It is with great sadness that we share the news that Lyn Wendon, creator of Letterland, passed away on September 15 2026 at the age of 98. She leaves behind a way of teaching reading and writing that has reached generations of children in over 100 countries.
Lyn created Letterland because she believed every child could learn to read and write with imagination and joy, not struggle. Characters such as Annie Apple, Bouncy Ben, and Clever Cat turned phonics into stories that children could imagine, love, and remember.
Lyn was always quick to acknowledge all those who contributed to Letterland and became part of the global Letterland family. Many colleagues, writers, editors, illustrators, trainers, consultants, and staff helped shape Letterland into a program that has helped children around the world. Lyn often made a point of saying so.
Lyn was just as quick to credit the children themselves. She often said that some of her best ideas for the Letterland characters and stories came directly from watching and listening to the children she worked with. Their questions, their guesses, and the things that made them laugh all helped to shape Letterland.
Lyn was also always so grateful to teachers. She saw teaching as one of the hardest and most important jobs there is, and she thought of every teacher who brought the Letterland characters into their classroom as a partner in her work, not simply someone using her materials. If you are one of those teachers, this tribute is for you as much as it is for her.
Her son and Chairman of Letterland, Mark Wendon, said:
“I’ve had the privilege of watching my mother’s ideas travel further than she ever imagined, from her kitchen table in Cambridge to classrooms around the world. Many of the teachers who brought her characters to life she never got to meet, but she thought about them constantly. She was proud of Letterland, but prouder still of the teachers who made it real for their students, year after year.”
– Mark Wendon, Chairman of Letterland
Remember Lyn with us
Read her obituary or share a memory on her memorial website.
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19 years of Letterland magic at Tweetsie Railroad