Obituary: Jenny Wood

Jenny Wood

1954–1999

Martin West of Happy Cat Books writes:

Jenny Wood, who has died aged 44, was founder and Managing Director of Oyster Books. Starting out as an editor on educational lists, Jenny set up Oyster Books in 1984 when she was 29. It now employs ten people with an annual turnover of £2m.

At Oyster Books, Jenny and her husband Tim created books that managed to delight children and charm their parents. In their attention to detail and lightness of touch the books reflected Jenny herself. Always generous with her support and valuable advice, Jenny took real pleasure in seeing others succeed in the unremittingly competitive arena of children’s books.

Jenny had a truly luminous personality, with an openness and wit that drew others to her. This zest for life is captured both in her books and in the toys that she created. Together with the warmth of her friendship it will be a lasting legacy for all who knew her.