The Moomins and the Great Flood - Tove Jansson

64-page hardcover reissue of the very first Moomin book by beloved author/illustrator Tove Jansson (often seen as a prelude to the main Moomin series) / ISBN 9781770463288 / from Drawn and Quarterly's series Enfant

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Separated from Moominpappa and wandering without a home, Moominmamma and Moomintroll need to find a place to settle down for the winter, someplace sunny and safe from the dangers of the unknown. But before they can rest, they must cross a dark and sinister forest and find their way through a flood of epic proportions -- though they make some friends along the way, like Sniff (here referred to only as "the little creature") and the fair Tulippa.

The grim setting and constant misfortune that befall the characters are an apt introduction to the unique sensibility that makes Jansoon's Moomin books so enduringly charming: the mix of innocent wonder and tough-minded Scandinavian existentialism. The Moomins' journey seems daunting but they forge ahead, with Moominmamma’s kindness and patience giving Moomin the courage he needs to face the strange, unexplored path that lies ahead of them.

With its beautiful sepia-toned watercolours and curious, playful prose, The Moomins and the Great Flood will have you rooting for the Moomins and their quest to find Moominpappa and a place to call home. For die-hard Moomin fans or those new to the characters, this book is sure to delight.

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.