The Invisible Child
PEN International, in collaboration with the Moomin Foundation, delivered an initiative translating the Moomin story The Invisible Child into several minoritised languages and distributing it in schools to promote a love of reading, critical thinking, and creative expression.
The story has been translated into 9 local languages in different African and Latin American countries in collaboration with our PEN Centres in Chiapas, Malawi, Sierra Leone and Zimbabwe.
The Invisible Child is about a little girl who turns invisible after being badly treated by the woman caring for her. She is given a place to stay at the Moomin house and, when shown warmth, kindness, and respect by the Moomin family, she gradually reappears and regains her place in the world – a right that every girl and woman should have.
Translated editions of The Invisible Child were shared with schools through our PEN Centres, alongside a facilitator pack designed to help educators guide conversations with children.
The Invisible Child Facilitator’s Guide was developed to enhance reading, writing, and thinking skills in an enjoyable and digestible manner. The story is part of the Moomin series and is internationally available in various languages. With the translation of the short story into isiXhosa and Afrikaans, learners and readers have the opportunity to become familiar with and understand the story in their home language.
The Invisible Child Facilitator’s Guide
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Sophia Jansson in conversation with Jennifer Clement
Inside the PEN Afrikaans Workshops
Ayi Renaud Dossavi-Alipoeh speaks with Samira Mohyeddin on the impact of The Invisible Child project in Togolese schools