British children's author and illustrator Jean Adamson, who published 150 books over five decades, died December 15, the Bookseller reported. She was 96. Her publisher, Ladybird, 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."
She began her career as a freelance artist and illustrator, as well as a storyman in the advertising industry, but after her marriage in 1957, the couple "decided to create books for children working on the books together, with Jean researching the story and illustrating, and Gareth writing the stories. They also created original animations for Yorkshire TV in the 1970s," the Bookseller noted.
Jean Adamson was awarded an MBE for her services to children's literature in 1999 and in 2016 was made an Honorary Fellow of Goldsmiths College.
"For the Adamsons, having children at the center of the narrative was part of the magic of the stories," Ladybird said. "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: "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."
Mandy Little, chair and former literary agent at Watson, Little, said: "The world she and Gareth created around the twins continues to be relevant for today's children, who still start school or go to the doctor for the first time and Topsy and Tim stories will go on for generations, helping to demystify rather scary first experiences with lots of fun along the way."