What child (or short adult) could fail to be utterly charmed by that?

The books come with fabulous little ink illustrations, and the stories are always positive, no matter how many strange or dreadful things, such as Grokes and Park Rangers, might appear. There are new editions out at the moment, which are cheap and easily found. If they weren't a staple of your childhood, I do recommend making them a part of your adulthood ;-)

Comments

[penguin474.livejournal.com]

Lilla My is always fabulous! As are the stories/books in general, but even though I love them I haven't given them to my English-speaking friends as I don't think the translation does the books justice. I should think again, perhaps. :) Do you have a favourite?

[treacle-tartlet.livejournal.com]

Must acquire for Small Girl!

[anna-wing.livejournal.com]

Yes, yes, the love of Moomins should be spread to all who have not yet had the joy of experiencing it!

[amanuensis1.livejournal.com]

I had the joy of reading them as a young'un and then the further joy of rereading them when I was an adult and realizing it was a completely different read. What great books!

[noeon.livejournal.com]

*fond memories of the Moominpapas animation series beginning to percolate in brain*

There are books? Fab!

[http://users.livejournal.com/_inbetween_/]

I actually think that much like with Winnie the Pooh these might be more enjoyable for adults. At least in my case I hadn't loved either as a child, unlike now.

[norton-gale.livejournal.com]

I love the Moomins! For years I've been thinking of a Little My tattoo. Never got it, though.

I have also wondered if it's supposed to be political satire with characters representing different countries.

[shocolate.livejournal.com]

Oh, I always loved them... so strange and mad.

[alex-s9.livejournal.com]

I'm almost positive I own at least one book of the Moomin series from every edition that was ever printed in Poland, which means I've got sometimes three copies of the same book. I can't stop myself when it comes to Tove Jansson books; the same story repeats with Astrid Lindgren, although she wrote so much more that I have only one copy of each of her books (except Mio, My Mio, can't find the edition I want). I also have mascots of Little My, Moomin and Snork Maiden, cups with Little My and Snufkin, and even little spoons with Moomin I brought from Finland. Match me. :D

[dharawal.livejournal.com]

i have the complete boxed set of the Moomin books i love them so much.


Too-Ticky was my favourite, so much so back in the early 90's i used to run a BBS called Too-Ticky.

'all small beasts should have bows in their tails'

[lyras.livejournal.com]

Yay, Moomins! A friend of mine is obsessed with collecting those gorgeous mugs, but I don't think she's ever read the books. I should probably make sure that changes.

[pingrid.livejournal.com]

Now I'm wondering where all our childhood Moomin books have got to. *looks for Trollvinter/Moominland midwinter* *fails* *resolves to buy new ones*

[anthraxia.livejournal.com]

Moomin! Moominmoominmoominmoomin! The Snork Maiden inspired me to a 10 year long desire for an ankle bracelet as a child.

[flamewarrior.livejournal.com]

Yey, Moomins! \o/

[banbury.livejournal.com]

Oh, I love them too! I even have my own Moomin-Papa from Helsinki complete with his Hat :-)