Topsy and Tim: The Big Race - Read it yourself with Ladybird: Level 2

Description

An adaptation of the classic Topsy and Tim story by Jean and Gareth Adamson. It's Sports Day at school and Topsy and Tim are cross that they are not winning any races. With one race to go, will the twins overcome their differences and work together? Read it yourself with Ladybird is one of Ladybird's best-selling series. For over thirty-five years it has helped young children who are learning to read develop and improve their reading skills. Each Read it yourself book is very carefully written to include many key, high-frequency words that are vital for learning to read, as well as a limited number of story words that are introduced and practised throughout. Simple sentences and frequently repeated words help to build the confidence of beginner readers and the four different levels of books support children all the way from very first reading practice through to independent, fluent reading. Each book has been carefully checked by educational consultants and can be read independently at home or used in a guided reading session at school. Further content includes comprehension puzzles, helpful notes for parents, carers and teachers, and book band information for use in schools. Topsy and Tim- The Big Race is a Level 2 Read it yourself title, ideal for children who have received some initial reading instruction and can read short, simple sentences with help.

Jean and Gareth Adamson, creators of the famous Topsy and Tim series met whilst studying art and illustration at Goldsmiths College in the 1950s. Jean was born in Peckham on 29th February 1928. After attending grammar school until the age of 16, she graduated to Goldsmiths college to study illustration. Gareth Adamson was born on 10th May 1926 in Liverpool and was evacuated to Northumberland during the war. He suffered ill health during his childhood and was in hospital for two years, where he spent most of his time writing stories. After leaving school at age of 14, Gareth returned to Northumberland to continue his creative work by joining an advertising agency. Jean continued to teach illustration and design at Goldsmiths and also did work for a large animation company. Advertising campaigns she worked on included illustations for the Birds Custard and VAT 69 accounts. Jean and Gareth met again in London and married in 1957. Having moved to Newcastle they decided to work together on children's books and find an agent. 'I would do the basic subject research and layout,' says Jean, 'and I would sketch out the bare bones of the plot. Gareth would then take over and produce a beautifully crafted storyline. I would then do the illustrations. We made a very good team.' Publishers Blackie expressed interested in taking them on. At the tim