Tove Jansson

The author's comic strip is published for the first time in North America in the first volume of a proposed multi-volume series designed to reprint the entire strip of the magical world of the author's creation, the Moomins.

"This brief novel tells the story of Sophia, a six-year-old girl awakening to existence, and Sophia's grandmother, nearing the end of hers, as they spend the summer on a tiny unspoiled island in the Gulf of Finland." -- Publisher's description.

Tove Jansson's Moomin stories made her one of the most beloved Scandinavian authors of the 20h century. Jansson's whimsical tales of Moominvalley resonate with children for their light-hearted spirit, and with adults for their incisive commentary on the banality of everyday life. 2014 marks the centenary of her birth, and Jansson is being honoured with events in England, Scandinavia, Germany, Russia, Japan, Australia, Italy, Spain, and France. Drawn...

An NYRB Classics Original Tove Jansson excelled at the brief tale, writing stories that in their short spans unfold to reveal entire worlds. This is true of her internationally syndicated cartoon strip about a family of hippo-like creatures, the Moomins; of her beloved Moomin novels; and of her best-selling books for adults, like The Summer Book. Until now, however, Jansson's short stories have been nearly impossible to find in the United States....

Feeling his family's life is too safe and fixed, Moominpappa moves them to a lighthouse on an island to lead a life full of troubles, and indeed they find many mysteries in that lonely place.

Before he had a family, Moominpappa led a life of adventure and intrigue. But he's never told his story until now. He has a bad cold, and it's the perfect time to remember his youthful endeavors and to ponder the experiences which have made him the remarkable Moomin he is.

"Moominmamma and Moomintroll need to find a home for the winter, someplace where sun is plentiful and safe from the dangers of the unknown. But before they can settle down, they must cross a dark and sinister forest and find their way through a flood of epic proportions, all the while hoping that they will find Moominpappa again. Their journey seems daunting but they forge ahead, with Moominmamma's kindness and patience giving Moomin the courage he...

It's long past bedtime in the Moominhouse but, try as he might, Moomin just can't get to sleep! Luckily, the Moomin family are full of bright ideas to help him drift off to Dreamland.