Tom Gates Series By Liz Pichon 7 Books Collection Set For Kids - Fiction - Paperback

Titles in This Set:
DogZombies Rule (for Now)
Family, Friends and Furry Creatures
Epic Adventure (Kind of)
Biscuits, Bands and Very Big Plans
What Monster?
Mega Make and Do (and Stories Too!)
Spectacular School Trip (Really.)

Format: Paperback

Overview:
This seven-book collection gathers the later adventures of Tom Gates, the endlessly doodling schoolboy fashioned by Liz Pichon. Each title blends playful illustrations with brisk humor, smart banter, and fast-moving plots that leap off the page alongside Tom’s wry narration. From surprising family histories and squeaky mystery in his shoes to big-band dreams and utterly ridiculous plans, the books celebrate creativity, friendship, and resilience in the face of everyday chaos. The voice remains warm, witty, and mischief-loving, making these stories feel like a friendly chat with a clever friend who never runs out of ideas. Designed for readers who enjoy graphic-novel style chapters and vivid, humorous storytelling, this paperback collection is ideal for reluctant readers stepping into longer chapter books, for shared family reading, and for fans who want the complete stretch of Tom Gates’ school-year adventures. Whether you’re revisiting Tom’s world or discovering it for the first time, the 7-book arc offers a cohesive, joyous reading experience with lovable doodles and lively pacing throughout.

What This Collection Covers:
Across the seven titles, Tom navigates school, family, friends, and the funny catastrophes that come with creativity. You’ll follow his earnest attempts to balance homework with imaginative schemes, his affection for his dog-obsessed world, and his surprisingly deep moments of honesty amid the chaos. The collection leans into themes of collaboration and self-expression—Tom’s doodles aren’t just decoration; they propel the stories and invite readers to see the world through a kid’s inventive lens. Music, mischief, and misadventures thread through Epics like epic family outings, scrappy bands trying to conquer the scene, and the ever-present urge to improvise a plan when nothing else seems to work. This set is a warm invitation to celebrate imagination, curiosity, and the everyday bravery of simply being yourself in a busy, funny world.

Book-by-Book Guide:
DogZombies Rule (for Now)
Tom dives into a class assignment about family trees while juggling the quirks of his everyday life—friends, a mischievous furry creature, and a squeaking mystery that rattles his shoes. The humor glints through Tom’s doodles and quick-fire narration as he navigates the chaos of school, siblings, and the wild idea that family can be the grand, imperfect adventure. This opening installment sets the tone: fast, funny, and full of heart as Tom discovers that belonging often arrives with a side of doodles and chaos, all colored by his unmistakable voice and warmth. It’s the perfect entry point for readers new to Tom Gates and a satisfying return for long-time fans alike.

Family, Friends and Furry Creatures
In this volume, Tom broadens his circle—family members, friends, and a handful of furry companions weave through the plot with the same energy that makes Tom’s world feel vibrant and alive. The humor remains affectionate and buoyant, but the stakes feel slightly bigger as relationships take center stage. Readers will enjoy the clever blend of school-life antics with heartwarming moments that remind us that friends and family are often the best sources of support when plans go awry. The doodles continue to provide visual punch and reinforce Tom’s playful, optimistic outlook on the everyday.

Epic Adventure (Kind of)
Two sets of grandparents spark a family outing with an “EPIC” promise, and Tom’s social world brims with anticipation, skepticism, and playful negotiation. The book leans into larger-scale adventures while keeping the intimate, joke-filled voice that fans expect. It’s a celebration of curiosity, creativity, and the way family connections can turn ordinary moments into extraordinary memories—without losing Tom’s signature sense of whimsy. The rhythm of the pages invites confident readers to chase the pace, follow the doodled clues, and enjoy the evolution of Tom’s plans as they wobble, zigzag, and somehow land in laughter.

Biscuits, Bands and Very Big Plans
Tom’s latest doodler-driven dreams center on biscuits, friendship, and a band that could rule the school. The story blends musical ambition with the chaos of teen-hopeful schemes, all delivered in short chapters shaded by Tom’s cartoons. The humor remains accessible and buoyant while sharpening focus on teamwork, perseverance, and the joy of making music—even if the plans wobble in unpredictable, entertaining ways. It’s a delicious blend for readers who love a good plan that might go spectacularly wrong but still leaves everyone smiling in the end.

