The Tom Gates Series
By Liz Pichon
Doodles, disasters and DogZombies follow Tom Gates through school, family life and gloriously muddled adventures.
humorous · relatable · engaging · creative
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Average 4.75, from 1,021 readers
What is The Tom Gates series by Liz Pichon about?
First published in 2011, Liz Pichon’s Tom Gates series follows an imaginative schoolboy whose doodle-filled notebooks record everyday triumphs, mishaps and excuses. Tom navigates lessons, homework, school trips, friendships, family squabbles and his ambitions for the band DogZombies, while later books expand his world with creative projects, holidays and increasingly chaotic adventures. The episodic stories can be read independently, making the series approachable for children aged around 8–12, especially reluctant readers and fans of cartoons, jokes and illustrated diaries. Expect mild mischief, teasing, sibling arguments and occasional toilet humour, but no serious danger or frightening content.
Genres
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!
All the books in The Tom Gates series (in order)
The Brilliant World Of Tom Gates
by Liz Pichon
Tom’s doodle-filled school days take a not-so-boring turn when his biggest plans go hilariously wrong.
Published: 2011
Tom Gates: Excellent Excuses (And Other Good Stuff)
by Liz Pichon
Tom’s two-week holiday takes a not-so-boring turn when Delia starts acting very strangely.
Published: 2011
Tom Gates: Everything's Amazing (sort of)
by Liz Pichon
Tom’s birthday term gets brilliantly bonkers when Dog Zombies face an unexpected disco disaster.
Published: 2011
Tom Gates: Genius Ideas (Mostly)
by Liz Pichon
When Delia ditches her sunglasses and Dad starts exercising, can DogZombies survive the talent show?
Published: 2011
Tom Gates is Absolutely Fantastic (at some things)
by Liz Pichon
Tom’s not-so-boring trip takes a wild turn — but what peculiar creature will follow him home?
Published: 2013
Tom Gates: Extra Special Treats (Not)
by Liz Pichon
A snow day traps Tom with Delia, cousins and Marcus — but can he still become Star Pupil?
Published: 2013
Tom Gates: A Tiny Bit Lucky
by Liz Pichon
Can Dog Zombies practise enough to beat distractions and rock the competition?
Published: 2014
Tom Gates: Yes! No (Maybe...)
by Liz Pichon
Tom’s indecision lands him in the cake-making group — but what will the Fossils cook up?
Published: 2015
Tom Gates: Top of the Class (Nearly)
by Liz Pichon
Can Tom’s doodles, Delia and the class bully stop his not-so-boring council bid?
Published: 2015
Tom Gates: Super Good Skills (Almost...)
by Liz Pichon
A super-boring campsite becomes not-so-boring when Tom’s doodles spark unexpected adventures.
Published: 2016
Tom Gates: Dog Zombies Rule (For now)
by Liz Pichon
Can Tom turn DogZombies into rock legends while surviving sleep, songs and Delia?
Published: 2011
Tom Gates: Family, Friends and Furry Creatures My School Project
by Liz Pichon
Tom’s family-tree project uncovers surprising secrets — and why are his shoes squeaking mysteriously?
Published: 2017
Tom Gates: Epic Adventure (kind of)
by Liz Pichon
Tom’s epic family outing begins — so why does even Delia want to join in?
Published: 2011
Tom Gates: Biscuits, Bands and Very Big Plans
by Liz Pichon
Can Tom’s biscuit-inspired band become world-famous while escaping Delia and protecting their snacks?
Published: 2018
Tom Gates: What Monster?
by Liz Pichon
A mysterious monster crashes Tom’s chaotic world — but is it closer than anyone thinks?
Published: 2018
Tom Gates: Mega Make and Do (and Stories Too)
by Liz Pichon
Tom’s boring half-term takes a woolly turn when Delia becomes his unlikely activity partner.
Published: 2019
Tom Gates: Spectacular School Trip (Really...)
by Liz Pichon
Can Tom dodge trouble, save the school trip, and stop Rooster eating everything?
Published: 2011
Tom Gates: Ten Tremendous Tales
by Liz Pichon
What could possibly go wrong when Tom faces chicken pies, tiny ants and a lift?
Published: 2020
Tom Gates: Random Acts of Fun
by Liz Pichon
A fractured ankle means boredom — until Tom’s doughnut mission takes a not-so-boring turn.
Published: 2021
Tom Gates: Happy to Help (eventually)
by Liz Pichon
Tom’s money-making plans shrink, soak and stumble — but will they buy his dream art box?
Published: 2011
Tom Gates: Five Star Stories
by Liz Pichon
Can Tom’s odd-object tales beat Marcus, Amy and Norman before Granddad exposes Aunt Aggie’s secret?
Published: 2023
Tom Gates: Book of Everything
by Liz Pichon
Tom’s school-and-snack tips hide a surprising secret — but what could it be?
Published: 2011
Tom Gates is Ha! Ha! Hilarious
by Liz Pichon
Tom’s comic causes chaos when it lands in the wrong hands — can Marcus help him fix everything?
Published: 2011
Tom Gates: Pesky Pets and Parties
by Liz Pichon
DogZombies promise a new song, but Tom must somehow save their not-so-boring big performance.
Published: 2011
Tom Gates Is Not Famous (Yet)
by Liz Pichon
Tom’s hilarious school play goes wildly off-script when Marcus chases fame—can friendship save opening night?
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