Well, almost. I have found a way of getting myself off to sleep.

Moomin books.

Really, a couple of chapters and I'm fit to drop.

Of course, they don't keep me asleep and they have inspired the odd bad dream, but there's something about them that lulls you to the Land of Nod.

It can't be the content being comforting. I read a couple to New Man and he thought they were 'a bit sad'. Of course its creator was Nordic, and they're not a people known for embracing the light. I think it's the rhythm of Tove Jannson's writing that induces sleep. I must look at this a bit more, but I can't think what else it is. Probably a fusion of things; most great things are.

It won't be the drawings, they're too interesting. She provides amazing illustrations which I'm afraid this little film doesn't do justice to, though it is very cute.

The content is great though. There are characters with admirable traits - Snufkin believes in 'no possessions' and revels in being a tramp. And there are those who are naughty. Little My loves causing trouble and isn't beyond enjoying a bit of red ant genocide. Moomin is a nice lad but is a bit of a wimp and hopelessly besotted with the snork maiden. Everyone has their flaws and their qualities and amusing character quirks.

Then there is the Groke. Everything she touches turns black and dies. She wanders the wastelands looking for light, a shapeless hill of a creature with hypnotic eyes. it's been said she represents that Nordic gloominess, but she is an excellent characterisation of depression, if not death itself.

The tales of Moomin Valley may be familiar from childhood. I had a couple of them, but there are dozens. Which of course I am now working my way through, thanks to Amazon making bookworm eccentricity an easy vice to endulge. I don't have that masochistic streak that needs those rainy Saturday, holy grail-style expeditions around charity shops. Just post it me.