She started out with other people’s, but then had a go at writing her own picture books. Square-Eyed Pat, about a telly addict dog, was published in 2003, followed by My Big Brother Boris, in which Little Croc and his brother live in a swamp. “It doesn’t seem quite so jolly now,” Pichon says of the title, but it won her the Smarties prize, and got her properly thinking about the kind of book she would have loved to read herself as a child. The Tom Gatesbooks by Liz Pichon are hugely popular - but if your children or students are looking for something new, which stories could they possibly love as much? We have some ideas, and you shared your thoughts, too... There has also been a stage production, Tom Gates Live, which has travelled throughout the UK. There are currently no new dates planned.

But just what isthat squeaking sound coming from Tom’s shoes? Tom Gates Book 13: Epic Adventure (kind of) trouble is, every other kid in town keeps getting there before him! Tom Gates Book 20: Happy to Help (Eventually) Meanwhile Derek, Norman and I keep practicing in DOGZOMBIES so we’re really ready for the school Talent Show. Tom Gates Book 5: Tom Gates Is Absolutely Fantastic (at Some Things) I just hope the only surprise I have when I get home is the new pet that I hear Mum and Dadtalking about.The book of books for kids that like illustrated stories with a healthy dash of surreal humour could be said to be Andy Griffiths and Terry Denton's The 13 Storey Treehouse series, in which Andy and Terry build ever more irrationally stupendous layers to their treehouse and battle to get their book written for the publisher on time.

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. In the eleven years since The Brilliant World of Tom Gates was first published— the Tom Gates books have entertained and inspired children to get creative through various fun activities like reading, drawing, doodling, writing, performing and even making music. Written in diary form full of Tom's doodles and pictures and his amazing sense of humour The Brilliant World of Tom Gates, was the winner of the Roald Dahl Funny Prize! Each of the 20 plus books in the series (all really funny!) are a rich mix of stories, music, mischief and a whole lot of drawing. Guide, British Comedy (2020-12-16). "Catherine Tate and Mark Bonnar voice Tom Gates series". British Comedy Guide. Archived from the original on 2023-06-28 . Retrieved 2023-06-28.Liz Pichon is one of the UK’s most-loved, bestselling children’s authors and she is most popular for her Tom Gates books. Pichon’s Tom Gates series has been hugely popular with kids and their parents for its educational, engaging and funny content. Translated into 47 languages, the Tom Gates books have sold more than 14 million copies worldwide and won several Children’s literary awards in the younger fiction category. The Brilliant World of Tom Gates". Archived from the original on 2023-04-25 . Retrieved 2023-04-25. For all those young readers first exploring new genres and getting to grips with the breadth of the English language, we don't talk enough about short stories. Short stories are rewarding and powerful, and through them you can dip in and explore a wide range of writing. In this sequel, the author takes us on yet another journey into Tom’s life. His school band takes centre stage in this book, and you will love seeing how the kids perform using makeshift instruments. Tom will be doing a lot of drawing in between his performances while overindulging in caramel wafers, which possibly explains his sore tooth. He will also be going swimming, but when he forgets his swim trunks, he has no choice but to wear a teddy bear, one that makes him look like a 5-year-old. Tom’s family’s dynamics come clear in this story, and you cannot help but envy this boy who is surrounded by so much love. Despite the sales, and the readers around the world – Tom Gates has been translated into 45 languages – that “panic” is always still there. “I just assume it’s always going to end, and so every book, I’m really trying hard to put new things in it. If I was a Tom Gates fan, what would I expect? What else can I put in the book that I think kids would really like?”

Songs included:Nice Cup of Teaby Tea Cup Tony and The Saucers;What You Gonna Do?by Plastic Cup;Shout it Outby Dude3;Delia’s A Weirdoby DogZombies;The Cat Songby DogZombies;The School Dinner Blues (Chips Song)by DogZombies. I loved funny books, and I was being offered funny books to illustrate, but I thought if I wanted to illustrate one I’d better write it myself,” she says. “I didn’t actually get to write my own stories until I was in my mid-40s.” The easy to read, diary format instantly appealed to my reluctant-reader eldest son. His younger two siblings also enjoy reading about Tom’s antics. Tom Gates by Liz Pichon: Books 1-15 Collection Set for children aged 7 and up is a comprehensive collection set of the first 15 Tony Gates titles that your child is going to love and learn from. Tom’s everyday trials and tribulations at home and school will keep your child engaged and immerse your young reader in a relatable world, irrespective of where they live. And finally, start marking your calendar, because @janesetheridgecame up with one to watch: 'It's not out until April, but I'd recommend Planet Omar by Zanib Mian, illustrated by Nadaya Mafaridik.' We can't wait!Even Delia wants to come. (I can always ignore her.) Tom Gates Book 14: Biscuits, Bands and Very Big Plans Tom and Derek are in a band called Dog Zombies, consisting of Tom on guitar, Derek on keyboard, and classmate Norman Watson on drums. And the hours spent carefully cleaning cars with Derek are ruined overnight when a storm hits Oakfield Town, causing even MORE chaos.

Claire on Facebook revealed that her 9-year-old is 'flying through' the World of Normbooks by Jonathan Meres and illustratorDonough O'Malley, and they are 'very popular' at @HazeleyLibrary (where The Private Blog of Joe Cowley by Ben Davis is also going down well). A weeks’ worth of drawing, doodling, games, stories and activities in this fantastic new illustrated offering from bestselling author of the Tom Gates series, Liz Pichon! Tom Gates Book 17: Spectacular School TripIn terms of an age recommendation, I think these are great books for ages 8+ and if you want to start at the beginning, the first Tom Gates book is The Brilliant World of Tom Gates, which was first published in 2011. It was only when she and her husband were investigating issues for their son as a child – he’s now 30 – that she realised about her own dyslexia. “We discovered that he had various different things like hearing problems, speech problems, and as we were going through the process with him, they always talked to the parents, and everything they were saying was like, well, you’re probably dyslexic. So I’ve never officially been diagnosed, but my family have always thought it.” Year 5 or 6 kids will love What Lexie Didby Emma Shevah, in which Lexie negotiates her way in a big Greek Cypriot family, while the books in the Nothing To See Here Hotelseries feature a hilarious family (complete with a troll gran in the attic) that run a hotel for monsters. For more funny books