Mondo Moomin

For those who don't know these... the Moomin books are just delightful. We
were raised on them. I recommend you start with _Moominsummer Madness_. 

I have two Moomin dolls of M-Papa & M-Mama, on my mantelpiece here,
purchased in Finland some 30 years ago. As well as a mural in my son's
room, which includes the complete Moomin entourage-- along with Snufkin
sitting under a tree while a cluster of Hattiefatners grow up out of the
ground before him... So, that's how keen I am! 

Jarmo,
My recollection is that Jannson was a Swedish speaking Finn, yes? And so
the Moomin books were first published in Swedish? In Sweden? But she is
fully embraced by the Finnish speaking Finns?

One notable feature of the series is a latent feminism that becomes
stronger as the books go on. The male characters become weaker and more
foolish; the females become stronger. I think the first book is about
Moominpapa's amazing youthful adventures (also highly recommended), but
then by the time of _Moominpapa at Sea_ he really is "at sea," and out of
it, while Moominmama is more an embracing Mrs. Dalloway figure. 

I've always seen the big humor-less Hemulins as a satire on the Germans--
an antipathy coming out of Finland's participation in the WWII Axis? 

She also wrote an adult novel about a grim old folks home in the US. Set in
Florida, I think.

Bruce