
Titles in This Set:
Mega Make and Do and Stories Too!
Spectacular School Trip (Really!)
Ten Tremendous
Random Acts of
Happy to Help (eventually)
Format: Paperback
Overview:
Delve into the cheerful, doodle-filled world of Tom Gates with this five-book collection by Liz Pichon. Geared to readers aged 8–12, these illustrated chapters follow Tom—creative, slapstick-hungry, and always navigating the funny chaos of school life and family quirks. The set showcases the warmth and mischief that fans of the series adore: playful plots, breezy humor, and plenty of Tom’s signature drawings that invite readers to join in the laughter. Each title stands on its own, while together they form a complete mini-collection that offers a satisfying reading journey for fans returning to Tom Gates or new readers discovering his diary-style adventures. This paperback collection is a gift-ready gateway into a world where everyday moments become entertaining escapades, ideal for family reading time, classroom read-alouds, or independent reading sessions that boost confidence and a love of reading through accessible humor and vivid illustrations.
What This Collection Covers:
Across these five stories, Tom Gates navigates half-term boredom, school rules, friendship, and family dynamics with his trademark wit and whimsy. You’ll see him plotting inventive distractions when adults aren’t looking, trading quick sketches for quick laughs, and learning that teamwork and a dash of creativity can turn ordinary days into memorable adventures. The collection balances lighthearted escapades with relatable moments—feeling frazzled by a stern teacher, navigating sibling quirks, and discovering small, clever ways to make the best of a day. Fans will enjoy the recurring cast—Derek the friend, Delia the sister, and Mr Fullerman the ever-patient teacher—along with Tom’s doodled tangents that reveal his optimistic, can-do outlook. It’s a celebration of imagination as a coping mechanism and a reminder that everyday mischief can become a shared joy when told with warmth and humor.
Book-by-Book Guide:
Mega Make and Do and Stories Too! Tom is determined to fill half-term with abundant, outrageous fun when Mum and Dad forget the break exists. With friends away and Delia in charge, Tom dives into a week of doodling, games, stories, and quirky crafts—especially his woolly monster making and a flurry of inventive distractions. The book reads like a lively notebook of ideas, humor, and bright illustrations that keep engagement high as Tom’s plans spiral into further hilarity. It’s a celebration of ingenuity and the delight of turning idle time into something wonderfully entertaining, all told in Tom’s upbeat voice that invites readers to brainstorm their own adventures alongside him.
Spectacular School Trip (Really!) A school trip is on the horizon, but the path to it isn’t plain sailing. Tom’s on the school achievement chart and a new let-down could cost him the chance to go. With his best friend Derek and a supportive circle around him, Tom navigates social dynamics, competitions, and the fear of that ever-dreaded “face” on the chart. The humor remains buoyant, and the stakes are light enough to feel accessible while still delivering a satisfying payoff. Readers will root for Tom as he learns to balance mischief with responsibility, all illustrated in a way that makes the pages feel energetic and inviting.
Ten Tremendous A laugh-out-loud, fully illustrated collection of stories starring Tom Gates and his friends, family, and foes. The mishaps range from everyday school-life shenanigans to bigger, goofy adventures—like a peculiar chicken pie detour, a quirks-filled lift ride with Delia, and a playful teacher swap. Tom’s optimism and impulsive creativity push him through each tiny crisis, turning ordinary moments into mini-adventures. The tone stays breezy and relatable, making it easy for readers to connect with Tom’s world while enjoying the rapid-fire humor and charming doodles that are a hallmark of the series.
Random Acts of Oh no! Tom’s stuck at home with a fractured ankle, and his plans for fun threaten to crumble. He improvises with doodling on his plaster cast, while family visits, a few treats, and a visit from Rooster bring laughter and light relief. Tom reminisces about other adventures—metal detecting with Uncle Kevin and a foray into secret-language invention with Derek—reminding readers that resilience and imagination can turn a setback into a fresh storyline. The humor remains affectionate and accessible, with vivid illustrations weaving through the narrative to keep tempo high and readers turning the pages with a smile.
Happy to Help (eventually) It’s tidy-up Saturday, but Tom’s not in the mood to tidy—until a shop-window art box of his dreams appears and changes everything. What begins as a lazy day evolves into a lively quest fueled by creativity, color, and a renewed sense of purpose. The story captures Tom’s charming, slightly chaotic energy and shows how curiosity and a playful spirit can spark motivation and joy in everyday tasks. Readers will love the humor, the doodle-forward storytelling, and the sense that even small moments can glow with possibility when seen through Tom’s inventive lens.
Who This Set Is Perfect For:
This set is ideal for children aged 8–12 who enjoy light-hearted, illustrated humor with relatable school and family scenarios. It’s perfect for reluctant readers seeking quick, engaging reads that pair text with lively drawings, making it a superb gift set for birthdays, holidays, or back-to-school, as well as a friendly classroom or home-reading option. Fans of animated humor, quirky protagonists, and warm, supportive friendships will find these stories especially appealing. The collection also serves as a wonderful bridge for early chapter-book readers stepping into longer series, providing confidence-building pacing and consistent, accessible humor across five titles.
Key Benefits:
About the Author:
Liz Pichon is a British author and illustrator best known for creating the Tom Gates series, a long-running and beloved collection of children’s books. Her distinctive blend of diary-style storytelling, humorous situations, and expressive doodles has charmed readers worldwide. Pichon’s work invites young readers to explore everyday adventures with warmth, wit, and a playful visual language, making her one of the most recognizable voices in contemporary children’s fiction. The Tom Gates titles showcase her knack for balancing mischief with heart, delivering stories that feel personal, engaging, and irresistibly fun for kids who love to laugh while they learn.
Why You’ll Love This Set:
This collection offers a complete, accessible entry into Tom Gates’s world—a perfect gift for fans already hooked and a friendly invitation for new readers to fall in love with Liz Pichon’s humor and artwork. Owning the full set means immediate access to five interconnected adventures, ensuring hours of entertainment, consistent tone, and the satisfaction of collecting a popular, kid-approved series in one handy paperback bundle. It’s a dependable choice for parents, teachers, and gift-givers who want a high-spirited, visually engaging reading experience that supports confidence and a sense of playful curiosity.
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.
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