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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