Moominpappa at Sea

I first discovered this book at the age of about 12 or 13, already older than the average moomin reader, but having read most of the others. It was obvious that this was no ordinary moomin book, and neither was it strictly a children's book. In fact it is a masterly observation of family dynamics, mid life crises and the human condition, but mixed with a mysterious and fantastic magic that leads to spine tingling excitement and making one question how we know what is real.Every psychology student has something to analyse in every character, and anyone who ever had a moment of doubt about the meaning of their life has something to ponder. What father with a teenage family would not relate to Moominpappa's melancholy, feeling that his life is without purpose now his family appear to be independent, his urge to be needed, to be able to protect them? What homesick traveller could not understand Moominmamma's longing for her garden, (and its magical transformation which you will have to read for yourselves). The description of her homesickness brings tears to the eyes. And what put-upon mother could not identify with her delight in being able to disappear from her family just long enough to stop them taking her for granted? The glimpses of the fond, but no longer passionate relationship between Moominmamma and Moominpappa, and Moominmamma's endless patience for Pappa's foibles, their need for their own roles, and his inability to understand her own needs says more about the maried state than plenty of far more learned texts. We will all be able to identify the same dynamics in our own families and relationships.Meanwhile Moomintroll's adolescent emotional awakening must bring nostalgic memories of first love to we adult readers, but must surely mystify the average 8 year old. Younger children do not usually have a developed enough sense of other people's individuality to understand the complexities of what is driving the Moomin family to their peculiar dispersal.The allegory of the frozen Groke could represent so much - I feel a thesis coming on - but I think represents how people get into a vicious cycle;cut off emotionally because no one interacts with them, and becoming ever more reclusive and antisocialin a vicious cycle. She makes us think about how we subconciously excuse ourselves for avoiding the lonely, scared, mentally ill, etc among us, for fear we may be "tainted" them. Although I'm sure children will enjoy it at one level I recommend it highly to everyone, particularly if you are in a life crisis. I have lent it to nearly all my close friends and no one has yet not enjoyed it thoroughly.Anyone who enjoyed this book should also enjoy Moominvalley in November with a similar selection of odd characters who we will all recognize among our own aquaintance.

Recently I had a conversation about books which affected us as children. I had the idea of returning to many of them to see if they still had value to an adult. My co-conspirator was European, and couldn't say enough about Tove Jansson, who, for many years, wrote the Moomin series. These are charming tales about a curious family of creatures. They entertain and teach at a deeper level than the cautionary tales that were often part of our experience as American children. Intrigued, I found a couple of volumes and set about reading them. The first of these is "Moominpappa at Sea."The Moomin family is led by Moominpappa and Moominmamma. Following up behind are Moomintroll, the boy of the tale, and youngest is Little My, whose personality is best described as a bit thorny and imperturbable. The story starts with the Moomins living in a pleasant house near the Gulf of Finland. One is gradually drawn into the cadences of their conversation and little events that make up their lives. In addition, we meet the Groke, who is attracted to lamplight and freezes the ground where she stands. No sooner are we settled when, coming to the decision almost whimsically, the family determines to move to a small island across the sea where they will run a lighthouse. They load up their boat and sail off, with the Groke not far behind them.The island has a gigantic lighthouse at one end, and its only inhabitant, a fisherman at the other. In short order Moominpappa is building furniture and trying to start up the lighthouse lamp, while Moominmamma works at making their new home livable. Moomintroll wanders the island investigating, finding a perfect place to hide, mermaids, and, eventually, the Groke, who will only stand and stare at the lamp he holds. Eventually Moominpappa realizes he doesn't understand how to start the lamp and, goes on to try other enthusiasms. Moominmamma struggles with trying to feel at home. Moomintroll finds himself entranced by the seahorses and perplexed by the Groke. Of course, Little My observes and remarks on everyone's activity. There is a general sense of discomfort, and the island, as time goes on, seems to become increasingly dark and hostile.How the Moomins deal with this strange island, the Groke, and the other mysteries about them is by virtue of a nature which is both natural and miraculous. They do not work magic, but they themselves are the stuff of magic. The story is about how each of them finds themselves, and as they do, the world about them changes as well. In the course of time, the lighthouse turns and the Groke becomes warm. All this happens by subtle degrees. There is an almost Zen-like quality to the pace of the book, which is told in a narrative style that begs to be read aloud. This is not a book for one who wants everything laid out crystal clear. Rather it speaks to those who want to be engaged, mystified, and, finally, enchanted.

When I was seven, already a voracious reader, my father would bring home a book for me each time he returned from business trips.After devouring all the Nancy Drew, Paddington the Bear and Black Stallion books from the airport bookstore, My father brought home this strange little story, and began my lifelong yearning for moominland. I still have all the original copies of each book, well loved and tattered. Tove Jansson's wistful and sometimes dark storytelling and magical, yet all too human characters are reason enough to read, but the charming illustrations are the icing on the cake. The moomin series taught me at a very early age that people (and creatures) are not always happy and perfect, yet they love and coexist with their family and friends. This has always been my favorite of the series, and as an eight year old, convinced the librarian of my elementary school to acquire it and urge other kids to read it. You need to visit Moominpappa's island. Then visit it again.

As a children's librarian, I often try to get kids interested in the wonderful Moominbooks. However, only certain children seem to catch on, while many do not. I'm not quite sure why this is so. The Moomins originated in Finland, where perhaps kids are more attuned to nature and the world around them, to taking time for subtleties, thinking outside the box, and quiet wit; instead of being bombarded by extra stimuli all the time. At any rate, adults as well as kids would do well to investigate a superb book such as this. Each character has a depth all their own in this tale of a family who sets sail to discover an island and a mysterious lighthouse. There they try to understand their new environment, each other, and themselves. Delightful cartoon drawings by the author illuminate this wistful, magical book.

This is the most sweet and gentle Moominbook. Moominpappa takes the family to a lonely island where it is sometimes dark and scary but also there are beautiful dancing sea horses and secret places in the woods. Little My is the funnest person who never gets bothered about anything even red ants. My favorite part is Moomintroll meeting the Groke at night. The Groke seems very scary but maybe there is a soft spot inside where she is lonely and wants the Moomins to like her. Moominmamma tries to plant roses in the seaweed. You should read this book if you like to go to the beach or have daydreams.