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Topsy and Tim

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Not to be confused with Rosie and Jim.

Topsy and Tim is a series of children's books written by Jean Adamson and Gareth Adamson about twins and their adventures with their new friends. They were first published by Blackie in 1960; Topsy and Tim were relaunched in new editions in 1990, 2003 and 2009.[1] In 2020, Topsy and Tim "On the Farm" was reprinted to celebrate 60-years since the first publication.

Since 1960 more than 130 Topsy and Tim titles have been published with sales of more than 21 million. Since first broadcasting on Cbeebies in 2013, the live-action production of Topsy and Tim has received over 250 million views online.

Origin[edit]

In an interview with The Guardian,[2] Jean Adamson said that she and her future husband had been trained as book illustrators at Goldsmiths College. They decided to get married and quit their jobs in order to write and illustrate their own children's books. Their approach was shaped by a visit to a children's bookshop in Newcastle where they realised that there were few books depicting actual contemporary children. She explained that the books were also influenced by the post-war mood:

At that time, not so terribly long after the end of the war, England was just waking up, bright colours were coming in, there was a lovely optimistic feeling in the air. So I said "Why don't we do books with real live little children in, with the little adventures and so on that they have in the house?"[2]

Television series[edit]

The books have been adapted for television twice, while the reboot series adapted in 2025; first, in collaboration with Video Collection International in 1996 and, second, in collaboration with Darrall MacQueen Limited for the 2013 live-action production, first aired on Cbeebies, now available online and on DVD.

Bevanfield Films[edit]

Firstly by Bevanfield Films for BBC Studios Home Entertainment, 60 episode 5 minute animated series narrated by Roger Blake and was shown on ITV.

CBeebies[edit]

In 2013, a 13-minute live-action series was made for CBeebies, with 3 series produced and 71 episodes made. Further details can be seen here: List of Topsy and Tim episodes. No further episodes have been planned as of 2024. The series was produced by Darrall Macqueen and distributed globally by WildBrain. Series 1 and 2 were filmed from March to October 2013, the Christmas Special was filmed in December 2013 and Series 3 was filmed from June to August 2015.

Characters[edit]

Cast list of Topsy and Tim
Actor Character
1 2 3
Jocelyn MacNab Topsy Main
Joshua Lester Tim Main
Anna Acton Joy Main
Chris Hannon Brian Main
Suzy Aitchison Grandma Jean Main
Natahlia Colbourne Kerry Recurring
Tom Hibberd Tony Recurring
Nicole Davis Dominique Recurring
Iain Campbell Carson Recurring Guest
Emily Butterfield Elaine Recurring Guest
Barry McCarthy Mr Fishwick Recurring —
Kayleigh Burke Vinda Recurring
Natalya Hibberd Josie — Recurring
Jon Rummey Mr. Rosen Recurring
Tim Hibberd Mr. Fen — Recurring Guest
Joshua Levin Stephen "Stevie" Dunton — Recurring
Kemaal Deen-Ellis Rai Recurring Guest —
Tom Price Paul — Recurring
Bobby Smalldridge Andrew — Recurring
Emma Kershaw Dr. Walton — Recurring
India Brown Molly — Recurring
Eva Alexander Miss Terry — Recurring —
June Whitfield Mrs Higley-Pigley — Guest —
James Wooldridge Mr. Morris — Recurring
Glen Davies DIY Derek Recurring Guest Recurring
Jake Unsworth Kevin — Guest —


Topsy and Tim Books[edit]

First Generation: 1960-1987[edit]

The first Generation of Topsy and Tim Stories, characterised by Jean Adamson's rich gouache illustrations and believable stories filled with fun anecdotes by Gareth Adamson. Illustrated primarily by Jean Adamson, with some titles illustrated by Gareth Adamson and Gabrielle Adamson.

