Tom Gates: Spectacular School Trip (Really...)

What do our readers think of Tom Gates: Spectacular School Trip (Really...)? (Generated from the text of reviews of the book)

Children enjoy the funny school and family problems, Tom's doodles and the easy-to-follow diary style. Some children find the messy narration, repeated excuses and sibling teasing tiring at times.

What does the Pageticker team say about Tom Gates: Spectacular School Trip (Really...)?

We enjoy the lively diary format, energetic doodles and laugh-out-loud mix of school mishaps, family friction and friendship. Tom's imperfect choices make the story relatable for children who enjoy cheeky humour and fast-moving, visually varied books; note a little mild mischief, teasing and occasional troublemaking.

Genres

What is Tom Gates: Spectacular School Trip (Really...) about?

Tom Gates is determined to stay out of trouble, but with three sad faces on the school achievement chart, he's on the brink of missing the much-anticipated school trip. With Moany Marcus Meldrew stirring up trouble and his sister Delia in a grump, Tom's in a pickle. Can his best mate Derek lend a hand? And will Rooster the dog ever stop munching on his homework?

About the author

Liz Pichon is a brilliant British author and illustrator, best known for her funny and creative Tom Gates series. Her books are full of doodles, jokes, and school adventures that lots of children enjoy. Liz loves drawing and coming up with new ideas to make reading fun for everyone!

Discussion ideas around Tom Gates: Spectacular School Trip (Really...)

Staying out of trouble: Tom tries to avoid another sad face on the school achievement chart, but his plans do not always work. What could Tom do differently, and which of his choices seem understandable?

Friendship and help: Derek helps Tom when things become difficult. What makes someone a good friend, and how do Tom and Derek support each other?

Excuses and responsibility: Tom often has an explanation for what goes wrong, including problems with his homework. When is an excuse fair, and when should someone simply take responsibility?

Family relationships: Tom's relationship with Delia is full of teasing and grumpiness. How can siblings show that they care about each other even when they argue?

A spectacular school trip: Why do school trips feel exciting to children, and what can make a trip memorable even when things do not go according to plan?