Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Children's books

Join in for children's book recommendations.

Help! Life after Tom Gates...?

36 replies

spiderlight · 13/06/2015 13:14

DS is 8 and a very able reader (in Y3 but has literacy lessons in a mixed Y5/6 group at school), but until now reading has been easy but 'booooooooooring' and he's had to be coerced into it and never willingly picked up a book for pleasure. We've tried all the usual suspects - Wimpy Kid, Horrid Henry, David Walliams, Captain Underpants, Flat Stanley etc. - and he's quite liked them once he's got going but not really read with any real enthusiasm. Then he discovered Tom Gates books and he loves them - has devoured the first three in the past fortnight. I'm delighted, but also panicking slightly because there are only 8 in the series so far and I want to keep the momentum going. We're going to the library to see if anything there tickles his fancy, but I was wondering whether you lovely lot had any suggestions. He particularly likes the graphics and doodles in the Tom Gates books.

OP posts:
FallingGoldfinch · 24/06/2015 13:28

Timmy Failure?

Agree with everyone who has suggested 'Mr Gum' - I read those myself Grin.

emmaMBC · 02/07/2015 09:38

The 13-Storey Treehouse has been beyond popular in Australia for a few years now. The series is absolutely brilliant, and has just been released here in the UK. Highly, highly recommended. Great balance between text, illustrations and great humour.

derektheladyhamster · 02/07/2015 09:44

Try Timmy Failure books, my DS loved these (and Tom Gates). Also recommend the Mr Gum books

gingercat12 · 06/07/2015 12:42

Another massive 7-year-old Tom Gates fan here who waited 2 hours to have his books signed by Liz Pichon Shock

Other than what was suggested DS loves Big Nate and Asterix the Gaul.

spiderlight · 08/07/2015 21:20

Thank you Derek - DS currently has his nose stuck in the first Timmy Failure book! We're going to order the 13-Storey Treehouse and Big Nate as well, as they look right up his street.

OP posts:
beanandspud · 12/07/2015 00:06

Have a look at the Charlie Merrick's Mysteries series as well? DS likes these as they have plenty of illustrations. He likes the second one with the 'how to survive in the wild' tips!

beanandspud · 12/07/2015 00:08

Sorry, that should have been 'misfits' not 'mysteries'.

spiderlight · 13/07/2015 16:41

Well, he LOVES the 13-storey treehouse and read six chapters last night Grin I'll have a look at Charlie Merrick next!

OP posts:
notimetoshop · 14/07/2015 22:35

Diary of a Wimpy Kid - They also include cartoons, not to the same extent, but are mega popular. 3 films as well.
Also Barry Loser books, again with cartoons, written by an illustrator, like Tom Gates, bit 'younger' than Tom Gates, bit more surreal.
Phoenix comics publishes comic books - my son loves Bunny vs Monkey which www.thephoenixcomic.co.uk/bunny-vs-monkey/ - this is not the same as TG, but just thinking what might get him hooked.

notimetoshop · 14/07/2015 22:37

sorry just saw you mentioned wimpy kid first - of course you did!

spiderlight · 20/07/2015 15:35

I'll have a look at those Phoenix comics - thanks!

OP posts:
New posts on this thread. Refresh page