Jean Adamson, the children’s author known for writing the Topsy And Tim book series, has died at the age of 96.
Her family, who confirmed the writer died on Sunday, said her memory will “live on in the hearts” of those she loved and in people who “remember her through her stories”.
The Topsy And Tim series follows the adventures of two twins and was created with her husband Gareth Adamson, who died in 1982.
It spawned more than 150 books and a television series.
In a statement released by Topsy And Tim publisher Ladybird Books, Adamson’s family said: “It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved Jean Adamson.
“Jean was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister and author whose kindness and warmth touched the lives of all who knew her.
“Her presence will be greatly missed.
“Although we will take this time to mourn her loss, we will also ensure to celebrate her remarkable life.”
Born in 1928 in Peckham, London, the author studied illustration at Goldsmiths College in London.
She went on to teach there, specialising in illustration and design, and also met her husband at the college.
The pair married in 1957 and moved to Newcastle, where they began working on children’s books, and also created original animations for Yorkshire TV in the 1970s.
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In a statement, Francesca Dow, managing director of Penguin Random House Children’s, which runs Ladybird, said: “Jean and her husband Gareth’s work was uncharacteristic of the time, with Jean’s art style being bright, pared back and uncluttered.
“They made sure that the depictions of these first experiences were well-researched so that parents and children could trust them.
“And, unusually for the time, gave Topsy an equal role to play in the adventures as Tim.
“Jean will be greatly missed. She leaves behind a gift to children and their families in her greatest creations.”
The two characters first appeared in Topsy And Tim’s Monday Book, originally published by Blackie in 1960.
The books have sold more than 25 million copies worldwide, while in recent years, children will be familiar with the story of the twins through a TV series first aired on CBeebies in 2013.
