Life is funny sometimes. Just when you think you have your plans set, Serendipity arrives to smack you over the head. A few months ago, I was working the circulation desk when a fellow librarian arrived to return a couple items, one of which was Moominvalley in November. Curious, I opened it up and found myself laughing at the illustrations and thought maybe this would be a good book to cure my mid-winter blues. After checking it out to myself I noticed the comment scripted on the front cover – “possibly the cleverest of the Moomin books.” “There’s more of them!” I silently exclaimed. After flying through Moominvalley in November I found myself head over heels for this delightful series, which I have since read out of order. I think Jansson would like that. The world she created is full of spontaneity, ordered only by the characters willingness to achieve order (so sometimes not at all). It’s hard to pick a favorite Moomin book, but with summer fast approaching, I give you Moominsummer Madness – a story of a flood, a play, and what to do with cantankerous park rangers. No matter the season or the place you find yourself in, these books are a wonderful way to take a load off. Read them aloud to your kids or peruse them alone, you’ll be delighted that you did.

If chapter books aren’t your thing but you’re still interested in the Moomins, be sure to check out the comic strip that features all of Jansson’s unforgettable characters.