Moomin: The Deluxe Anniversary Edition

Gr 4 Up—Considered a national treasure in Finland but best known in this country for her "Moomin" novels, Jansson did it all: picture books, children's fiction, adult prose, and, in the 1950s, a series of comics about her most famous creations, the Moomintrolls. In honor of what would have been Jansson's 100th birthday, Drawn and Quarterly has released a gorgeous slip-covered collection of 21 of her best comics stories, including "Moomin on the Riviera," "Moomin Builds a House," and "Moomin and the Comet." Written in comic strip form, but telling longer stories (most made up of 60–80 strips), the work introduces readers to many of the inhabitants of Moominvalley as the various stories unfold. The artwork and storytelling are sublime; concrete enough to appeal to children with a sophisticated wink that will grab teens and adult readers. The book's introduction gives a brief overview of the history of Jansson's comics as well as several testimonials written by current cartoonists on how influential her books were to them growing up, while back matter consists of original character studies for stories included in this collection. Recommended for libraries that have not already purchased the previously published individual volumes of the Moomin comics (Drawn & Quarterly).—Eva Volin, Alameda Free Library, CA