And for adults, it's worth reading it just for the "inflatable rubber Hemulen" they find in the bathing hut. Hemulen have always been a little ridiculous and slapstick, but I giggled for ages when I read this.

In this book, Moomintroll wakes up in winter - the first Moomin to do so. He faces up to loneliness, and dealing with strange new people on his own - and then with Little My, which can be even harder. Winder includes death, and rebirth and partying, as the seasons move round.

the book has two wonderful Moominmamma moments - even sound asleep with the rest of the family, she manages to sort out one of his problems. And then when she wakes up, to find him ill and the house ransacked, she takes it in her stride.

Great for reading aloud - Moomins have become part of my family.