POETRY FOR CHILDREN

Who Will Comfort Toffle - by Tove Jansson

Extract from a new verse translation by Sophie Hannah

Who lives inside this little house? It’s Toffle, all alone.
Poor Toffle doesn’t notice quite how lonely he has grown.
Outside he hears the Groke’s shrill howl, Hemulen’s heavy tread,
As nervously he lights his lamps to guide his way to bed.
Around him forest creatures close their doors against the night
And keep each other safe from harm with smiles and warmth and light,
But Toffle’s feeling cold and sad, with no companion near.
He burrows under bedclothes, body shivering with fear,
So who will comfort Toffle, tell him, ‘Hush now, it’s okay.
Life’s bound to seem much brighter when tomorrow comes your way.’

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