From Moomin author Tove Jansson reading her own books to podcasts, audio drama and sound installations – the Moomin stories have inspired numerous audio formats united by one thing – a passion for the Moomins.
In this article, we share some Moomin audio gems grouped according to language, starting with the newest production – a series of audio dramatisations in German. Scroll down for audio content in English, and further below in Swedish.
Moomin audio in German: WDR audio dramatisations
WDR (short for Westdeutscher Rundfunk Köln), a public broadcaster in Germany, is producing audio dramatisations of several of Tove Jansson’s Moomin books in German, four books with a total length of 6×52 minutes.
In the audio plays, Moomintroll gets into one adventure after another with Snorks, Hatifnatteners and Hemulens. The entertaining radio play series features special voices, great music and subtle humour, with elaborated sound design. For all new and old fans aged 7 and over.
The radio plays are broadcast on WDR 5, Saturday evenings, with a rerun on the following Sunday morning. The dramatisations are available online to stream and download, free of charge at WDR.
Moomin audio in English
There have been many Moomin audio productions in English, for example, BBC Moomin drama productions, but in this article, we try to link only to content that is currently available for streaming or downloading.
The Moomin Phenomenon podcast
The Moomin Phenomenon podcast takes listeners around the world on an entertaining audio adventure where you’ll learn more about the Moomins and Tove Jansson.
The introductory episode is hosted by actress and producer Lily Collins, one of the producers of the upcoming feature film adaptation of Tove Jansson’s The Summer Book and well known for example starring in Emily in Paris.
Subsequent episodes are hosted by actress Jennifer Saunders, who plays Mymble in the Moominvalley animation series. The podcast series features dozens of interviews with fans, experts and celebrities who all share a common passion for the Moomins. Find the podcast on all major podcast platforms!
Audio content on Tove Jansson and the Moomins from the BBC
Frank Cottrell Boyce on Tove Jansson
Acclaimed author and screenwriter Frank Cottrell-Boyce champions Tove Jansson, creator of the Moomins. Listen to him on BBC:s web page.
BBC – The Forum: Moomin Creator Tove Jansson
BBC’s The Forum has dedicated one episode to Tove Jansson. Joining Rajan Datar to discuss the life and works of Tove Jansson are her niece, Sophia Jansson; Boel Westin – a professor of children’s literature from Stockholm University and the author of the authorised biography of Tove’s life called Life, Art, Words; and British children’s author Philip Ardagh, author of The World of Moominvalley.
They’re joined by Mayumi Tomihara – an expert on Tove Jansson from Tokyo’s Sacred Heart University who has translated many of Tove’s adult novels into Japanese.
First broadcast on the BBC World Service in March 2019. Listen to the programme on BBC:s web page.
The Island – Soundscapes and music inspired by Tove Jansson’s summer island by Erland Cooper
A unique audio piece from multi-instrumentalist and composer Erland Cooper, which includes field recordings from Klovharun and a new reading of Jansson’s essay ‘The Island’ by her niece Sophia Jansson. Listen to the audio piece on Spotify.
The Didrichsen Art Museum’s podcast about Tove Jansson as an artist
The Didrichsen Art Museum in Helsinki Finland produced a podcast about Tove Jansson’s art. In the podcast, Tove Jansson’s niece Sophia Jansson guides the listener through the inspirations and influencers behind her art.
Listen to the podcast on any of the following platforms: Spotify, iTunes or Soundcloud.
Moomin audio in Swedish
Tove Jansson wrote the Moomin stories in her mother tongue, Swedish, and there is lots of Moomin audio content in Swedish. Below are a a few picks.
Tove Jansson reads Moomin stories in Swedish
The Finnish Broadcasting Company hosts dozens of recordings of the author reading her own stories in Swedish, free of charge. Even if you don’t understand the language, just listening to Jansson’s voice is a soothing experience.
Milles & Marcus Muminpodd – a Swedish doctor and an author dive into all things Moomin
Claude Marcus, paediatrician, and Ulrika Milles, author and literary critic, together with guests, discuss Tove Jansson and the Moomin world with perspectives on what it can teach us about human relationships. Their first episodes include titles like: Duty and paradise, Queer & cocaine, Desire and reproduction in Moominvalley. They ask themselves why everyone wants to be Snufkin, if Moominvalley’s will is kindness and what one can find underneath the dress of a Hemulen.
The documentary series Penseln, pennan, hjärtat
The audio documentary series Penseln, Pennan och hjärtat. is a real treat for the Swedish-speaking audience. The ambitious series dives into the life and work of Tove Jansson in eight enthralling episodes, focusing on specific themes like her family, career, art, love and heritage.
You can listen to the series on The Finnish Broadcasting Company YLE, or iTunes and read more about it here.
Barnes & Noble expands Moomin selection tenfold across the United States
Barnes & Noble expands stores carrying Moomin books and products in the US. Moomin products are now available in 260 stores nationwide!
Moomin and Tove Jansson exhibitions worldwide
Why not head to a Moomin exhibition on a rainy day – here are the most interesting Moomin and Tove Jansson exhibitions around!
The Moomin Phenomenon – podcast hosted by Lily Collins and Jennifer Saunders
The Moomin phenomenon is a podcast series taking listeners around the world on an entertaining audio adventure through all things Moomin.