Moomin on my Mind

This weekend I was busy making book plates for a dear friend's baby shower so every guest can gift (and dedicate) their favorite children's book for the baby's building library.  So I have children's books on the brain and I'm thinking of all of my old (and new) favorites.  Admission: I'm obsessed with Moomin.  Anyone out there know what I'm talking about?  For those who don't, I think it's safe to say that the Moomin (Mumintroll) are the Finnish equivalent of Mickey Mouse.  

Well, I have a stash of beloved children's books alongside my shelves and shelves of coffee table books and one of my favorites is the somewhat arcane (here in the US) Book About Moomin, Mymble and Little My by (the iconic) Tove Jansson.  Graphic designers, you will die -- the pages are so dynamic, graphic and beautifully arranged.  The book has a die cut on each page placed in such a smart way that characters from other pages can sometimes be found peeking in an ever changing aperture that cleverly pierces the entire book. The story (which is somewhat random in translation) follows Moomintroll through the woods on a journey to bring milk to Moominmamma. Moomintroll runs into Mymble who has just lost Little My, her sister. Lots of adventure ensues as they find their way home.  Anyhow, check it out -- you (especially those with a graphic eye) won't be disappointed!