THE beloved children’s book author best known for Topsy and Tim Jean Adamson has died aged 96.
The creator sadly passed on Sunday, December 15, her publisher Ladybird confirmed.
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Her family said in a a statment: “It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved Jean Adamson. Jean was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, author and great grandchildren whose kindness and warmth touched the lives of all who knew her.
“Her presence will be greatly missed, but her memory will live on in the hearts of her family and all those she loved or that remember her through her stories. Although we will take this time to mourn her loss, we will also ensure to celebrate her remarkable life.”
Ladybird described Jean as “one of our most beloved and respected children’s book creators, best known for creating Topsy and Tim with her late husband Gareth Adamson”.
The author and illustrator created an eye-watering 150 books in her heartwarming 50 year career.
Ladybird said: “The characters of Topsy and Tim first appeared in Topsy & Tim’s Monday Book, originally published by Blackie in 1960.
“At the time, the children’s book market was dominated by Noddy and Thomas the Tank Engine, and it was unusual for ordinary children to be the lead characters in picture books.
“For the Adamsons, having children at the centre of the narrative was part of the magic of the stories.
“In their eyes, the books didn’t need any fantastical elements, ‘because all the world is magic for children’. Jean said the choice of girl and boy twins was a way of ensuring gender equality.”
Ladybird added: “Topsy and Tim has delighted children for over 60 years, and the series, later published by Ladybird Books, hasn’t been out of print in all that time.”
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