The fifth book in the bestselling Tom Gates series of books from the brilliantly talented Liz Pichon. Exciting News! ven though I only live four minutes away from my school, I’m often late. MY school To MY house (Oakfield) O Cheap Street C 24 a s t l e TwRoomai nu d SHOP t e s akfield Another Pe rcy St ree t ch o o l STOP! m inut es to s t w o This is usually because me and Derek (my best mate and next-door neighbor) \"chat” L OTa bit (OK, a ) on the way. Sometimes it’s because we get distracted by delicious fruit chews and caramel wafers at the shop. Occasionally, it’s because I’ve had loads of other very important things to do. 2

This year, Dad said, “Let’s go camping, it’s cheap.” Mom didn’t seem that keen, but I’d never been camping before, so I was looking forward to it. Dad and I went to the camping shop to buy a few essential items like: \"W e won’t need much,” 1. Tent he said. Dad 2. Sleeping bags 3. Cooking stuff 4. Fishing rods 5. TV 6. Computer But the camping shop had some cool stuff, LOTand Dad got carried away. He spent a of money and made me promise not to tell Mom. “We could have stayed in a nice hotel; it would have been cheaper,” Dad said. “Not the same as sleeping under the stars and waking up in the fresh air!” said the man in the shop as he took Dad’s m o n ey . 16 Y“ eah. . . . Just call yourselves 'Th e Tot a l Lo s e rs .' Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! '' s ay s M a rc us . . . who's even more annoying this year than he was last year (if that’s possible). Marcus Ha! Ha! being a Ha! TWIT T he re 's hom ew o rk a l ready fro m M r. Fullerman. (It’s like we never had a holiday.) 34 Bu T on the other side of me, the good news is I am now sitting next to , w h o i s very smart and nice (even though she didn’t seem thrilled to see me this morning). BriLLIANT At least I can have a sneaky look over her shoulder for a few right answers. I think she is looking at me now. is ve ry nice. 10

What everyone says:

MARCUS MeLdrew has a face like a mouse. Marcus Meldrew has a face like a Moose! Moosey Marcus . . . ( H e’s s topped loo ki ng now.) 9 The Brilliant World of Tom Gates". Archived from the original on 2023-04-25 . Retrieved 2023-04-25. Tom and Derek are in a band called Dog Zombies, consisting of Tom on guitar, Derek on keyboard, and classmate Norman Watson on drums. I “ t looks like Marcus,” Derek laughs. “Or Norman Watson on candy!” I say. “Bet it belongs to a little new kid who doesn’t know any better!” says Derek. “What kind of person would have a stupid-looking bike like that?” I laugh. Ha! HHaa! ! HHaa!! HHaa! ! Ha! We both laugh! But is NOT laughing Tu T Tu T because it’s her bike. School janitor Stan is shaking his head and tutting in a disapproving way (which is making his keys jangle) because I have upset Amy (AGAIN!). She calls me an and takes her bike away. I say “Sorry,” but Amy ignores me. (She ignored my five merits, too.) It’s been a terrib le day . 39

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 With random thoughts in the ridiculousness of every day adventure, this is a fun tale with tons of illustrations and zest. It sounds like you had a very eventful time, Tom! Excellent work. I felt like I was there . . . but glad I wasn’t! Merit Points 28 Then Derek comes over (he’s in Mrs. Worthington’s class, not mine, because we chat too much). I’ve seen him loads during t he s u mme r. (H i s h a i r h a s grown — h e hasn’t.) I show him my ideas and drawings for a band name. (He likes DOGZOMBIES best . . . me, too.) When Marcus Meldrew barges into our chat. . . . “What’s that?” “Ideas for our band.” “What band?” “Me and Derek are in a band, and we’re thinking of what to call ourselves.” “That’s easy.” “Really?” (Marcus has an idea.) 33 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.It was quite late by the time we got home and there was music out from our house. FuMom and Dad were RIOUS. Delia had invited lots of her friends Iover for a party, and BOY was she in trouble. forgot all about my sore arm because listening to Delia being told off and grounded by Mom and Dad was probably the of my whole Wyhoautthwinekrineg? entire holiday. Yo u ' r e Yeah! grounded! THE END DL eOd iAc aDt eSd to of lovely people Mark Zak Ella Lily Thanks to Sarah S. And to my dad, who really dSidewr ei oaru ssolyme embarrassing outfits. A Mnd if that’s not bad enough, arcus SOMeldrew IS the most annoying boy in the whole sc h ool . H e i s nosy and thinks he knows everything. M arcus Meldrew is already annoying me. . . . He is looking over my shoulder while I’m writing this. He is s t i l l looking. . . . Sti l l loo king. . . . Y YOUes, MARCUS, I’m writing about 8