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Step into the doodle-filled, laugh-out-loud world of Tom Gates, where a mischievous schoolboy navigates the chaos of middle school with a pencil in one hand and a caramel wafer in the other! Written and illustrated by Liz Pichon, the Tom Gates series is a British sensation that blends diary-style storytelling with quirky illustrations, capturing the hearts of young readers worldwide. Perfect for ages 8 and up, this comedic series follows Tom’s adventures as he juggles homework excuses, band dreams, and pesky siblings, making it a must-read for anyone who loves a good giggle.
How Tom Gates Began
Liz Pichon, a graphic designer turned children’s author, dreamed up Tom Gates while doodling in a notebook—a process that mirrors Tom’s own creative chaos. Inspired by her childhood love for drawing and funny stories, Pichon crafted the series in 2011 with *The Brilliant World of Tom Gates*. Her goal? To create a book that reluctant readers would devour. With its handwritten font and playful sketches, the series took off, winning the Roald Dahl Funny Prize and sparking a global phenomenon translated into 47 languages.
The Heart of Tom Gates
The Tom Gates series, now boasting 23 books as of 2025, follows 10-year-old Tom at Oakfield Primary School. In *The Brilliant World of Tom Gates*, Tom dodges homework disasters and pines for his crush, Amy Porter, while clashing with his grumpy sister, Delia. *Excellent Excuses (And Other Good Stuff)* sees him plotting to annoy Delia and perfecting his band, DogZombies. *Genius Ideas (Mostly)* introduces Tom’s wild schemes, like a pirate radio station, while *Top of the Class (Nearly)* tackles school rivalries and sports day chaos. Each book bursts with doodles, diary entries, and Tom’s hilarious take on life.
The series shines through its relatable themes: friendship, family squabbles, and the awkward joys of growing up. Set in a vibrant school world, Tom’s stories blend slapstick humor with heart, appealing to kids who see themselves in his mischief. Pichon’s unique style—part novel, part comic—makes reading feel like sneaking a peek at a friend’s secret notebook, encouraging even hesitant readers to dive in.
Why Tom Gates Resonates
Tom Gates has sold over 16.5 million copies worldwide, proving its universal appeal. Its mix of humor and heart has inspired a TV show, a stage adaptation, and even a podcast, *Tremendous Tales*. By celebrating creativity through Tom’s doodles and band ambitions, the series empowers kids to embrace their quirks. For reluctant readers, its visual-heavy format is a gateway to loving books, cementing Tom Gates as a modern classic.
About Tom Gates
- First published: 2011
- Number of books: 23 (as of 2025)
- Awards: Roald Dahl Funny Prize, Waterstones Children’s Book Prize, Red House Children’s Book Award
- Translations: 47 languages
- TV adaptation: Sky Kids (2021–2023)
Ready to join Tom’s world of doodles, DogZombies, and epic excuses? Grab *The Brilliant World of Tom Gates* and dive into this hilarious, heartfelt adventure!