What Monster?
A mystery hums beneath Tom’s world as monstrous ideas and mischievous possibilities tiptoe through the pages. The excitement grows as Tom, Delia, and friends chase clues through a blend of suspense, festival vibes, and the ever-present soundtrack of school life. The book balances spooky vibes with the lightness of Tom Gates’ voice, ensuring it stays approachable for younger readers while offering a satisfying puzzle for those who enjoy a bit of intrigue with their humor. It’s a celebration of imagination where fears become fuel for clever plotting and comic relief at just the right moments.

Mega Make and Do (and Stories Too!)
Half-term becomes an open canvas for Tom’s creative experimentation—crafts, stories, and doodles fill the days as he wrestles with boredom and the urge to fill every minute with something brilliant. This title leans into hands-on play and inventive projects, making it a perfect pick for hands-on readers who love to imagine, build, and narrate alongside Tom. The blend of practical activities with quick-witted banter and colorful illustrations keeps the energy high, inviting readers to join in the creative spree and discover that even a quiet week can turn into a mini-adventure with a splash of doodle-powered whimsy.

Spectacular School Trip (Really.)
All Tom wants is to stay out of trouble and enjoy the school trip, but his chart of three sad faces threatens to derail the whole adventure. The narrative pivots between school duties, friendships, and the unpredictable twists that only Tom Gates can deliver. It’s a capstone that tightens the series’ core themes—courage to be yourself, the joy of shared experiences, and the laughter that comes from navigating mishaps with friends. With its signature doodles, quick pace, and warm, empathetic humor, this finale of the set leaves readers smiling as they thumb back through the pages, eager to revisit Tom’s cheerful chaos again and again.

Who This Set Is Perfect For:
Young readers ages roughly 7–11 who enjoy illustrated chapter books, quick-fire humor, and school-life adventures will feel right at home here. The seven titles work well as a classroom or family-reading set, offering approachable, bingeable reads that reward steady pacing and consistent engagement. Perfect for reluctant readers who crave visual cues and fast plots, the collection also serves as a gateway to more traditional novels for fans of witty, character-driven stories. Gift buyers will appreciate the cohesive arc across the set and the tangible encouragement to pick up the next installment without losing momentum. It’s equally suited for solo reading, shared reading aloud, or group book talks in school clubs and libraries.

Key Benefits:

• Engaging illustrated format that supports confident readers
• Seven complete adventures in one value-packed collection
• Humor, heart, and quick pacing that keeps kids turning pages
• Ideal for classroom libraries, family reads, and gift sets
• Develops creativity and resilience through playful storytelling
• Distinct voice of Liz Pichon, respected author of the Tom Gates series
• Accessible entry point to longer chapter books without sacrificing fun
• Beautiful, colorful design that stands out on shelves

About the Author:
Liz Pichon is the award-winning author and illustrator behind the Tom Gates series, a long-running and beloved collection of graphic-novel style novels for children. Her work is celebrated for its infectious humor, energetic doodles, and authentic portrayal of school-life adventures. The Tom Gates books have earned multiple recognitions in the children’s literature world and have captivated readers across the globe with Tom’s earnest voice, clever wordplay, and relatable mischief. Pichon’s distinctive blend of storytelling and illustration has helped redefine what middle-grade reads can look like, inviting reluctant readers to pick up a book and stay engaged long after the first page is turned.

Why You’ll Love This Set:
This collection is a joyous, immersive dive into Tom Gates’ bright, mischief-filled world. Owning the complete run of books 11–17 offers readers seamless continuity, a richer sense of Tom’s friendships and family dynamics, and a satisfying arc that makes it easy to re-read or share with friends. The format is approachable for emerging readers, while the humor and doodled details reward attentive eyes. It’s a thoughtful gift for fans of lighthearted, graphic-rich storytelling and for classrooms seeking an engaging, discussion-friendly set that sparks imagination and conversation about creativity, resilience, and teamwork.

Please Note: The individual books included in this listing will be dispatched as per the original UK ISBN and UK edition cover image shown in the image.