Timothy Kehoe, author of The Unusual Mind of Vincent Shadow (2009) and its sequel The Top Secret Toys (2012, both Little, Brown), died unexpectedly in St. Paul, MN, at age 43 on February 27, reports the Star Tribune. Not only the author of the middle-grade series about a boy toymaker, which SLJ described in its review as a “solid, whimsically illustrated writing debut [that] begs for a quick follow-up,” Kehoe is also the inventor of numerous toy products, including the world's first colored bubbles (Zubbles), and was recently named one of America's 100 Best by Reader's Digest. In 2005, Zubbles was awarded the Popular Science Grand Prize for Innovation. Sloan Harris, Kehoe’s literary agent at ICM shared with SLJ, “I met Tim through another client named Vince Flynn. Vince was a great friend and judge of character, and he thought Tim was extremely creative and talented. He was right, but what he didn’t prepare me for was what a warmhearted, fun guy Tim was too. As a toy inventor, Tim created magical and surprising inventions for the delight of children. I was very lucky to work with him as he did the same for young readers.” Nancy Consescu, currently at Penguin, acquired the writer’s first book while at Little, Brown. “He was so full of positive energy and enthusiasm. The day after I signed up his book, I received an enormous package in the mail. Inside was a large wooden box, carved with the letters 'V.S.' for Vincent Shadow. There was a card with a key inside to unlock the old-fashioned lock he had used to fasten the box shut.  Inside was a giant presentation version of Vincent Shadow. To this day, it’s one of the most surprising and wonderful gifts I’ve ever received.” The toy inventor was always full of surprises, Consecu added, and his life as a toymaker infused his storytelling. “One moment that stands out to me about working with Tim is when I questioned him about a scene in the manuscript where the whites of Vincent’s eyes are dyed blue. I wondered if that could really happen, and Tim explained that it had happened to him.  As a toy inventor, he had a lot of stories like that.” Victoria Stapleton, director of the publisher’s school library marketing, told SLJ, “All of us at Little, Brown Books for Young Readers extend our deepest sympathies to Tim's family on their loss of such a wonderful husband and father. His legacy of literary talent and creativity will continue in his books for young readers.” With another title out this April from Simon & Schuster, Kehoe’s legacy will live on his books for young children. Kristin Ostby, the editor of his last middle grade novel, Furious Jones and the Assassin’s Secret, said of Kehoe, “Tim was a joy to work with—collaborative, thoughtful, kind, hardworking, and always brimming with ideas. He was a talented writer whose loss is very deeply felt, and he will be incredibly missed.” He is survived by his wife Sherri for 19 years and his children Alexandra, Isabella, Seamus, Liam, and Gabriella. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made towards further education for the Kehoe children at "Tim Kehoe Children Fund" (Wells Fargo Bank).