Midwinter in the First Month

It’s a very snowy day here and the birds are crowding my feeder. It helps to have a feeder right in front of the sitting room windows. A nice, quiet way to look outside and bring yourself back to the present moment when my current read is frustrating or when my lovely spouse is suffering from coding-related eye strain. There’s so much snow here. So much it’s hard to remember that we’re only a month into our normally five-month long winter. It certainly feels like midwinter, even though it’s only midway to December. I would be seriously shocked if we didn’t get a white Christmas

Another Moomin

I’ve already reviewed a Moomin this year, but when I saw Moominland Midwinter I thought it would be the perfect time to re-visit Moomin Valley once more — especially since Puffin Books is re-issuing a stellar selection of Jansson’s chapter books, lovingly illustrated by her as well. Moomins normally hibernate through the winter but, in this particular year, Moomintroll wakes up and cannot get back to sleep. So he makes the most of discovering what Moomin Valley is like in the depths of winter — covered in snow and full of wildlife that he normally doesn’t get to see.

The Magic of Winter

This truly is a magical story, that makes one appreciate just how unique winter is as a season. It’s easy to get lost in the snow shovelling and the weather-influenced travel plans and lose sight of all of the great things that the season truly brings us and all of the experiences that can only be enjoyed with a healthy amount of snow on the ground. Jansson’s writing of Moomin Valley and Moomin’s adventures is both whimsical as well as being quiet and contemplative. The book brings the reader the feeling of looking out on that first snowfall, when the world feels sparkling, new, and full of beautiful, cold days to come.

For Young Readers and Old

Jansson’s quiet style really lends itself to bedtime stories for young readers because there’s just enough adventure without crossing the line into dramatic tension. The aspect of whimsy and wonder also reminds me of the best stories to read aloud next to a cup of hot chocolate on a snowy evening. It’s prose that can easily create an atmosphere. And the fact that this book is one of several in a series (each of which can be read individually) makes it a perfect gift for a young reader who hungers for more book journeys.

For adult readers, Moominland Midwinter is a wonderful dose of nostalgia and a relaxing read. It’s a nice, happy story that definitely makes a great break from adult literature without being too juvenile. All with charming illustrations.

Winter Squirrels

I know that there’s going to be a lot of snow, when the squirrels start flocking to the ground bellow my feeder. After the population explosion we’d had in previous years, we’re down to only four squirrels on snowy days and I don’t really mind them. As long as they aren’t destroying my feeder or bullying the birds, I am happy to help them out with some peanuts. Though, admittedly, I have learned to keep my distance after my lovely spouse suffered a squirrel bite a couple of summers past. The little furry menaces always look extra cute when they’re all fluffy and covered in snow.