Tom remembers other fun times he's had, like metal detecting with Uncle Kevin and the cousins or inventing a new secret language with Derek. But only ONE thing will cheer Tom up: a caramel doughnut from the new bakery... trouble is, every other kid in town keeps getting there before him! Readers are introduced to Tom’s best mate Derek, who is also his neighbour, and band mate in the cool band Dog Zombies! We meet Tom’s grumpy older sister Delia, who is on the receiving end of a lot of Tom’s cheeky and audacious pranks. Not forgetting Tom’s annoying arch enemy - Marcus, who he has to sit next to everyday in class… Tom navigates all the ups and downs of growing up, making friends, getting through school and avoiding as much homework as possible! Tom remembers other fun times he's had, like metal detecting with Uncle Kevin and the cousins or inventing a new secret language with Derek. Tom Gates books are perfect for kids ages 9 and up. Tom Gates’ illustrated his life and shares his wide imagination through creative drawings. The exaggerated words in a flurry of fonts, and BRILLIANT doodles(!) makes these fiction books a unique, accessible read. Tom Gates has dyslexia, just like his creator Liz Pichon. This gives kids with learning difficulties a boost of confidence, and supports access to the enjoyment of reading. British author and illustrator Liz Pichon began her career as a graphic design artist creating cover art for a music label. As her art style developed, she began selling prints on a wide range of products. In 2004, she published her first book both written and illustrated herself called Square Eyed Pat. She has since published several other books outside of the Tom Gates series. Pichon has no plans to stop creating Tom Gates books, nor other books! Her latest book outside of the Gates series is called Shoe Wars, published in 2020, and features a large cast of hilarious characters.

Books - The Brilliant World of Tom Gates Books - The Brilliant World of Tom Gates

In 2020, tales from the books were adapted into a stage production called ‘Tom Gates Live’. With a short run, the producers of Horrible Histories and Gangsta Granny brought the characters to life and toured the UK. As well as the main series, Liz Pichon has also published other books in the Tom Gates universe. From a music book with real grade 1 notations for music exams, to a big activity book, there’s so much to get kids engaged. Author Liz Pichon regularly tours with events like ‘How to draw like Tom Gates’ where children (and grown ups!) can practice their best doodles with the creator herself. Tom is forced into the slow lane by a broken ankle but will stop at nothing to make sure he gets his dream doughnut.Doodling on his plaster cast helps to pass the time, along with visits from family (with treats), friends and even Rooster managing to sneak in. The Brilliant World of Tom Gates. Published in 2011, it was nominated for several prestigious awards in literature, including the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize. The 19th book in the series is Tom Gates: Random Acts of Fun, following an injured Tom as he laments on all the most outrageously fun things he did before his foot was in a cast, and plotting many more! Pichon’s next book in the series is to be published in October 2022, called Tom Gates: Happy to Help.