Bless my tail! Whatever next!
Moominpappa, from the book Finn Family Moomintroll
‘An ant-lion, a genuine furiously angry ant-lion that we have taken prisoner!’
Moomintroll, from the book Finn Family Moomintroll
You have always been so happy-go-lucky. It’s dreadful to see you despairing like this.
Moomintroll, from the book Comet in Moominland
‘Cock-a-doodle-doo!’ (He was so excited he couldn’t think of anything more intelligent.)
Moomintroll, from the book Finn Family Moomintroll
Hide! There’s a monster coming!
Moominpappa, from the book Finn Family Moomintroll
‘It’s a comet,’ said the Muskrat. ‘A glowing star that flashes through the empty black space beyond the sky trailing a fiery tail behind it.’
Tove Jansson, from her book Comet in Moominland
‘I’m never afraid,’ answered Sniff. ‘But I think the view is better from here.’
Sniff, from the book Comet in Moominland
Then I don’t need to understand! The sea’s just a weak character you can’t rely on…
Moominpappa, from the book Moominpappa at Sea
Oh, how wonderful! Oh how beautiful!
Snorkmaiden, from the book Moominsummer Madness
Does it feel nice to be fluffy all over?
Mymble, from the book Moominsummer Madness
Now, I’m only saying all this because –well – because I like you.
Moominpappa, from the book Moominpappa at Sea
Like a streak of lightning he whizzed out of the box, then hesitated for a moment and decided to feel more curious than scared.
Tove Jansson, from her book Moominland Midwinter