Moominvalley in November – Tove Jansson
Moominvalley in November by Tove Jansson / ISBN 9781908745712 / 206-page hardback with dust jacket / illustrated in black and white, published by Sort Of Books (UK) / eighth and final in the series
***
“I love these editions–so beautifully produced, so solid and permanent, just as Tove Jansson deserved.”–Philip Pullman
A beautiful collectors’ edition of this classic Moomin story, using original 50s and 60s cover artwork and gorgeous endpapers
In her last, most profound and poignant Moomin story, Jansson explores themes of loss, legacy and hope. The Moomins have left their beloved Moominvalley but as winter draws near Snufkin, Mymble, Toft and others move into the Moominhouse to await the family’s return. Could that gentle flicker of light on the horizon be their boat?
“There is, in short, everything in the Moomin books: giant comets and secret caves and tree houses and stilts and magic-carpet clouds and amusement parks run by despotic practical-joking kings and time machines and ski instructors.” –Harper’s
“We need Moominland for its gentle pace, its sense of beauty and awe, and its spirit of friendliness and empathy—now more than ever.” –The Horn Book
Tove Jansson (1914–2001) was born in Helsinki and spent much of her life in Finland. She is the author of the Moomin books, including Comet in Moominland and Finn Family Moomintroll. Born into an artistic family―her father was a sculptor and her mother was a graphic designer and illustrator―Jansson studied at the University College of Arts, Crafts and Design in Stockholm, the Finnish Academy of Fine Arts, and L’École des Beaux-Arts in Paris. In addition to her Moomin books, she also wrote several novels, drew comic strips and worked as a painter and illustrator. In 1966, she was awarded the Hans Christian Andersen Medal for her body of work. Jansson had a studio in Helsinki but spent most of her time at her home on a small island called Klovharu.