Tom Gates: Genius Ideas (Mostly)

Dreams of rock stardom take the edge off embarrassing family activities in Tom’s fourth “homework diary” crammed with doodles and stories.

After receiving the shock of a lifetime — seeing his big sister, Delia, without her sunglasses on — Tom is trying to gear himself up for sports day at school. It does not help that his dad is training for the parents’ race on that day — and plans to wear bizarre cycling shorts! Meanwhile, Tom’s band, DogZombies, is supposed to play in the school talent show, meaning they’d better start practicing — a lot. It might all be worth it, though, if the absolutely brilliant band DUDE3 appears as special guests!

Liz Pichon is the author-illustrator of the award-winning Tom Gates series, which has received a Roald Dahl Funny Prize and a Waterstone’s Best Fiction Prize, among other awards. She has also written and illustrated a number of picture books, including My Big Brother, Boris. Liz Pichon studied graphic design and worked as an art director in the music industry, and her designs have appeared on a number of products. She lives with her family in England.