# Date Title ISBN
1 1960 Monday Book n/a
2 1960 Tuesday Book n/a
3 1961 Wednesday Book n/a
4 1961 Thursday Book n/a
5 1961 Friday Book n/a
6 1961 Saturday Book n/a
7 1962 Sunday Book n/a
8 1962 Foggy Day 978-0-216-88664-3
9 1963 Football Match n/a
10 1964 Snowy Day 978-0-216-89235-4
11 1965 At the Seaside 978-0-216-88670-4
12 1968 At School 978-0-216-89014-5
13 1968 At the Zoo 978-0-216-89015-2
14 1970 Bonfire Night 978-0-216-88667-4
15 1970 Go Fishing 978-0-216-91398-1
16 1970 On the Farm 978-0-216-88674-2
17 1970 Paddling Pool 978-0-216-88675-9
18 1970 The Adventures of Topsy and Tim 978-0-216-88704-6
19 1971 Birthday Party 978-0-216-88719-0
20 1971 Go to Hospital 978-0-216-88720-6
21 1971 Happy Days with Topsy and Tim 978-0-216-89235-4
22 1971 Surprises for Topsy and Tim 978-0-216-89233-0
23 1972 Go Pony-Trekking 978-0-216-89528-7
24 1972 Safety First with Topsy and Tim 978-0-216-91313-4
25 1972 Take No Risks 978-0-216-90458-3
26 1973 Go Sailing 978-0-216-89653-6
27 1973 Learn to Swim 978-0-216-89654-3
28 1973 Go Hill-Walking 978-0-216-89652-9
29 1974 Cross the Channel 978-0-216-89808-0
30 1974 Go to Holland 978-0-216-89734-2
31 1974 In Belgium 978-0-216-89805-9
32 1975 New Brother 978-0-216-90105-6
33 1975 Visit the Dentist 978-0-216-89894-3
34 1975 Visit the Doctors 978-0-216-89983-4
35 1976 At the Wedding 978-0-216-90281-7
36 1976 New School 978-0-216-90287-9
37 1976 Pet Show 978-0-216-90284-8
38 1976 Visit the Tower of London 978-0-216-90282-4
39 1977 At the Circus 978-0-216-90403-3
40 1977 Go Camping 978-0-216-90405-7
41 1977 Go Shopping 978-0-216-90409-5
42 1977 Monday Book (version 2) 978-0-216-90304-3
43 1977 Tuesday Book (version 2) 978-0-216-90306-7
44 1977 Wednesday Book (version 2) 978-0-216-90308-1
45 1977 Thursday Book (version 2) 978-0-216-90310-4
46 1977 Friday Book (version 2) 978-0-216-90312-8
47 1977 Saturday Book (version 2) 978-0-216-89364-1
48 1977 Sunday Book (version 2) 978-0-216-90302-9
49 1977 Sports Day 978-0-216-90407-1
50 1977 Through The Year 978-0-216-90300-5
51 1978 At the Fairground 978-0-216-90529-0
52 1978 At the Library 978-0-216-90523-8
53 1978 At the Vet 978-0-216-90524-5
54 1978 Choose a Puppy 978-0-216-90527-6
55 1978 Meet the Monsters 978-0-216-90570-2
56 1978 Picnic 978-0-216-90544-3
57 1978 School Outing 978-0-216-90542-9
58 1978 Train Journey 978-0-216-90568-9
59 1979 At the Fire Station 978-0-216-90808-6
60 1979 At the Jumble Sale 978-0-216-90807-9
61 1979 At the Pantomime 978-0-216-90810-9
62 1979 Caravan Holiday 978-0-216-90812-3
63 1979 Go in an Aeroplane 978-0-216-90810-9
