# Topsy and Tim

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. 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

In an interview with The Guardian, 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?"

## Television series

The books have been adapted for television twice; 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

Firstly by Bevanfield Films for Video Collection International, 60 episode 5 minute animated series narrated by Roger Blake and was shown on ITV.

### CBeebies

In 2013, a 13-minute live-action comedy 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

Cast list of Topsy and Tim :
| Actor | Character |
| Actor | Character | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Jocelyn MacNab | Topsy O’Dell | Main | Main | Main |
| Joshua Lester | Tim O’Dell | Main | Main | Main |
| Anna Acton | Joy O’Dell | Main | Main | Main |
| Chris Hannon | Brian O’Dell | Main | Main | Main |
| Suzy Aitchison | Jean O’Dell | Main | Main | Main |
| Natahlia Colbourne | Kerry | Recurring | Recurring | Recurring |
| Tom Hibberd | Tony Welch | Recurring | Recurring | Recurring |
| Nicole Davis | Dominique | Recurring | Recurring | Recurring |
| Iain Campbell | Carson | Recurring | Recurring | Recurring |
| Emily Butterfield | Elaine Welch | Recurring | Recurring | Guest |
| Barry McCarthy | Mr Fishwick | Recurring | — | — |
| Kayleigh Burke | Vinda | Recurring | Recurring | Recurring |
| Natalya Hibberd | Josie Miller | — | Recurring | Recurring |
| Jon Rummey | Mr. Rosen | Recurring | Recurring | Recurring |
| Tim Hibberd | Mr. Fen | — | Recurring | Guest |
| Joshua Levin | Stephen "Stevie" Dunton | — | Recurring | Recurring |
| Kemaal Deen-Ellis | Rai | Recurring | Guest | — |
| Tom Price | Paul Welch | — | Recurring | Recurring |
| Bobby Smalldridge | Andy Anderson | — | Recurring | Recurring |
| Emma Kershaw | Dr. Walton | — | — | Recurring |
| India Brown | Molly | — | — | Recurring |
| Eva Alexander | Miss Terry | — | Guest | — |
| 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
### First Generation: 1960-1987

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

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

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

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 |