Tom Gates: Super good skills (Almost) by Liz Pichon
![cover image](https://www.readplus.com.au/covers/supergoodskillsalmost.jpg)
Tom Gates series. Scholastic, 2016. ISBN 9781760152659
(Age: 8+) Recommended. Liz Pichon's award winning Tom Gates
series returns for the tenth hilarious instalment. Tom's uniquely
irreverent style shown in both words and cartoons captures the
dramas of the last day of school and the highs and lows of the
family holiday adventure. Doodling is Tom's way of expressing his
feelings and making light of the world around him.
School life for Tom revolves mostly around his friends with the
occasional interruption of class time. At break time for Tom and his
friends the most important discussion focuses on what kind of Alien
Snacks need to be served at DOGZOMBIES band practice. There is also
a chance for the reader to create an alternative snack as well,
plenty of room for doodling - sausage and sock flavour or salt and
onion shells. Mr Fullerman their class teacher hands out plenty of
unfinished work that needs completing over the holiday break. Of
course, Tom's mind starts creating the most unusual excuses for not
completing the assignment. On the last day of school it's casual
clothes day and Tom creatively transforms his and Derek's sports
t-shirts into colourful band shirts. A prize of a massive pad of
sticky notes gives Tom some wonderful opportunities to prank Marcus
and his sister.
The family holiday to the Pine Tree Riviera is fraught with rainy
weather, leaky accommodation, Tom's limited wardrobe and problems
with older sister Delia and her best friend Avril. Poor Tom is
forced to wear a garbage bag raincoat because Mum forgot to pack
enough clothes.
Tom Gates Super Good Skills (Almost) is filled with puzzles,
doodles, drawing tips and creative opportunities. Liz Pichon
understands her reading audience: they enjoy the balance of an easy
to read story with plenty of chances to add their own drawings. Her
fans love to follow Tom's hilarious life - there is always something
happening, even school lunches can be exciting!
Rhyllis Bignell