Moominland Midwinter
The strangest and most beautiful winter book for kids, from Finland, about being awake when everyone you love is asleep.
Why they ask for it again
Moomintroll wakes up alone, and everything he knows has changed. Any child who has lain awake at night has been there.
Our review
Moomins hibernate. This year, Moomintroll wakes in the middle of winter, cannot wake his mother, and has to walk out into a world he has never seen: snow, ice, the sun gone, strange creatures who only come out in the dark. Too-Ticky, who knows everything and explains nothing, helps him get through it.
Tove Jansson wrote about loneliness and change with no sugar on it and no fear either. This is the most grown-up of the Moomin books, and one that adults may need more than kids do. The translation is lovely to read aloud, slow and clear, with a lot of quiet in it.
How to read it aloud
Read slowly, lower than usual, in a dim room. Give Too-Ticky a calm, matter-of-fact voice, and leave lots of silence.
The catch
It is slow, with almost no plot in the usual sense. If your kid has only read adventure stories, start with Finn Family Moomintroll instead.
Is it scary?
The Lady of the Cold and a lonely, dark atmosphere. Eerie, but never violent.
Books like Moominland Midwinter, and what to read next
Pippi LongstockingAnother Nordic classic, and about as different in energy as a book can be.
The Wild RobotAnother story about a lone figure learning a harsh, beautiful world.
Charlotte's WebThe same honesty about change and loss.
Also good for
Quick answers
What age is Moominland Midwinter for?
Ages 6–12. The sweet spot, in our opinion, is age 7 to 10.
How long does Moominland Midwinter take to read aloud?
About 3 hours in total, or 20 minutes a sitting. This is our estimate at a calm bedtime pace.
Is Moominland Midwinter scary?
The Lady of the Cold and a lonely, dark atmosphere. Eerie, but never violent.
What should we read after Moominland Midwinter?
We would suggest Pippi Longstocking, The Wild Robot, Charlotte's Web.