r/Moomins • u/Inside_Cook • 1d ago

which book to start for children?

As the title suggests I am wondering which book to start with when reading to children. I will be teaching a kindergarten class (5 and 6 years old) this summer and I want to spend some time reading chapter books to them. I loved the moomin books as a kid but don't really remember them. Are they appropriate for those ages? and if yes which book should I start with? thanks

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u/RB882 1d ago

My 3 year old loves “The Book About Moomin, Mymble and Little My”. He’s always been able to sit for longer books (he loves Moonins and the Great Flood!) so it’s probably a good fit for your kindergartners. I would think the other original picture books like “Who will Comfort Toffle” could be good too but I haven’t gotten my hands on them yet.

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u/Inside_Cook 1d ago

thank you!

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u/RemarkableEar2836 1d ago

We read Comet in Moominland to my son, 5, and he loved it. The great flood was also very enjoyable.

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u/Inside_Cook 1d ago

thanks, I think I'm gonna try this one with the kids in short bursts!

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u/WerewolfBarMitzvah09 1d ago

I did like the actual Moomin books at that age but for some kids it's still a little sophisticated for them- my older kids preferred at age 5 to read some of the Moomin picture book adaptations. Out of the chapter books the one that younger kids seem to enjoy most is The Exploits of Moominpappa so you could give that one a go!

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u/Inside_Cook 1d ago

thank you!

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u/finn_125 1d ago

I'd say parts of the main novels maybe too scary for kids that age, idk

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u/Miss_Poudingue 10h ago

I'd say, Finn Family Moomintroll! The family dynamic is easy to understand, even if you didn't read Comet in Moominland before that, because the characters are quickly re-introduced.

Each chapter is more or less a short story in itself, and the novel itself can be divided in three narrative arcs (the troubles with the Hobgoblin's hat, the trip to the Hattifattners's Island, and the visit of Thingummy, Bob, and the Groke).

The tone is rather funny and light-hearted, and since it is more a collection of small, familial adventures taking place between spring and autumn, it might be easier to follow for young readers than Comet in Moominland which is a long adventure story, with more details and progression to remember.

However, Finn Family Moomintroll ends with a bittersweet tone (Moomin's best friend, Snufkin, leaves the Valley in autumn to travel sunnier southern countries, as he always do, because he needs his time alone. Moomin is highly saddened he won't be seeing Snufkin before the following spring... But then, he admits Snufkin won't be gone forever and he should be happy that Snufkin is having a good time...)