The Brilliant World of Tom Gates

Story

This is Tom Gates’ diary, but it looks more like a comic. Tom has to contend with many trying people in his life: grumpy teacher, Mr Fullerman, embarrassing parents and his weirdo, big sister, Delia. But Tom is wily and has ways of dealing with them – then he can focus on doing what he really loves: doodling and eating biscuits!

Why we chose it

When we asked visitors to the museum to tell us their favourite stories, The Brilliant World of Tom Gates was one of the books most frequently mentioned. Young fans of the books love the humour and the cartoon style of Tom’s diaries.

Where it came from

Liz Pichon (1963- ) studied graphic design and then became an art director in the music industry.

In 2004 she published her first children’s book, but it was with the Tom Gates series that her writing career really took off.

Liz is dyslexic, like her character, Tom Gates. She imagined she was Tom, writing in his school exercise book and receiving comments from Mr Fullerman!

Where it went next

There are currently 17 books in the Tom Gates series. They have been translated into 43 languages and more than 8 million copies have been sold worldwide. They have also won a number of awards including the Roald Dahl Funny Prize, the Red House Book Award and Waterstones’ Best Fiction for 5-12 year olds Prize.

In 2019 the Birmingham Stage Company produced a stage version of the book which has been touring the UK.

Associated stories

Further Tom Gates titles include Tom Gates: Excellent Excuses, Tom Gates: Genius Ideas (Mostly), Tom Gates: Mega Make and Do.

Earlier books by Liz Pichon for younger children include My Big Brother Boris, Three Billy Goats Fluff, and Penguins