During a pandemic where people are looking inward and finding the world can be a little bitter, I turn and find solace in Tove Jansson's world and work yet again.

The rhyming picturebook, beautifully translated by the poet Sophie Hannah, was first conceived and penned in the summer of 1959. Originally titled 'The Romantic Tale of the Lonely Toffle', it would see Jansson produce a story in which no Moomins are to be found although a familiar cast is evident. This time the story tells of lonely Toffle looking for someone to recognise him. In a world full of colour and life, Toffle feels isolated and alone. Won't anyone notice him?

Beautiful double-page spreads take us through Toffle's quest to find that someone special who will recognise him and draw him out of his shell. Whilst peering out to see, Toffle discovers a message in a bottle: it would seem though that this ideal partner first needs saving from the terrifying Groke. This is a story about a journey from out of a solitary darkness and into the light as much as it is about accepting who you are and learning how to express your feelings openly.

Toffle and Miffle are foils for both Tove and her partner, Tooti (Tootikki) whom she had met at a party in 1955. Although Jansson never saw herself as 'entirely lesbian', she would stay with Tooti throughout her life and I like to think that 'Toffle' is a touching ode to the times when Tove and Tooti were separated by work and the longing the artist had for her love.

Beautiful.