Lighthouse: Year 2 Gold - Beanpole Billy

by Alan Dapre

This collection of infant reading books works as the skills-focused backbone of guided reading resources, with step-by-step skills coverage and the full range of genre. The scheme correlates to the NLS and the Scottish 5-14 Attainment targets for children. The readers in this scheme feature a wide range of genres (including non-fiction) and are levelled to "Book Bands", the grading system recommended by the NLS. Within each Lighthouse band the books are organized in order of challenge, so each session moves children on. Each reader has an accompanying teaching notes booklet which gives guidance on teaching a range of reading skills.

24 pages, Paperback

First published May 22, 2001

About the author

Alan Dapré is an experienced children's author and playwright with over 60 traditionally published books.

His Porridge the Tartan Cat' series (Floris Books) is for young readers aged 6 to 9, and offers up a cat's-eye view of an adventurous fun-loving family, who each have a surprising secret. 

The six books feature engaging characters, such as Porridge, Gadget Grandad, Groovy Gran and Fergus Mc Fungus. Plus the twins, Isla and Ross. 

After 8 years writing for television, Alan is back to writing children's stories. A former Deputy Headteacher, he is dedicated to sparking children's imaginations.

"I wanted to write about two energetic, resourceful and empowered children. Go-getters, who deal head on with anything that life (or a baddy) throws at them. They had to be equal, but different, so I made them non-identical twins.

Ross is hands-on and sporty. Isla thinks on her feet and is up for any challenge.

This is a lot of wordplay and comedy in all my Porridge the Tartan Cat books. Children say to me they enjoy finding new things each time they re-read one.

If you - or a child you know - wishes to rate or review any of my books (1-5 Stars) please do.

My work is full of fun and comedy and I love to surprise my readers too. The key is to listen to your audience and to reflect their fun, energy and spontaneity."

Alan has written extensively for education publishers such as Ginn, Heinemann & Pearson. His published plays are read & performed in schools worldwide. Alan's work spans a range of reading levels, from young Primary age readers to teenagers.