"Funny, gripping and exciting. This fun illustrated book inspired me to start doodling!" says Florence, The Week Junior's Summer of Reading 2023 "10 out of 10." The Guardian The first title in the bestselling series from the brilliantly talented Liz Pichon. Tom Gates is the master of excuses for late homework: dog attacks & spilt water & lightning... Tom's exercise book is full of his doodles, cartoons and thoughts, as well as comments from his long-suffering teacher, Mr Fullerton. After gaining five merits for his CAMPING SUCKS holiday story, Tom's work starts to go downhill - which is a pity, as he's desperate to impress Amy Porter, who sits next to him... ABOUT THE SERIES: Written in diary form Full of Tom's doodles and pictures & his amazing sense of humour This first title in the series, was the winner of the Roald Dahl Funny Prize! Perfect gifts for boys & girls who love to laugh themselves silly The first TV series of The Brilliant World of Tom Gates won the Scottish BAFTA for Entertainment! Love Tom Gates? Don't miss Liz Pichon's spectacular Shoe Wars, a laugh-out-loud, gadget-packed adventure! Praise for The Brilliant World of Tom Gates "This entertaining book tackles the serious issues of bullying, poverty and difficult family circumstances with a light-hearted touch." BookTrust "this book's perfect for... anyone, really. Boys AND girls can read it. Mainly because it's so funny!" Love Reading