Moominland Midwinter

by Tove Jansson
Moominland Midwinter cover
Good Books rating 4.75
Children's Fiction
Technical:
  • ID: 1626
  • Added: 2025-10-08
  • Updated: 2025-10-11
  • ISBN: 9780140305029
  • Publisher: Penguin UK
  • Published: 1971-01-01
  • Formats: 8
  • Reviews: 3
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £7.99 Hardback • £12.99–£60.00

Moominland Midwinter tells the story of Moomintroll, who wakes up early from his winter hibernation and finds himself in a world blanketed in snow. Initially lonely and out of place, he soon discovers the beauty and wonder of the winter season. Along the way, he meets a variety of characters, each with their own unique perspectives on the cold months. This enchanting tale captures the essence of winter's quiet magic and the joy of new experiences. The book is beautifully illustrated, bringing the whimsical world of Moominland to life with vivid detail and charm.

Reviews
Did You Ever Stop to Think? · 2023-10-20
marvelous 4.75

This book is dark and experimental, filled with an honest magic that makes the reader marvel. The Lady of the Cold is a standout character.

The reviewer is captivated by the dark and experimental nature of this book, which they find full of an honest magic. The story's depth and uniqueness make it a standout, particularly with the introduction of the Lady of the Cold, who adds a layer of intrigue and wonder. The reviewer marvels at how the book blends dark themes with a sense of wonder, creating a unique and memorable reading experience. The characters and their journeys are highlighted as particularly compelling, making this a must-read for fans of the Moomin series.

Quick quotes

    The Moomins make me happy but this book makes me marvel. It is dark and experimental and full of an honest magic.

    And when it gets to the Lady of the Cold, it becomes something truly special.

    This book is a testament to Tove Jansson's ability to blend dark themes with a sense of wonder.

Girl with her Head in a Book · Girl with her Head in a Book · 2019-08-19
incredible 5.00

This book is an incredible study of depression and loneliness from a child's perspective. It is unique and deeply impactful.

The reviewer finds this book to be an incredible and perhaps unique study of depression and loneliness, viewed through the eyes of a child. They appreciate the depth and emotional resonance of the story, which makes it a standout in the Moomin series. The reviewer also notes that the book's exploration of these themes is both profound and accessible, making it a deeply impactful read. The unique perspective and emotional depth are highlighted as key strengths, making this a memorable and thought-provoking book.

Quick quotes

    It is an incredible – perhaps even unique – study of depression and loneliness on the child's eye level.

    I can also see why it was not at all a children's book in the traditional sense.

    The emotional resonance of the story is profound and deeply impactful.

Simon Petrie's Blog · Simon Petrie · 2016-05-08
beautiful 4.50

This book is a quietly beautiful gateway to a trove of wonderful storytelling. It is a standout in the Moomin series.

Simon Petrie finds this book to be a beautifully written entry in the Moomin series. He appreciates its quiet beauty and how it served as a gateway to a world of wonderful storytelling. The book's unique charm and depth make it a standout, offering a rich and engaging experience that lingers long after reading. Petrie highlights the book's ability to captivate readers with its gentle yet profound narrative, making it a memorable addition to the series.

Quick quotes

    It is, ultimately, a quietly beautiful book, and it served, for me, as the gateway to a trove of quite wonderful storytelling.

    It is a book that rewards re-reading, offering new insights and pleasures each time.

    The quiet beauty of the prose and the depth of the characters make this a standout in the Moomin series.

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