Tom Gates Books
There are 20 books in the main Tom Gates series
Packed with hilarious tales of the everyday life of rambunctious 10 year old, titles in the Tom Gates series are some of the bestselling fiction books across the world. Liz Pichon’s incredible series has been translated into 44 languages and sold more than eleven million copies worldwide. The books are narrated by Tom himself, who uses the books as his personal diary. Heavily illustrated with copious doodles, descriptions turn into hilarious drawings where imagination runs wild.
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 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.
More about the Tom Gates series
The Brilliant World of Tom Gates
With 20 Tom Gates books to choose from, they don’t need to be read in order. So you can grab any copy that catches your eye to enter the doodle-filled world of Tom Gates.
The first book in the series is 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.
Book 1: The Brilliant World of Tom Gates (2011)
Book 2: Excellent Excuses (And Other Good Stuff) (2011)
Book 3: Everything's Amazing (Sort Of) (2012)
Book 4: Genius Ideas (Mostly) (2012)
Book 5: Tom Gates is Absolutely Fantastic (at Some Things) (2013)
Book 6: Extra Special Treats (not) (2014)
Book 7: A Tiny Bit Lucky (2015)
Book 8: Yes! No (Maybe) (2015)
Book 9: Top of the Class (Nearly) (2016)
Book 10: Super Good Skills (Almost...) (2017)
Book 11: Dog Zombies Rule (for Now) (2017)
Book 12: Family, Friends and Furry Creatures (2018)
Book 13: Epic Adventure (Kind of) (2018)
Book 14: Biscuits, Bands and Very Big Plans (2018)
Book 15: What Monster? (2018)
Book 16: Mega Make and Do (and Stories Too!) (2019)
Book 17: Spectacular School Trip (Really.) (2019)
Book 18: Ten Tremendous Tales (2021)
Book 19: Random Acts of Fun (2021)
Book 20: Happy to Help (2022)
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.
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.