Explore Finland's literary heritage through a series published 80 years ago

On July 11, Finnish Literature Week - Exhibition "Tove Jansson & Moomins 80" officially opened in Hanoi with a series of exhibitions, book readings and book launches.

The year 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the publication of “Moomin” by writer Tove Jansson (1914-2001). This is considered a timeless and iconic artistic heritage of Northern Europe.

The “Moomin” series consists of 9 classic novels that were published in 1945. Each work is a small world containing profound lessons about maturity, loneliness, family love and the desire to find a home.

The works have been translated into Vietnamese.

In Vietnam, the first book by writer Tove Jansson “The Sorcerer’s Hat” was introduced to readers by Kim Dong Publishing House in 2010. Up to now, all nine of Tove Jansson’s most outstanding, poetic and humane Moomin works have been published and introduced to Vietnamese readers through eight books: “The Sorcerer’s Hat,” “The Invisible Child,” “The Mumis at Sea,” “Mysterious Winter,” “Mumi and the Comet,” “The Dangerous Solstice,” “The Exciting Adventures of Mumi Dad” and “November in Mumi Valley,” translated by Vo Xuan Que and edited by Dr. Bui Viet Hoa.

The “Moomin 80” event series takes place globally under the theme “The Door is Always Open” to spread a humane message of openness, acceptance and hospitality in the Moomin world.

Ms. Teija Norvanto, wife of the Finnish Ambassador to Vietnam, talks with reporters from VietnamPlus Electronic Newspaper at the event. (Photo: Minh Thu/Vietnam+)

The “open door” is a familiar image in every house in Moomin Valley, a place where everyone can come in, be heard, be themselves and be accepted with all their differences. In this world, love, care, imagination and freedom are always present.

Sharing with reporters of VietnamPlus Electronic Newspaper, Ms. Teija Norvanto, wife of the Finnish Ambassador to Vietnam, said that the theme of the series of activities to celebrate Moomin 80 not only honors a tolerant lifestyle but also invites all generations to step into the door of imagination, where children can discover themselves, and adults can find the gentleness that has fallen asleep.

Ms. Teija Norvanto was delighted to attend the event and read books directly to Vietnamese children.

“We see ourselves as having a responsibility to spread Finnish culture to the Vietnamese people. Therefore, I appreciate Kim Dong Publishing House and the Initiative for Creative Children’s Book Content (ICBC) for collaborating with the Embassy of Finland in Vietnam to organize this series of events,” said Ms. Teija Norvanto.

"Moomin" is a series suitable for readers of all ages. (Photo: Minh Thu/Vietnam+)

According to the Finnish Ambassador's wife, Finnish literature always promotes inner beauty, serenity and deep imagination with many wonderful works that have conquered readers around the world, including "Moomin."

“Moomin” is not only a cultural icon loved by generations of readers around the world, but also a magical door that opens for children the opportunity to dialogue with emotions, discover themselves and learn to accept differences. Tove Jansson’s simple yet philosophical stories have become special spiritual friends, nurturing sensitivity, empathy and courage in children.

“The characters in 'Moomin' subtly reflect the author's life and inner self: the desire for independence, quiet loneliness, love for beauty and difference. The stories spread the meaning of friendship, family love, tolerance and many other humane messages. I think the work is suitable for both adults and children,” Ms. Teija Norvanto shared./.

Finnish Literature Week - Exhibition "Tove Jansson & Moomins 80" takes place from July 12 to July 20 at Kim Dong Publishing House, 55 Quang Trung, Hanoi.

All activities within the program are free.

- Reading the book “Hello Ruby - Exploring the World of the Internet”: 10:00-11:30 on July 12. Through simple, fun and creative hands-on activities, children will be introduced to basic concepts of the Internet, logical thinking and digital skills.

- Reading the book "The Amazing Adventures of Dad Mum": 10:00-11:30 on July 13

- Read the book “The Sorcerer's Hat” and make a Moomin house: 15:00-16:30, July 13.

- Reading the book “Mumi Family at the Beach”: 10:00-11:30 on July 19

- Book launch "The Last Mermaid - Echoes from the legend of the ocean" by Iida Turpeinen: 2:30 p.m. July 19

(Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/kham-pha-di-san-van-hoc-phan-lan-thong-qua-bo-truyen-ra-doi-cach-day-80-nam-post1049172.vnp