Beloved author behind 150 books dies as heartfelt tributes pour in

ok.co.uk:

Jean Adamson, the beloved author behind the Topsy And Tim series, has sadly passed away at the age of 96, her family and publisher Ladybird have confirmed.The news was announced on Sunday, December 15, with a heartfelt statement from Jean's family: "It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved Jean Adamson.

Jean was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, author... whose kindness and warmth touched the lives of all who knew her." They added: "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 paid tribute to 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".They noted: "The characters of Topsy and Tim first appeared in Topsy and 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." They concluded: "For the Adamsons, having children at the centre of the narrative was part of the magic of the stories.