Finnish Literature Week is taking place at Kim Dong Publishing House in Hanoi, featuring the special exhibition “Tove Jansson & Moomins 80” from July 11 to 20.

The event kicks off a series of vibrant cultural activities honoring the 80th anniversary of the first Moomin story by Finnish author Tove Jansson.

The program is co-organized by Kim Dong Publishing House, the Embassy of Finland in Vietnam, and The Initiative of Children's Book Creative Content (ICBC), aiming to celebrate Finnish literary heritage and foster creative reading experiences, especially for young audiences.

At the opening ceremony, Keijo Ensio Norvanto, Ambassador of Finland to Vietnam, remarked that Finnish Literature Week offers children and readers the opportunity to engage in exhibitions, book readings, film screenings, workshops, and art sessions. These activities open the door to Finland’s rich, imaginative, and meaningful literary world.

The Ambassador emphasized that Moomin stories reflect core Finnish cultural values, portraying resilience and a deep capacity to inspire across generations. He expressed hope that Moomin would continue to be beloved by Vietnamese readers.

Moomin is a cultural icon of the Nordic region, adored by millions through nine poetic and humanistic novels by author Tove Jansson (1914–2001). In Vietnam, Kim Dong Publishing House has introduced eight prominent Moomin works, translated by Vo Xuan Que and edited by Dr. Bui Viet Hoa.

These include The Hobgoblin’s Hat, The Invisible Child, Moominpappa at Sea, Moominland Midwinter, Comet in Moominland, Midsummer Madness, The Exploits of Moominpappa, and November in Moominvalley.

According to Vu Thi Quynh Lien, Deputy Director and Editor-in-Chief of Kim Dong Publishing House, this is the first time Vietnamese readers can explore the life and universe of Moomin through vibrant exhibitions, creative reading sessions, and book launches.

Finnish Literature Week presents a unique opportunity for the public - especially families and young children - to access a distinct slice of European literary heritage. The featured works are characterized by their emphasis on love, freedom, individuality, and joyful exploration.

Through the Moomin characters and Tove Jansson’s storytelling, readers encounter a world filled with empathy, imagination, and distinctly Finnish literary values.

A wide range of engaging activities has been organized for children and literature lovers. The week began with a Moomin book reading and tea party hosted by Madam Teija Norvanto, spouse of the Finnish Ambassador to Vietnam. Children aged 5 and above listened to stories and interacted in the Moomin 80 exhibition space, nurturing their love of reading and connecting them with Finnish culture.

On the morning of July 12, a reading session for Hello Ruby – Journey into the Internet took place for children aged 5 to 9. This globally acclaimed tech-education series by Linda Liukas introduces kids to basic Internet concepts and digital skills through creative, hands-on activities.

On July 13, two back-to-back events will be held. The morning features a reading of The Exploits of Moominpappa paired with a special screening of an animated film celebrating 80 years of Moomin. In the afternoon, children will enjoy a reading of The Hobgoblin’s Hat followed by a hands-on “Build the Moomin House” activity, allowing them to unleash their creativity through drawing, coloring, and clay modeling.

On July 19, another set of engaging programs awaits. The morning features a reading of Moominpappa at Sea, taking young readers on a moving, adventurous journey. In the afternoon, Kim Dong Publishing House will launch The Last Mermaid – Echoes from Ocean Legends, a non-fiction work by Finnish author Iida Turpeinen exploring the relationship between humanity and nature.

The book launch will include discussions with Vietnamese author Di Li and Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Thanh Nam from the University of Science, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, and is geared toward readers aged 15 and above.

In addition to the main events, the organizers have arranged special activities tailored for preschool and primary school students. These educational and reading encouragement programs are designed to help children fully and creatively immerse themselves in the Moomin universe.

PV