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

This special week will give readers, especially Vietnamese children and families, the opportunity to explore the uniqueness, profound philosophy and emotional depth of Finnish storytelling.

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.

2025 marks the 80th anniversary of Tove Jansson’s (1914-2001) work “Moomin” , considered a timeless and iconic Nordic artistic legacy.

The “Moomin” series consists of 9 classic novels that were first 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 the most outstanding, poetic and humane Moomin works by author Tove Jansson have been published and introduced to Vietnamese readers through 8 books “The Sorcerer’s Hat,” “The Invisible Child,” “The Mumis at Sea,” “Mysterious Winter,” “Mumi and the Comet,” “Dangerous Solstice,” “The Thrilling Adventures of Mumis Dad” and “November in Mumis 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 Online 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, there is always love, care, imagination and freedom.

Sharing with VietnamPlus Online Newspaper reporter, 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 the 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 been dormant.

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

“We feel it is our responsibility to spread Finnish culture to the Vietnamese people. Therefore, I appreciate Kim Dong Publishing House and the Creative Children's Book Content Initiative (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 taking place within the framework of the program are free of charge.

- Read the book “Hello Ruby - Exploring the Internet World”: 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 on July 13.

- Reading the book “The Mumis at Sea”: 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