The later Moomin books have much more mature themes and command of language and imagery as well. This is an odd little fable in which Moominpappa pulls everyone along in his dream of living on an island and taking care of all of them (without regard for whether they actually want this). There are challenges, there is growth. There are mysterious transformations and a bit of magic. I especially love what happened with the Groke, and with Moominmamma's garden.