64 1979 Have a Barbecue 978-0-216-90692-1
65 1979 Move House 978-0-216-90688-4
66 1979 At the Hairdresser 978-0-216-90691-4
67 1980 Can Print in Colour 978-0-216-90991-5
68 1980 Can Sing and Play 978-0-216-90988-5
69 1980 Can Garden 978-0-216-90984-7
70 1981 Can Cook 978-0-216-90986-1
71 1981 Learn to Swim (version 2) 978-0-216-91143-7
72 1981 Can Look After Pets 978-0-216-91123-9
73 1982 ABC 978-0-216-91269-4
74 1982 Can Make Music 978-0-216-91174-1
75 1982 Counting Book 978-0-216-91267-0
76 1982 Go Safely 978-0-216-91314-1
77 1982 Have Their Eyes Tested 978-0-216-91154-3
78 1982 Help the Dustmen 978-0-216-91260-1
79 1982 New Playground 978-0-216-91258-8
80 1982 School Play 978-0-216-91263-2
81 1982 Can Play Party Games 978-0-216-91124-6
82 1983 Chocolate Cook Book 978-0-216-91362-2
83 1983 In the Kitchen 978-0-216-91520-6
84 1983 Pets 978-0-216-91514-5
85 1983 Big Fun Book 978-0-216-91272-4
86 1983 Games Book
87 1983 Go On Holiday 978-0-216-91400-1
88 1983 Go riding 978-0-216-91402-5
89 1983 Music Book 978-0-216-91515-2
90 1984 At the Football Match (version 2) 978-0-216-91370-7
91 1984 Playing Rhymes 978-0-216-91543-5
92 1984 Tell the Time 978-0-216-91581-7
93 1984 Visit the Police Station 978-0-216-91368-4
94 1984 Word Book 978-0-216-91582-4
95 1985 At the Bank 978-0-216-91810-8
96 1985 Farm Day (Shape Book) 978-0-216-91721-7
97 1985 Motorway Games 978-0-216-91706-4
98 1985 On the Move (Shape Book) 978-0-216-91723-1
99 1985 Ride Their Bikes 978-0-216-91815-3
100 1985 And the Babysitter 978-0-216-91704-0
101 1985 At the Supermarket 978-0-216-91367-7
102 1985 In the Gym 978-0-216-91813-9
103 1986 At the Post Office 978-0-216-91940-2
104 1986 At the Safari Park 978-0-216-91934-1
105 1986 Coach Journey 978-0-216-91936-5
106 1986 Learn to Horse Ride 978-0-216-91938-9
107 1986 New Shoes 978-0-216-91365-3
108 1986 Monday Book (version 3) 978-0-216-92040-8
109 1986 Tuesday Book (version 3) 978-0-216-92042-2
110 1986 Wednesday Book (version 3) 978-0-216-92044-6
111 1986 Thursday Book (version 3) 978-0-216-88660-5
112 1986 Friday Book (version 3) 978-0-216-92049-1
113 1986 Saturday Book (version 3) 978-0-216-92050-7
114 1986 Sunday Book (version 3) 978-0-216-92038-5
115 1986 Can Help Birds 978-0-216-91176-5
116 1987 At the Biscuit Factory 978-0-216-92311-9
117 1987 At the Farmyard 978-0-216-92317-1
118 1987 At the TV Studio 978-0-216-92313-3
119 1987 Stay with a Friend 978-0-216-92316-4
120 - Seven Days with Topsy and Tim - Gift Pack -
121 - Topsy and Tim's Animal Friends - Gift Pack -
122 - Going Places with Topsy and Tim - Gift Pack 978-0-216-91170-3

