On the 80th anniversary of the first book's publication, Kim Dong Publishing House, the Finnish Embassy in Vietnam, and the Initiative of Children Book Creative Content (ICBC) collaborated to organize Finland's Literature Week - Tove Jansson & Moomins 80 Exhibition. The event is part of a series of global celebrations.
The program chose the theme "The Door Is Always Open," inspired by the image of the Moomins' house in Tove Jansson's work – a place where the door is always ajar, welcoming everyone with hospitality and openness. Thus, the event conveys a message of tolerance, respect for differences, and the spirit of sharing. Through each page, readers not only immerse themselves in a fantasy world but also learn valuable life lessons about kindness.
Speaking at the opening ceremony on the afternoon of 11/7, Keijo Norvanto, Finnish Ambassador to Vietnam, said the Moomins embody the beauty of Finnish literature, reflecting the spirit of northern Europeans: freedom, harmony with nature, minimalist living, and respect for each other's privacy. He also highlighted the innovation of his country's literature in the modern context: "Children's books like Hello Ruby - Adventures in Coding, which educates children about technology, and The Last Mermaid - Echoes from the Ocean's Legends, which emphasizes environmental protection, prove that Finnish literature is not limited to 'white snow,' tranquility, and eternal lyricism, but always strives to explore new territories and address global issues."
In addition, he said, the week is an opportunity to promote understanding, cooperation, and cultural exchange between the two countries. He believes in the bridge that literature and art create and hopes that many Vietnamese readers will discover and become interested in the Moomins in particular and Finnish literature in general.
At the event, a book reading was also held with Teija Norvanto, wife of the Finnish ambassador to Vietnam. She both told stories and interacted with many children.
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Children draw and color the Moomins. Photo: Khanh Linh |
The series of events will take place from 11/7-20/7 with activities such as art exhibitions, creative reading, and book launches at the Kim Dong Publishing House headquarters in Quang Trung, Hanoi. The organizers have also designed experiential programs and field trips for preschools and elementary schools for educational purposes and to encourage reading.
Tove Jansson (1914-2001) was a writer, novelist, and painter. She was born into a Finnish artistic family and lived in harmony with nature. These were the cradles that nurtured her imagination, allowing her to create her works. Throughout her career, she received over 50 awards, including the Hans Christian Andersen Award (1966), often referred to as the Nobel Prize for children's literature.
Moomins is the collective name of the main characters, resembling white hippos, in the series of novels (9 volumes) and comic books (5 volumes) created by Tove Jansson. In Vietnam, Kim Dong Publishing House has published several books featuring these characters, including: Finn Family Moomintroll, The Invisible Child, Moominpappa at Sea, Moominland Midwinter, Comet in Moominland, Midsummer Madness, The Exploits of Moominpappa, and Moominvalley in November, translated by Vo Xuan Que and edited by Dr. Bui Viet Hoa. Each work contains lessons about growing up, loneliness, family love, and the yearning for a home.
Today, the Moomins have become a cultural icon of Scandinavia, influencing various art forms such as film, theater, opera, games, and especially television series with productions in Germany (1959), Germany-Poland (1977, 1982), and Japan (1972).
Khanh Linh
