Ambassador of Finland to China Mikko Kinnunen gives a speech in Beijing, on April 16, 2025. Photo: Courtesy of the Embassy of Finland in China

The Embassy of the Republic of Finland in China hosted a reception for the release of a new book Tales from Moominvalley (Chinese Edition) in Beijing on April 16 to mark both the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Finland and China and the 80th anniversary of Moomin stories.

Themed "Childhood, Imagination, and Philosophy of Life," the newly released books tell the stories of an adventurous Moomin family that lives in a house in Moominvalley. The family has many adventures with various friends. 

Ambassador of Finland to China Mikko Kinnunen said, "For us Finns, the Moomins are more than just storybook characters. They are part of our childhood, yes, but they stay with us into adulthood. They are part of our national identity, our cultural DNA. They are voices of comfort, imagination, and resilience. We are proud to carry them with us wherever we go, and eager to share them - again and again - with new generations around the world."

Cultural Counsellor Janna Laine shared with the delegates at the event, "When I was a kid, sometimes I got sick like all kids do. And every time I was stuck at home, feeling weak and tired, I'd watch Moomin cartoons over and over again. Even when I became a teenager, I kept going back to them. There was something healing about them - their calm world, the kindness of the characters, the cozy home in Moominvalley. It made me feel better."

Moomin classic picture books covers various aspects of daily life.