Second Generation: 1990-2007[edit]

The second generation of Topsy and Tim stories, with illustrations drafted by Jean Adamson and coloured by professional artists.

# Date Title ISBN-13
1 1990 At the Supermarket (Version 2) 978-0-216-92857-2
2 1992 At the Wedding (Version 2) 978-0-216-92849-7
3 1992 Go in an Aeroplane (Version 2) 978-0-216-92466-6
4 1992 Go on a Train (Version 2) 978-0-216-92855-8
5 1992 Go to School 978-0-216-92468-0
6 1992 Have Horse Riding Lessons 978-0-216-92600-4
7 1992 Meet the Babysitter 978-0-216-92593-9
8 1992 Ride Their Bikes (Version 2) 978-0-216-93134-3
9 1992 Small Pets (Version 2) 978-0-216-92843-5
10 1992 Stay with a Friend (Version 2) 978-0-216-93132-9
11 1993 At Granny and Grandpa's 978-0-216-94054-3
12 1993 Go Camping (Version 2) 978-0-216-94043-7
13 1993 At the School Fair 978-0-216-94052-9
14 1995 At the Gym Club 978-0-216-94169-4
15 1995 First French Words - Premiers Mots Anglais 978-0-216-94092-5
16 1995 Meet the Dinosaurs (Version 2) 978-0-216-94166-3
17 1996 And the Bully 978-0-14-055954-5
18 1996 and The New Baby 978-0-14-055915-6
19 1996 And the New Puppy (Version 2) 978-0-14-055937-8
20 1996 Go to the Park 978-0-14-055927-9
21 1996 Meet the Ambulance Crew 978-0-7214-2860-4
22 1996 Meet the Dentist (Version 2) 978-0-14-055924-8
23 1996 Can Help Birds 978-0-216-91176-5
24 1997 and their New School Friend 978-0-14-056184-5
25 1997 Go in an Aeroplane (Version 3) 978-0-7214-2854-3
26 1997 Go On Holiday (Version 3) 978-0-216-92466-6
27 1997 Have Their Eyes Tested (Version 2) 978-0-14-055916-3
28 1998 Go on a Train (Version 3) 978-1-4093-1064-8
29 1998 Start School (Version 2) 978-0-7214-2841-3
30 1999 A Special Visit 978-0-7214-2041-7
31 1999 And The New Baby (Version 2) 978-0-7214-2851-2
32 1999 At the Farm (Version 3) 978-0-7214-2846-8
33 1999 Buckets and Spades 978-0-7214-2042-4
34 1999 Can Look After Their Pets (Version 3) 978-0-7214-2852-9
35 1999 First School Stories 978-0-7214-9787-7
36 1999 Go to Hospital (Version 2) 978-0-7214-2853-6
37 1999 Go to the Dentist (Version 3) 978-0-7214-2856-7
38 1999 Go to the Doctor (Version 2) 978-0-7214-2859-8
39 1999 Go to the Park (Version 2) 978-0-7214-2847-5
40 1999 Go to the Zoo (Version 2) 978-0-7214-2845-1
41 1999 Growing Up Stories 978-0-7214-9785-3
42 1999 Have a Birthday Party 978-0-7214-2849-9
43 1999 Learn to Swim (Version 3) 978-0-7214-2842-0
44 1999 Little Lost Rabbit (Version 1) 978-0-7214-1933-6
45 1999 Little Shoppers (Version 3) 978-0-7214-2044-8
46 1999 Meet the Ambulance Crew (Version 1) 978-0-7214-2860-4
47 1999 Meet the Police 978-0-7214-2858-1
48 1999 Old Shoes New Shoes (Version 2) 978-0-7214-2043-1
49 1999 Red Boots Yellow Boots 978-0-7214-1932-9
50 1999 The Big Surprise 978-0-7214-1934-3
51 2000 Word Book 978-0-7214-2217-6
52 2000 Go Out and About -
53 2001 Learn ABC (Version 2) 978-0-7214-2371-5
54 2001 Learn About Time (Version 2) 978-0-7214-2372-2
55 2001 Learn Opposites 978-0-7214-2373-9
56 2001 Learn to Count (Version 2) 978-0-7214-2370-8
57 2003 At the Farm (Version 4) 978-1-904351-20-7
58 2003 Go to the Dentist (Version 4) 978-1-904351-27-6
59 2003 Go to the Doctor (Version 3) 978-1-904351-29-0
60 2003 Go to the Park (Version 3) 978-1-904351-22-1
61 2003 Go to the Zoo (Version 3) 978-1-904351-21-4
62 2003 Learn to Swim (Version 4) 978-1-904351-18-4
63 2003 Look After Their Pets (Version 4) 978-1-904351-23-8
64 2003 Meet the Firefighters (Version 2) 978-1-904351-31-3
65 2003 Meet the Police (Version 3) 978-1-904351-30-6
66 2003 Start School (Version 3) 978-1-904351-19-1
67 2003 The New Baby (Version 3) 978-1-904351-25-2
68 2004 Busy Builders 978-1-84422-312-1
69 2004 Little Lost Rabbit (Version 2) 978-1-84422-314-5
70 2004 Red Boots Yellow Boots (Version 2) 978-1-84422-311-4
71 2004 The Big Surprise (Version 2) 978-1-84422-313-8
72 2005 Have Itchy Heads 978-1-84422-581-1
73 2005 Help a Friend 978-1-84422-582-8
74 2005 Little ABC Library -
75 2006 Have Chickenpox 978-1-84646-144-6
76 2006 New Lunchboxes 978-1-84646-141-5
77 2007 Go Camping (Version 3) 978-1-84646-583-3
78 2007 Go on a Train (Version 3) 978-1-84646-584-0

