It was a special experience.

I could disconnect from the noisy everyday life and spend time with Moomintroll and his friends.

I spent my time floating on the magical clouds,

Climbing the muddy spring slopes to the cliff top,

And discovering with them the Hobgoblin’s terrible hat.

I hunted the mischievous Stinky with them, embarked on a boat trip with them, and bravely faced the Groke.

As I grew older, my appreciation for the books and the author, Tove Janson, deepened.

As a mother, I deeply identify with Moominmamma's amusing yet endearing character.

After studying therapeutic literature,

I was drawn to explore and define Tove Janson's enchanting magic.

Those familiar with the stories know how much joy, kindness, and innocence they contain.

However, not many know that her books were written during one of the hardest periods in world history - World War II.

Talented Tove, who had already gained a reputation as a comic strip artist for the press, enlisted to help with the war effort.

During that time, refugee children were smuggled into Scandinavian countries.

Children from big cities were sent to rural areas far from bombing danger.

There was an urgent need to keep them occupied

And provide a supportive framework for all those children

Whose orderly world had been so disrupted.

Tove weaved magical stories for them, taking them on experiential journeys to enchanted worlds.

She would help them forget their troubles.

Even if only for a while.

When I learned of this heroic background from which Janson’s stories grew, I reread her books and discovered additional depth.

Therapeutic, kind, and touching in depth.

Think of Moomintroll in "Moominland Midwinter".

He woke up in the middle of winter

And finds himself in a world

entirely different from what he knew.

The beloved mother is deep asleep,

As are all his family members and close friends.

Reluctantly, he sets out to explore his surroundings,

And find ways to adapt to them.

I read the book and wanted to be there to hug little Moomintroll.

How happy I was with him at the first sunrise

on the last day of the long and dark winter.

How disappointed I was with him

when it turned out that the sun’s visit was short and fleeting, and there was still plenty of time to wait until everyone woke up.

Think of the young refugee children who listened to Tove Janson’s words and found in them a gentle and pleasant echo of their own feelings in a world whose rules had changed, far from their families and the familiar and predictable world of childhood.

What healing and validation they received for their feelings, and how much mental health they drew from these stories.

In my home, these books are so popular.

that my children love to quote them in the family journal.

They find fitting metaphors for everyday situations, making everything experiential and entertaining.

Personally, I return to these books, some of which I have read dozens of times.

When I crave refreshing relaxation and enjoyable taste, I return to them again and indulge to my heart's content.

When it comes to the enchanting world of the Moomin family, my wholehearted recommendation is to delve into the books rather than rely solely on the films. While the animated adaptations can provide a delightful introduction to Tove Jansson’s creations, they cannot match the rich, descriptive tapestry woven within the pages of the original books.

The Moomin books are a treasure trove of vivid imagery and detailed narratives that enrich the reader's imagination. Tove Jansson’s exceptional ability to paint scenes with words offers an immersive experience, transporting readers into the lush, vibrant world of Moominvalley. Her depth and nuance enhance the reader's ability to visualize and emotionally connect with the characters and settings. This fosters a profound inner experience that extends far beyond the visual appeal of the films.

The descriptive richness of the Moomin books is unparalleled in its ability to stimulate the imagination and elevate language skills. Each page is filled with intricate details that invite readers to create vivid mental images, expanding their creative horizons. Moreover, Jansson’s sophisticated yet accessible prose enhances linguistic abilities, providing readers with a robust vocabulary and an appreciation for literary artistry.

Milton Erickson, a pioneer in therapeutic storytelling, emphasized the profound impact of stories on the human psyche. According to Erickson, stories have the power to bypass resistance and reach the subconscious mind, facilitating healing and growth through metaphorical and symbolic content. The Moomin books are an excellent embodiment of Erickson’s principles, offering narratives that resonate deeply. The Moomin stories are replete with metaphors that foster internal healing and personal growth.

In conclusion, while the Moomin films offer a charming glimpse into Tove Jansson’s world, the books provide a much richer and more rewarding experience. The detailed descriptions, emotional depth, and therapeutic metaphors in the Moomin books make them indispensable for any child’s (or adult's) library. They not only entertain but also promote emotional growth and healing, embodying the true power of storytelling as championed by Milton Erickson. So, if you want to gift your children an unparalleled experience of imagination, language enrichment, and psychological connection, let them dive into the magical pages of the Moomin books.

As a book and reading enthusiast, I believe that investing in books is the most profitable investment. Even if we gain just one insight into life from a book, it’s impossible to quantify the benefit we derive from it. All the more so from books as rich as the Moomin books. Highly recommended, even today.