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The Brilliant World of Tom Gates

by Liz Pichon

Interest age: 9 to 11
Reading age: 9+

Published by Scholastic, 2011

  • Comic books
  • Diaries and journals
  • Funny

About this book

The hilarious homework diary of Tom Gates charts his progress through the trials and tribulations of school and home life, including a disastrous camping trip, his vexed relationship with nosey teacher Mr Fullerman and that perennial domestic trial - parents’ evening. Luckily, Tom’s appetite for humour means he can take such trials in his stride and mine them for comic potential. They also inspire some brilliant cartoons for the reader to enjoy.

Tom scribbles the world from his point of view, each page is an explosion of hand-written rants, funny stories and dynamic cartoons. 'All I want to do is get tickets to see the best band ever, DUDE3, when they come to town. It’s not easy when I’m up against Delia, my weirdo big sister, and all my plans seem to get me into MAJOR TROUBLE…'  This book oozes personality and with so much going on it promises to maintain the attention of young readers for hours at a time.

About the author

Liz Pichon studied graphic design and has worked as an art director in the music industry. Her freelance design work has appeared on a range of products and she has written and illustrated a number of picture books. Liz's first book for 9+ readers, The Brilliant World of Tom Gates won the Roald Dahl Funny Prize, The Best Book for Young Readers – Red House Book Award and the Best Fiction for 5-12 year olds category of the Waterstones Children's Book Prize. Liz is married with three children and lives in Brighton.

What to read next

We know that children can get hooked on a favourite book series or author and struggle to find something they love as much, but we’re here to help.

  • Tom Gates: what to read next

    The Tom Gates books by Liz Pichon are hugely popular - but if your children or students are looking for something new, which stories could they possibly love as much? We have some ideas, and you shared your thoughts, too...

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