Third Generation: 2009-Ongoing[edit]

The third Generation of Topsy and Tim books, based on the original stories by Jean and Gareth Adamson, with modernised illustrations by Belinda Worsley.

# Date Title ISBN-13
1 2009 Go on an Aeroplane (version 4) 978-1-4093-0057-1
2 2009 Go to the Zoo (version 4) 978-1-4093-0084-7
3 2009 Have a Birthday Party 978-1-4093-0061-8
4 2009 Learn to Swim (version 5) 978-1-4093-0060-1
5 2009 Little ABC Library (version 4) 978-1-4093-0226-1
6 2009 Start School (version 4) 978-1-4093-0083-0
7 2009 The New Baby (version 4) 978-1-4093-0056-4
8 2010 At the Farm (version 5) 978-1-4093-0336-7
9 2010 Go Camping (version 4) 978-1-4093-0333-6
10 2010 Go on a Train (version 5) 978-1-4093-0424-1
11 2010 Go to Hospital (version 3) 978-1-4093-0423-4
12 2010 Go to the Dentist 978-1-4093-0058-8
13 2010 Go to the Doctor 978-1-4093-0334-3
14 2010 Play Football (version 3) 978-1-4093-0335-0
15 2011 First Numbers 978-1-4093-0925-3
16 2011 First Writing 978-1-4093-0924-6
17 2011 Have Itchy Heads (version 2) 978-1-4093-0720-4
18 2011 Meet the Firefighters (version 3) 978-1-4093-0721-1
19 2011 Meet the Police (version 4) 978-1-4093-0883-6
20 2011 Safety First 978-1-4093-0882-9
21 2012 Visit London 978-1-4093-0947-5
22 2013 Meet Father Christmas 978-1-4093-1159-1
23 2013 The Big Race 978-0-7232-7385-1
24 2014 Go For Gold / Sports Day 978-1-4093-0946-8
25 2015 First Numbers Sticker Counting Book 978-0-7232-9463-4
26 2015 First Words 978-0-7232-9465-8
27 2015 Help a Friend (version 2) 978-0-7232-9259-3
28 2016 Our Day Clock (version 3) 978-0-241-19644-1
29 2017 Go on Holiday (version 3) 978-0-241-28255-7
30 2017 Have Their Eyes Tested (version 3) 978-0-241-28254-0
31 2019 Halloween Party 978-0-241-38616-3

Republished: 2020-Ongoing[edit]

Republications of the original Topsy and Tim stories, bringing back the classic gouache illustrations by Jean Adamson.

# Date Title ISBN-13
1 2020 On the Farm 60th Anniversary Edition 978-0-241-42046-1

References[edit]

  1. ^ Rigby, Nic (22 January 2003). "Relaunch for Topsy and Tim". BBC News.
  2. ^ a b Pauli, Michelle; Nylind, Linda; Wyse, Pascal (2 November 2010). "Jean Adamson: Living with Topsy and Tim". The Guardian.

External links[edit]

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Topsy_and_Tim&oldid=1232284304"