This book addresses one of the most important existential questions: will Snufkin miss me as much as I miss Snufkin and how can I know? Indeed. Note: my copy includes added sticky notes by the friend who gave it to me. Pee-hoo! If only I could hibernate in the summer.

I've had this book since it was first published but have never used it with young readers because most American kids aren't familiar with the Moomins yet. Also, this book is only based on the Moomin stories of Tove Jannson, not written by her. This year, I decided to give it a go and see how it was received. It is starting to get cold and as everyone knows, Moomins hibernate for the winter. Before that happens, Moomintroll goes looking for his best friend Snufkin. Snufkin was getting ready to head south for the winter, since he didn't hibernate. The two friends say goodbye, but even though Snufkin reassured Moomintroll he would return the first warm day of spring, just as he did every year, Moomintroll was sad to see his friend go. Feeling dejected and alone, no one could convince Moomintroll of Snufkin's return. Would he miss Moomintroll as much as Moomintroll would miss Snufkin? Moomintroll is finally reassured when Moominpappa gives him a little parcel - a note and tiny sailboat to sail when together when he returns in spring. This is a nice story about friendship and about learning to express sadness. My young readers actually liked this book a lot, including with the way it was written and the illustrations. It opened up a really nice dialogue about missing people, mostly grandparents and friends who have moved away. There are a few more Moomin picture books based on Tove Jansson's original stories which my kids would like to read as well, so yes, you could say they were quite taken with the magic of Moominvalley and its inhabitants.

Excellent story about friendship and its value.