Tove Jansson

Tove Jansson was a Finnish author, novelist, painter, illustrator, and comic strip author. She is best known for creating the Moomin books, a series of children's books that have become beloved around the world. Jansson's work is renowned for its warmth, humor, and respect for the natural world. Her Moomin characters, including Moomintroll, Snufkin, and Little My, have been the subject of numerous books, a television series, and films. Beyond the Moomins, Jansson also wrote novels and short stories for adults, often exploring themes of identity, solitude, and the complexities of human relationships.

Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. The Summer Book

    Cover of 'The Summer Book' by Tove Jansson

    This book tells the story of an elderly artist and her six-year-old granddaughter as they spend a summer together on a tiny island in the Gulf of Finland. Their interactions, conversations, and explorations of the natural world around them form a delicate and deeply touching portrayal of the bond between generations, the beauty of the surrounding landscape, and the quiet, introspective moments that define our lives. The narrative is a series of vignettes, each a meditation on life, death, nature, and the human condition.

    The 1125th Greatest Book of All Time

  2. 2. Moominland Midwinter

    Cover of 'Moominland Midwinter' by Tove Jansson

    "Moominland Midwinter" follows the adventures of Moomintroll, a curious and adventurous creature who wakes up from his winter hibernation to find himself in a snowy and unfamiliar landscape. As he explores this new world, Moomintroll encounters various characters, including a lonely squirrel and a mischievous creature called the Lady of the Cold. Together, they navigate the challenges of winter and discover the beauty and magic that can be found in unexpected places.

    The 3636th Greatest Book of All Time

  3. 3. Comet In Moominland

    Cover of 'Comet In Moominland' by Tove Jansson

    "Comet In Moominland" follows the adventures of Moomintroll and his friends as they embark on a journey to find out more about the approaching comet that threatens their peaceful Moominvalley. Along the way, they encounter various creatures and face challenges, all while exploring themes of friendship, courage, and the importance of home. The book combines whimsical storytelling with beautiful illustrations, captivating readers of all ages.

    The 3713th Greatest Book of All Time

  4. 4. Finn Family Moomintroll

    Cover of 'Finn Family Moomintroll' by Tove Jansson

    In this whimsical tale, the Moomins embark on a thrilling adventure when they discover a magical hat that grants wishes. As they explore the mysterious Hat Valley, they encounter a wide array of eccentric characters, including a mischievous Hobgoblin and a wise Hemulen. Along the way, they navigate through enchanting landscapes and encounter unexpected challenges, all while strengthening their bond as a family. With its delightful blend of fantasy and heartwarming themes, "Finn Family Moomintroll" captivates readers of all ages.

    The 3715th Greatest Book of All Time

  5. 5. The Moomins And The Great Flood

    Cover of 'The Moomins And The Great Flood' by Tove Jansson

    "The Moomins And The Great Flood" is a charming and whimsical tale that follows the adventures of the Moomin family as they search for a safe and peaceful place to call home. Set against the backdrop of a world devastated by a great flood, the Moomins encounter a variety of endearing characters and face numerous challenges along the way. With its enchanting illustrations and heartfelt storytelling, this book is a delightful introduction to the beloved Moomin series.

    The 3759th Greatest Book of All Time

  6. 6. Moominvalley In November

    Cover of 'Moominvalley In November' by Tove Jansson

    "Moominvalley In November" is a heartwarming and melancholic tale that follows a group of quirky and endearing characters who all find themselves drawn to Moominvalley. As they arrive one by one, they discover that Moomintroll and his family are nowhere to be found. Left to their own devices, the group embarks on a journey of self-discovery, friendship, and the search for meaning, ultimately finding solace and comfort in each other's company. With its beautiful prose and poignant exploration of themes such as loss, identity, and the transformative power of nature, "Moominvalley In November" is a captivating and bittersweet read.

    The 3766th Greatest Book of All Time

  7. 7. The Invisible Child

    Cover of 'The Invisible Child' by Tove Jansson

    This book is a captivating collection of short stories set in the enchanting world of Moominvalley, focusing on themes of love, acceptance, and the beauty of nature. One standout tale, which shares its name with the book's title, revolves around the heartwarming journey of the Moomin family as they encounter and nurture a small, invisible child, helping her regain her visibility and confidence through kindness and understanding. The narrative beautifully explores the transformative power of compassion and the importance of feeling seen and acknowledged, making it a timeless read for both young readers and adults.

    The 5484th Greatest Book of All Time