Tom Gates 2 Books Collection Set By Liz Pichon - Fiction - Paperback

Titles in This Set:
Excellent Excuses (and other good stuff)
Everything's Amazing (sort of)

Format: Paperback

Overview:
Two playful, heartwarming adventures in one paperback collection. Tom Gates, a quick‑witted, music‑loving schoolboy, records his life in a diary peppered with doodles, cartoons, and offbeat humor. In Excellent Excuses (and other good stuff), Tom navigates classroom chaos, friendships, and the art of getting out of trouble with inventive, hilarious excuses. In Everything's Amazing (sort of), Tom continues to chase gigs, mischief, and the everyday heroics of growing up, all told with Liz Pichon's unmistakable cartoon‑style drawings. The books blend approachable, fast‑paced text with bold illustrations, making them ideal for reluctant readers and confident readers alike. The paperback format adds accessibility and durability for young readers, parents, and teachers seeking a reliable, engaging duo to introduce the Tom Gates world. Perfect for library picks, classroom read‑alouds, or family reading time, this collection makes a lively gift that sparks a love of reading.

What Makes This Collection Worth Owning:
These two installments form a natural reading journey: a first, playful dip into Tom Gates’ humor, followed by another warmly entertaining adventure. Owning the set guarantees you get the books in the intended sequence, preserving character development and running gags across titles. The consistent format—short chapters, witty cartoons, and approachable text—helps build reading confidence and stamina, whether read aloud or solo. The bright, collectible paperback pair is gift‑ready and travels well, making it easy to share Tom Gates with siblings, classmates, or budding bibliophiles. For families and educators, the duo provides a reliable, high‑engagement entry point into a longer series, supporting literacy goals while delivering genuine laughter and heart.

Books Included in This Collection:
Excellent Excuses (and other good stuff)
Tom’s diary‑style adventures kick off with humor, doodles, and mischief that define the Tom Gates voice. This title blends brisk storytelling with expressive illustrations, inviting readers to skim for visual jokes while following Tom’s clever, chaotic attempts to navigate school life. The balance of light narration and cartoon panels creates a friendly reading rhythm, perfect for transitioning from picture books to chapter books. Readers will enjoy Tom’s optimism, his inventive excuses, and the warmth of familiar friendships that ground the humor in something relatable and real.

Everything's Amazing (sort of)
Tom keeps the energy high as he juggles school chaos, music, and friendships with his signature doodle‑filled humor. This second title in the set continues the diary format, weaving sketches with brisk storytelling to pull readers along on Tom’s exuberant misadventures. Fans will relish the visual jokes, quirky characters, and the sense that everyday life can feel epic when viewed through Tom’s eye for fun. It’s a strong bridge for readers moving from early chapters to longer novels, building reading stamina while inviting repeated visits to Tom Gates’ world.

Who This Set Is Perfect For:
Ideal for ages 7–11, especially reluctant or transitioning readers who respond to humor, cartoons, and fast pacing. Great for fans of graphic novels and diary‑style storytelling, as well as parents and teachers seeking a lively, low‑stakes entry into a long‑running series. A wonderful gift for birthdays, back‑to‑school, or reading challenge motivation. The two‑book format provides a complete, entertaining experience without hunting down individual titles, while still allowing young readers to savor Tom Gates’ voice and drawings in a cohesive mini‑collection.

Key Benefits:

• Two‑title collection delivers value and convenience in one grab‑and‑go package
• Humor, doodles, and diary-style storytelling that engages reluctant readers
• Supports reading confidence with accessible pacing and vivid visuals
• Ideal for shared reading, classroom read‑alouds, and independent reading
• Durable paperback format suited for young hands and backpacks
• Bright, eye‑catching covers that appeal to kids and gifting audiences
• Gives readers a cohesive entry into the Tom Gates series
• Perfect gift for fans of Liz Pichon’s playful, character‑driven humor

About the Author:
Liz Pichon is a British author and illustrator renowned for the Tom Gates series, a blend of fiction, humor, and graphic storytelling that brings Tom’s diary to life with hand‑drawn doodles and energetic artwork. The series began with The Brilliant World of Tom Gates (2011) and has since captivated readers worldwide, earning multiple awards and nominations for its distinctive voice that celebrates creativity, friendship, and resilience. Pichon studied graphic design at Camberwell College of Arts, and her background informs the seamless fusion of text and illustrations across the Tom Gates books. Her approachable, buoyant storytelling has made Tom Gates a staple in many home libraries and school classrooms, inspiring countless young readers to pick up a book and join Tom on his next misadventure.

Why You’ll Love This Set:
This two‑book collection offers an instant, engaging entry into a beloved series with immediate reading momentum. The pairing provides a complete reading experience in a single purchase, ideal for gifting or stocking a classroom shelf. The consistent humor and artwork create a cohesive reading journey, helping new readers feel confident as they move from picture‑book formats to chapter books. The vibrant covers and lively inside pages invite kids to dive in, while parents and teachers appreciate the reliable quality and readability. A bright, joyful gateway into Tom Gates’ world that’s perfect for birthdays or back‑to‑school motivation.

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.