Beloved Ladybird author Jean Adamson dies aged 96 as she leaves Topsy and Tim legacy behind
Topsy and Tim creator Jean Adamson has died aged 96, with her family releasing a statement on her death.
Publisher Ladybird confirmed she died on Sunday, December 15, surrounded by her family.
Her family said in a statement: “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.”
Her publisher described Adamson 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 150 books in her staggering 50-year career.
The children’s characters first appeared in Topsy & Tim’s Monday Book, which was published by Blackie in 1960.
Adamson and her husband made history with the books as at the time it was unusual for children to be the lead characters – as opposed to characters such as Thomas the Tank Engine.
Ladybird said of their innovation: “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.”
The publisher added: “Topsy and Tim have 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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“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.”
Francesca Dow, managing director of Penguin Random House Children’s, said: “Ladybird has been the proud home of Jean Adamson’s wonderful Topsy and Tim books for decades.
“The friendly and mischievous twins have played an important, supportive role in millions of children’s lives. From starting school to itchy heads, visiting the dentist and welcoming a sibling, these books helped parents and carers introduce new experiences and ideas to young children with warmth and reassurance and a sense of adventure.
“This is a true skill. Jean said, ’Adults sometimes forget that experiences that seem commonplace to them are wonderful, first-time adventures to young children’.”
Adamson’s books were brought to life on the TV screen for kids to enjoy, and at the time of the Cebeebie’s show airing, she admitted she had no idea they would be so popular.
She expressed: “The stories were designed to be short and easy to read at bedtime, but with neatly constructed plots. There would be one paragraph per page and the illustrations would be bright and simple.
“Although the illustrative style of the books has changed over the years, these main design elements remain and are still just as appealing to children.
“The stories are aimed directly at children, not parents or guardians. Adults sometimes forget that experiences that seem commonplace to them are wonderful, first time adventures to young children.
“Quite difficult subjects have been tackled, such as bullying, head lice and ‘stranger danger’ and these have provided useful talking points for parents and children.