The 1961 English publication features a foreword "by Moominmamma", where she explains the nature of Moomins for fear that English children may not have heard of them; she also apologises for her "rottn" English.
Moominmamma's foreword in the 1961 English edition aims to introduce Moomins to English readers, explaining their characteristics and acknowledging any potential misunderstandings due to her imperfect English.