nannah
Looking it up, based upon the story and how the characters look/are treated, it seems book 1 according to Goodreads is treated largely as a prequel everywhere else. Okay, that solves that.
In Spring, Moomintroll & Co. find a lovely Hobgoblin's hat and take it home. Unfortunately, this is not just any Hobgoblin's hat; anything anyone puts inside it changes! Whether it's something ... or someONE.
I loved the interaction between characters a lot more in this book, even if the plot wasn't as clear and streamlined as the first. Conflicts and internal character problems become a lot more nuanced -- and like Philip Pullman says on the cover: "These simple stories resonate with profound and complex emotions". In particular the Snork Maiden (and her vanity) and the emotions surrounding Snuffkin leaving in the fall to have an adventure alone.
I'm looking forward to read more.