Macmillan Children’s Books will be the master publisher of Adventures in Moominvalley books, based on the new forthcoming animated TV series. The Adventures in Moominvalley books will be launched in 2019 and Macmillan will publish globally across a range of formats, based on the new MOOMINVALLEY TV series, which will premiere in the UK in Spring 2019 on Sky One and Sky’s on-demand service NOW TV. The series will air on public broadcaster YLE in Finland, with many more deals under negotiation worldwide.
The ground-breaking animation series will comprise thirteen twenty-two-minute episodes, featuring new stories based on Tove Jansson’s world. The pioneering animation is produced by an outstandingly talented team, including Oscar®-winning director Steve Box; BAFTA and Emmy-winning producer John Woolley and Emmy-winning writing duo Mark Huckerby and Nick Ostler. Its star-studded cast includes Taron Egerton (Moomintroll), Rosamund Pike (Moominmamma), Matt Berry (Moominpappa) and Kate Winslet (Mrs Fillyjonk). The series is produced by Gutsy Animations and, using brand new innovative techniques in 3D computer-generated imagery, it promises to be an exciting launch for family audiences.
Newly illustrated picture books and storybooks
In a separate but co-ordinated publishing initiative, Macmillan will also publish a stunning range of newly illustrated picture books and storybooks, drawn from Tove Jansson’s original classic stories. The first book, Christmas Comes to Moominvalley, published 1st November, is an exquisitely illustrated re-telling of Tove Jansson’s classic story The Fir Tree, in which the Moomins are woken from their winter sleep to be told that ‘Christmas’ is coming.
The text is written by Scandinavian writers, Alex Haridi and Cecilia Davidsson, with beautiful new illustrations based on Jansson’s original drawings and colour plates, created by Filippa Widlund.
Stephanie Barton, Publisher of Macmillan’s 0-6 y/o division commented: “We have been working with Moomin Characters for several years now and are proud and delighted to be part of the new animation plans and to be able to grow a new generation of Moomin fans, with the launch of these stunning picture books and storybooks, is an absolute joy.”
Sophia Jansson, creative director of Moomin Characters and niece of Tove Jansson, said: “We’ve loved working with Macmillan – their combination of creativity and a deep understanding of the rich world Tove created has already led to some beautiful and imaginative books, including the stunning Moomin Colouring Book and greatly-anticipated Moomins Craft Book. We’re delighted that they will be continuing their excellent work and are joining us on this exciting new animation journey.”
The new publishing deal was brokered by Stephanie Barton and Caroline Mickler together with Rights & Brands.