Jean Adamson is the creator of more than 100 much-loved children's books spanning five decades.
She studied Illustration at Goldsmiths where she met her future husband and writing partner Gareth Adamson (1925-1982). They worked on children's books together, with Gareth producing the storylines and Jean the illustration, including Topsy and Tim.
More than 140 Topsy and Tim titles have been published, selling upwards of 21 million copies around the world. Since 1998, over a million copies have been sold in the UK alone. Sixty episodes of an animated TV series followed, and three seasons of a live-action version have broadcast on CBeebies, which won the BAFTA Pre-school Live Action award in 2016.
In 1999 Jean Adamson was awarded an MBE for her services to children's literature.
Topsy and Tim find fun and adventure in the real world. Their engaging stories are reassuring for young children having first experiences of their own. In Topsy and Tim: Meet the Police, the twins' class is visited by two Police Officers, who explain to the children what their jobs involve. Topsy and Tim find out about stranger danger, learn about safe places to play, and even get to visit the police station themselves when they find somebody's belongings.
A trusted and well-loved pair who can help guide parents and children through 'first experiences', Topsy and Tim books have been beautifully updated with contemporary artwork. Topsy & Tim remain instantly recognisable to parents while in a fresh style that will appeal to a new generation of fans. These wonderful books deserve a place on every child's bookshelves.
