ARE YOU LOOKING FOR SOMETHING TO READ IN SUMMER?
Tove Jansson’s Moomin novels are so seasonal. Once you have read one of these, it sends to you memories whenever its season comes. Here is why you feel the need to reread year in and year out. Here is a text about one of her winter books.
WHY THE MOOMIN NOVELS MAKE GOOD FAMILY READS
The Moomin novels make good family reads as they are enjoyed by both children and adults. However, some people find these books hard to stomach. Some say they cannot pronounce and remember the characters’ names. Others do not feel comfortable with the content – probably because it is a bit too subtle and they are not sure what to make out of it. The latter is what I find to be really cool as I dislike shallow preaching and the exploitation of literature as a propaganda tool.
THE DARKNESS OF THE MOOMIN BOOKS
It is also true that some of the novels (the ones written later) are darker and somewhat depressing, but life is not full of exclusively sunny and light-hearted moments – even for children. And it needn’t be. After all, even children have harder moments, and they need to learn how to deal with them. This is how humans grow up. In fact, some people recommend reading Moomin novels in times of crisis as they show us characters who tackle uncertainties and hardships in such a way that we feel comforted and cosy.
MY CHILD’S EXPERIENCE WITH THE MOOMIN NOVELS
I read these books for the first time in my 40s, so I cannot offer my own childhood perspective on them, but I have read them several times with my son. Our first Moomin reading together was when he was about 2 years old. However, I did not literally read the book, but retold it in a simpler way and made great use of the illustrations. At some point he started reading them on his own, and sometimes he still picks a Moomin novel in between much more serious reads (he has just turned 14).
WHY READ HIGH QUALITY LITERATURE WITH KIDS – AS SOON AS POSSIBLE
Reading truly good literature with kids and not postponing till they are “mature enough” goes a long way in developing sophisticated reading skills and focus. Even more impressive than that is the fact that it helps children develop a taste for good literature as early experiences serve as frames of reference. All light literature that they come upon later is consciously or unconsciously compared to the deeper models, and they invariably win over it. However, if you feed a child only lightweight literature for years, it will be really hard to foster a taste for deeper and more substantial books even if you later set it as a goal.
MOOMINSUMMER MADNESS
Now back to business: when I was starting to write, my plan was to introduce you to one of Tove Jansson’s books that are set in summer time. It is called “Moominsummer Madness”. It is one of the books that will be better enjoyed by children rather than by adults, but I cannot say I was bored when I read it to my kid. In fact I truly enjoyed some parts and the subtle humour. It also offers a bonus – if you would like to introduce your kid to theatre, this book will help you.
This book served as the basis for episodes 28-30 of the animated 90s TV series. I watched these episodes and enjoyed them, but they are way, way simpler and sketchier than the book.
OTHER MOOMIN NOVEL SUMMER READS
My favourite Moomin novel summer read is “Comet in Moominland”.
ILLUSTRATIONS
Tove Jansson was a professional artist. She illustrated many books, including her own. She also ran a Moomintroll comic strip for years. She draws mostly in black ink – in an exquisite yet bold and powerful way.