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. Great ideas from Tamsin, then - and you didn't disappoint either, coming up with some brilliant suggestions! Here are some of our favourites: 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.

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. 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.

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). Don’t let your grumpy sister Delia BOSS you around. (Technically not a school issue – but still important.)

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. This is a delightful story that any middle schooler will love. The story comes complete with hilarious artwork and a main character that many can identify with. Tom’s relationship with his sister is enjoyable even though they do not agree on many things. Anyone with a sibling knows why Tom finds his sister so annoying. He blames her for his lateness to school and everything else that goes wrong in his life. Amazingly, the writing is easy, and most middle graders will understand the content without needing any help. Towards the end is a glossary that explains the English terms used in the story. Ten years after the first was published, the 19th Tom Gates book, Random Acts of Fun – “Hanging out with a kid who likes to eat sugar from a bowl. (NOT fun.) Watching squirrels steal stuff from the garden. (Who knew that would be SO much FUN?)” – is just out, and Pichon has no plans on calling a halt any time soon. which is a pity, as he’s desperate to impress Amy Porter, who sits next to him… Tom Gates Book 2: Excellent Excuses (and Other Good Stuff) 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!

Toys

In 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. I have a soft spot for this series, so love it when a new book comes out. This one was hilarious. Kids eating bowls full of sugar, caramel doughnuts, cool grandparents and a whole heap of illustrations to boot!” Rania T.

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 For the kids who love a good creepy story, I'd also recommend Chris Priestley's Tales of Terror,three books of intelligent and fun little ghost stories. Like Tom Gates, they have an extensive cast of children as main characters - some delightful and some perfectly horrible. Each story can be enjoyed on its own, but they also all weave together and come full circle if you do read all three books. Chris Priestley's beautiful writing will be different and challenging for those who've learned to love the bright, colloquial chat of Tom Gates, but David Roberts' illustrations allow readers to both pause and also explore the darkly comic setting.'

In 2020, Sky Kids announced that it was making The Brilliant World of Tom Gates to be available on Sky's on demand service Sky Kids in the UK and Ireland. [7] The first series, consisting of 20 animated episodes, was released in early 2021, featuring Catherine Tate as both Rita Gates and Granny Mavis, Mark Bonnar as Mr Fullerman, and Logan Matthews as Tom Gates. [8] [9] Creator Liz Pichon also appears in the episodes in a live-action segment in which she gives ideas for creating artwork inspired by the series. [10] The second series was released in 2022. The series also has the Halloween and Christmas specials. [11] Awards [ edit ] Year Tom and Derek are in a band called Dog Zombies, consisting of Tom on guitar, Derek on keyboard, and classmate Norman Watson on drums. 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)

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. Scotland, Screen (2021-05-10). "Catherine Tate and Mark Bonnar head voice cast for The Brilliant World of Tom Gates". Screen Scotland. Archived from the original on 2023-04-16 . Retrieved 2023-06-28. trouble is, every other kid in town keeps getting there before him! Tom Gates Book 20: Happy to Help (Eventually) 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.Liz Pichon's Tom Gates books have sold over eight million copies to date and are published in 43 countries. Liz's signature combination of comedy, zany illustration and Tom's slightly chaotic everyday life is awesomely popular with primary school kids, but if your Tom Gates fans are looking for something else, here are a few books to try... For more books about school 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. But just what isthat squeaking sound coming from Tom’s shoes? Tom Gates Book 13: Epic Adventure (kind of)