Liz Pichon Books In Order

Publication Order of Tom Gates Books

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

Publication Order of Picture Books

About Liz Pichon

The British writer and illustrator Liz Pichon is a highly regarded children’s author, with bestselling books reaching young readers from all over. Hugely imaginative, her stories have grabbed the attention of her young audience, as she’s created a number of well received series too. From her fun and inventive stories to her well written characters, she’s a gifted writer with a clear understanding of what her readers are looking for. Not only that, but she’s also a talented artist with a background in design, something which shines through in her illustrations.

Her designs have added another level to each of her books, really bringing her characters to life, as they leave a strong imprint in the imagination. The colorful imagery is fun and humorous, something which many have felt to be the case over the course of her career. With plenty of mysteries too, she always keeps her readers engaged, constantly guessing with all the twists and turns. This, coupled with her illustrations, makes for some extremely entertaining books that win awards and critical acclaim.

The characters that she creates have sparked the imagination too, as they feel three-dimensional with fully fleshed out personalities. Her most beloved character creation is that of Tom Gates, which has also been adapted for the television, with a series being made for Sky in 2021. This has seen her become popular with both the critics and the general public alike, with a following of fans growing every day. With more books to come she’s continuing on into the foreseeable future, as plenty more titles are planned for release on the horizon.

Early and Personal Life

Growing in the United Kingdom, Liz Pichon was born on the 16th of August in 1963 in London, growing up with a keen interest in art and literature. Attending Camberwell School of Art, she would study graphic design, something which would help with her work as an illustrator later on. Following this she would work as an art director for Jive Records, gaining experience and making a name for herself.

In 2011 she would begin the ‘Tom Gates’ series, and it would be made into a television series in 2021 for Sky. She would also make her own ‘Kid’s Tapestry,’ which was based upon the Bayeux Tapestry, in 2016 to help mark the Battle of Hastings 950th anniversary. Currently she lives in Brighton with her husband Mark, along with their three children, as she continues to write to this present day.

Writing Career

Starting out writing and illustrating picture books, Liz Pichon would begin with the children’s book ‘Hot Dogs and Cool Cats’ back in 1995. This would see a succession of short children’s stories for early readers come to print, later occasionally writing alongside fellow writer Rachael Mortimer. In 2011 she would begin her much loved ‘Tom Gates’ series of children’s stories, beginning with the book ‘The Brilliant World of Tom Gates.’

Over the years she would come to produce twenty-one of these books and counting, illustrating them herself as well. In 2020 she would also release a stand-alone children’s book titled ‘Shoe Wars,’ but it would be the Tom Gates series that she’d primarily focus upon. Winning many awards for her work, including the ‘Roald Dahl Funny Prize’ and the ‘Waterstone’s Children’s Book Prize’ she’s not without plaudits either.

What Monster?

Initially brought out through the ‘Scholastic Fiction’ publishing label, this would first come out back in 2018 on the 4th of October. It was the fifteenth book in the long-running ‘Tom Gates’ series of novels too, continuing on from the other previous titles with a brand new adventure. Liz Pichon also illustrates her own work, with her designs being all over this entry into her award winning series of children’s books.

This is a fun and colorful book for young readers, with some engaging visuals throughout, keeping it lively and exciting every step of the way. There’s a lot of personality to this book, as the illustrations bring it to life too, with funny characters and an engaging premise. The mystery at the heart of it will also keep its young audience constantly turning the page, coming back time and time again.

With monsters and a music festival Tom Gates is back once again to help solve another mystery, this time more challenging than ever. Not only that, but there’s an extremely strict supply teacher to contend with, as he works with Marcus to find out what’s actually going on. It also seems that the parents are acting strangely too, all the while Tom wants to go to the new festival in town. Will he be able to find out what’s really going on? Who is actually behind it all, and what do they want? Just what monster?

Shoe Wars

First published in 2021 on the 2nd of March, this would also be brought out through the ‘Scholastic Fiction’ imprint as well. It would be a stand-alone title, with it not being a part of any series as such, and would also be a must for any fans of the author. Illustrated by Liz Pichon again, the pages really come to life for the reader, perfectly accompanying the words each and every step of the way.

Working as a fun and humorous book, this story is once again bright and colorful on every level, with plenty of imagination brimming throughout. The story is a vibrant one with plenty of exciting and engaging characters that really keep it moving every step of the way. With the story itself it’s simple and straightforward, all whilst remaining highly compelling for its young readers.

Inventing the most amazing invention ever, the father of Ruby and Bear has just created the very first flying shoes. It would seem that Wendy Wedge, the villainous boss of their father, wants to steal the shoes for herself though, and enter them into the Golden Shoe Award. Taking it upon themselves to rescue their dad, Ruby and Bear must now outwit the evil boss, all whilst keeping the shoes hidden. Will they be able to do it though? Can they rescue their father and hide the shoes? Just who will win the shoe wars?