Ladybird's Topsy and Tim to CBeebies

CBeebies is to screen a new adaptation of Topsy and Tim, the series of children's books by Jean and Gareth Adamson, published by Penguin imprint Ladybird.

The series was a hit in the 1960s and follows the five-year-old twins as they take their first steps towards independence— from washing the car to finding a lost rabbit to getting ready to start school.

Independent production company Darrall Macqueen has been commissioned by CBeebies to make the drama of 60 11-minute episodes, with co-production partner Penguin.

Penguin Children's m.d. Francesca Dow said: "Since the books were first published in 1960, Topsy and Tim have been part of the day to day lives of millions of children and the brand continues to be much loved today. We are excited to be refreshing Topsy and Tim, taking it from the printed book to a live action pre-school drama series.

"This co-production partnership highlights Penguin's transformation to a new kind of publisher—as a storyteller across multiple media platforms."

Author Jean Adamson added: “I am delighted at the wonderful new opportunities that are opening up for my little characters, Topsy and Tim. They will be stepping out of their books and on to television and I can't wait to see how Darrall Macqueen plans to present them."