Tom Gates: Random Acts of Fun

What do our readers think of Tom Gates: Random Acts of Fun? (Generated from the text of reviews of the book)

Children find the book funny, creative and easy to read, and they enjoy the doodles, Tom’s silly adventures and the caramel-doughnut storyline. A few children find some sections less interesting, but they still appreciate the funniest moments and Tom’s lively personality.

What does the Pageticker team say about Tom Gates: Random Acts of Fun?

We enjoy the lively diary format, packed with doodles, wordplay and Tom’s inventive ways of turning a frustrating broken ankle into an opportunity for fun. The story celebrates creativity, friendship and family, making it a cheerful choice for children aged 8–13, especially fans of illustrated school stories; note a fair amount of slapstick humour, and Tom’s enthusiastic focus on sweets and mischief.

Genres

What is Tom Gates: Random Acts of Fun about?

Tom Gates is stuck at home with a fractured ankle, and it's spoiling his fun. To pass the time, he doodles on his plaster cast and enjoys visits from family, friends, and even his dog, Rooster. Tom reminisces about past adventures, like metal detecting with Uncle Kevin and inventing a secret language with Derek. But what he really craves is a caramel doughnut from the new bakery — if only he can get there before everyone else!

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: Random Acts of Fun

Finding fun at home: How does Tom turn being stuck with a fractured ankle into a chance to have fun, and what creative ideas might you try if you were in his position?

Small moments, big memories: Why do you think Tom enjoys remembering adventures such as metal detecting with Uncle Kevin and inventing a secret language with Derek?

Friends and family: How do the visits from Tom’s family, friends and Rooster change his time at home, and which visitor would you most like to meet?

Wanting what you cannot have: Why does the caramel doughnut become so important to Tom, and when can wanting something make an ordinary day more exciting or more difficult?

Doodles and self-expression: What do Tom’s doodles and secret language show about the way he thinks, and how can drawing or making things help people express themselves?