Are you looking for a fun read that will have both children and adults roaring with laughter? The Brilliant World of Tom Gates is precisely that: a hilarious adventure told through the illustrated diary of a 10-year-old boy who has a special talent for getting into trouble and dodging responsibilities.
This first book in Liz Pichon’s successful series has won over readers worldwide, earning prestigious awards such as the Roald Dahl Funny Prize, the Red House Children’s Book Award, and the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize. The reason? Its perfect combination of humour, illustrations, and everyday situations that any schoolchild can identify with.
Who is Tom Gates?
Tom Gates is an ordinary boy with an extraordinary imagination. In his own words:
“My name is Tom Gates. When teachers aren’t watching me, I like to draw and think of a thousand ways to annoy Delia, my older sister.”
This little 10-year-old artist attends Oakfield Primary School, where he’s part of Mr Fullerman’s class 5F. He is the youngest child of Frank and Rita Gates and the little brother of the unbearable Delia. In class, he sits next to Marcus Meldrew (who constantly irritates him) and Amy Porter (whom Tom tries to impress).
His best friend is Derek Fingle, who lives right next door and shares Tom’s passion for music. In fact, both are part of the band “Dog Zombies”, where Tom plays guitar, Derek the keyboard, and their classmate Norman Watson the drums.
What makes Tom unique is his brutal honesty and characteristic sense of humour that perfectly reflects how children his age think. His diary, full of drawings, doodles, song lyrics and funny observations, is an open window into his creative and chaotic mind.
A story that connects with young readers
At school, they say Tom is very distracted and doesn’t concentrate, but as he himself explains, that’s completely unfair. In fact, he can concentrate intensely… when it comes to deciding which type of biscuit he likes best or how to prevent his sister Delia from entering his room.
The narrative of this book is brilliant in its simplicity and authenticity. Tom recounts his day-to-day life in such a natural and funny way that readers, especially younger ones, immediately identify with him. The small daily battles of a schoolchild become epic adventures: from trying to finish homework on time to dealing with demanding teachers or planning how to get tickets to see his favourite band, Dude3.
What truly distinguishes this book is its format. It’s not a conventional text but an illustrated diary where words and drawings intertwine to tell the story. This visual approach makes reading accessible and attractive even to the most reluctant readers, making it an excellent gateway into the world of books.
Why is this book a global phenomenon?
Since its publication in 2011, The Brilliant World of Tom Gates has won over readers in numerous countries and has given rise to a complete series that now includes 23 books. Its success is due to several factors:
- Universal humour: The comic situations that Tom experiences are universal and timeless, allowing children from different cultures and generations to equally enjoy his adventures.
- Innovative format: The combination of text and illustrations in the form of a personal diary breaks with the traditional structure and makes reading more dynamic and entertaining.
- Authentic characters: From Tom to his family, teachers and friends, all characters are built with an authenticity that makes them believable and relatable.
- Stimulates creativity: Tom’s drawing style motivates young readers to create their own illustrated diaries and express themselves visually.
- Gradual reading: The book allows reading in stages, ideal for children who are consolidating their reading habit.
Additionally, parents and educators greatly value that this book achieves something exceptional: making children enjoy reading. In an era dominated by screens and constant stimulation, getting a child to immerse themselves in a book and not be able to put it down is a real triumph.
GET YOUR COPY ON AMAZON* NOW AND ENTER THE BRILLIANT WORLD OF TOM GATES!
A springboard to reading
If you have a child who resists reading or finds books “boring”, The Brilliant World of Tom Gates can be the perfect solution. Its hybrid format between book and comic creates an ideal bridge to transition from visual content to traditional reading.
The series has proven to be especially effective for:
- Children between 8 and 12 years who are developing their reading autonomy.
- Reluctant readers who need visually appealing content.
- Children with overflowing imagination who enjoy humour and creativity.
- Young people who feel misunderstood or struggle with school expectations.
Final recommendation
The Brilliant World of Tom Gates is much more than a fun children’s book. It’s a celebration of creativity, a vindication of the right to be different, and a brilliant way to show children that reading can be one of the most entertaining activities in the world.
With its scribbled drawings, clever jokes, and fresh look at the school world, Tom Gates has earned a special place in the hearts of millions of young readers. And the best part is that this is just the first of a long series of books, so if your child connects with Tom, they have guaranteed fun for a long time.
* Link with a commission, it will cost you the same and you help us to maintain the site.
