Tove Jansson is known as the creator of the Moomin World, presented in a series of profoundly original books for children that have appeared in more than thirty languages. All the books are illustrated by Jansson, and her dual artistic identity as author and visual artist is clearly reflected in her extensive work, which spans from painting and illustration to novels and short stories for both adults and children. Jansson belonged to the Swedish- speaking minority in Finland, and traces of isolation--the theme of the "narrow room" that is said to characterize Finno-Swedish novels--may also be found in her work. Catastrophes and dramatic events emanating from the larger world outside constantly threaten the free and happy spirit of the Moomin family, living in a beautiful valley of their own, surrounded by mountains. Although sometimes viewed as a paradise for escapists, the utopian character of the Moomin universe is...