£12.99

Out 23 October 2025

Click here to read all about the different versions of Comet in Moominland.

comet in moominland 80th anniversary edition

by tove jansson

Comet in Moominland, the first full-length Moomin novel, was published 80 years ago.

Comet in Moominland, the first full-length Moomin novel, was published 80 years ago. Tove revised the story a decade later and again in 1968, reframing adventures (and adding new characters). Now for the first time this edition can be read in English, in a brand-new translation.

Tove Jansson's story of a mysterious, threatening comet, and the journey of discovery by Moomin and his friend Sniff across the Lonely Mountains, has captivated generations of readers across the world. The story introduced much-loved Moomin characters, including the free-spirited Snufkin, the philosophical Muskrat, the intuitive Snorkmaiden, obsessional Hemulens and strange Hattifatteners.

Written in the aftermath of the Second World War, Comet in Moominland reminds us to be brave, welcoming to outsiders, and nurture hope, even when calamity threatens.

 Tove Jansson wrote and illustrated her first full length Moomin story, Comet in Moominland, in 1946 in the closing months of World War Two. Twenty two years later, while preparing a set of new editions, she had the chance to revise this title, bringing its setting and characterisations into line with the rest of the series, and creating a more satisfying story arc for her classic books. She had one more Moomin story to write before stepping back from these novels and turning her attention to writing for adults. The resulting 1968 edition became the definitive version, translated into over 60 languages. However, the original 1946 version remained in print in England and has only now been translated. For the first time English readers can discover the story as Tove Jansson wished it to be read.