Moomin and the Birthday Button

This paper-over-board book launches a series based on Jansson’s original Moomin stories. Moomintroll—who resembles a white hippopotamus—is dismayed when none of his friends care about his birthday or his new golden button: “ ‘Snorkmaiden, Little My! Look what I’ve got!’ But Snorkmaiden didn’t answer. She just went on looking for shells.” But when it’s time for his birthday party, he gets a surprise. Bright, digitized colors replace some of the darker shades of Jansson’s earlier books, giving readers of a new generation a friendly footpath into Moominvalley. Ages 2–6. (Dec.)