Tom Gates Books

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.

Quirky, funny and highly illustrated, this fiction series follows Tom Gates through life’s chaotic ups and downs. Apart from Tom, his old sister, their parents, and grandparents also make appearances through the books and of course Tom’s friends, schoolmates and neighbours too. All his quirks aside—Tom Gates is a loveable character that your child is going to want to make friends with, through the books. Master of excuses Tom is a bit of a brat (especially when it comes to homework), he however is also a creative storyteller, doodler and school comedian extraordinaire. If you are a parent to a child that is in and around the  7-years-old bracket and is just about learning to read stories independently, then this is the book series your child needs right away.

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.

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.

An-almost 10-year-old, Tom is the younger of the two children of Frank and Rita Gates, and is the younger brother to Delia Gates. He attends Oakfield Primary School where he attends Mr. Fullerman's Class 5F, under headmaster Mr Keen. Children in his class include Marcus Meldrew (who sits next to and consistently annoys Tom in class), and Amy Porter (who also sits next to Tom, but whom Tom hopes to impress). Also, in his year at school is his best friend Derek Fingle, who also lives next door to him. Tom has a second neighbour, June Jones, that annoys Tom and dislikes his band.

Tom Gates' humour comes to play as he refers to his grandparents—Frank’s parents; Granny Mavis and Granddad Bob as "The Fossils", while he calls Rita's parents "The Wrinklies". Tom and Derek are in a band called Dog Zombies, with Tom on the guitar, Derek on keyboards, and another classmate Norman Watson on drums.

Yet another book from the series, this one was published more recently in 2022. Tom Gates 18: Ten Tremendous Tales (PB) by Liz Pichon is the 18th title in the series and is a laugh-out-loud riot of a book. Featuring a delicious chicken pie, getting stuck in the lift with Delia, a teacher swap at the school and more fun. This Tom Gates book is just as much fun as all the rest of them.

Whilst there is no particular order in which your child will enjoy the Tom Gates series; this one is a good book to enjoy on its own or as part of the collection set. Simply hand your child the Tom Gates books order this summer and watch them enjoy it for all the things they love.