Finn Family Moomintroll - Tove Jansson

This book seems like it should have come before Comet in Moominland because it reads more like a genesis. The story opens with the hibernation tactics of the moomins explained and then skips to the spring where they awaken for the new year. A magical hobgoblin's top hat is found on a hill and creates a lot of drama for the family with its unpredictable properties, a voyage on a washed up boat is undertaken to the hattifatteners' island, and the creepy Groke makes an appearance. These haphazard adventures give the story a more disjointed feel than the last one but some attempt at rounding off the plot is made at the end when the Hobgoblin shows up. The only part that really stood out was the eerie introduction of the Groke which brings an element of horror to the festive antics. I noticed that there is a very strong commune pushing agenda with these books, as the family take in all manner of waifs and strays. Presumably none of these freeloaders are paying any rent.

Rating: 3/5