"I have not wished to philosophise or educate anyone,
but have amused principally myself with my stories," Tove Jansson (1914 – 2001)
but have amused principally myself with my stories," Tove Jansson (1914 – 2001)
As prolific and, in my opinion, as influential as Edward Gorey or Dr Seuss, Tove Jansson was a swedish-speaking Finnish author and illustrator. Her 'Moomin' stories of trolls who lived in the northern woods, both delighted and often terrified me as a child. Better still, Jupiter Films and Film Polski co-produced this fabulous and downright eerie puppet stop-motion animated series, which aired on the BBC in the UK throughout the 80s (narrated by Richard Murdoch). I was, and still am, hooked.
Now, don't be fooled by her prim appearance and twee illustrations, Beatrix Potter this woman most certainly ain't! Although her Moomintrolls lived in a large and loving family in the idyllic Scandinavian countryside, they often faced real and mortal dangers, such as the horrors that lurked in the darkness of the ancient woods around them... Arm yourselves Finn Family Moomintroll - the wolf is at the door!
