Book Review: Tom Gates: Pesky Pets and Parties (the brand new laugh-out-loud Tom Gates story!) Hardcover – 9 Oct. 2025

The Doodle King Returns: Why Pesky Pets and Parties is the Must-Read of 2025

Tom Gates is back, and the stakes have never been higher—or more hilarious. In this latest installment, our favorite doodler faces a double-whammy of chaos: high-stakes party planning and animals that refuse to behave.

If you’ve been following Tom’s journey from the beginning, you know that "simple" plans never stay simple for long. This book promises to be the most energetic entry in the series yet, blending family drama with laugh-out-loud animal antics.

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About Liz Pichon

Liz Pichon is a global phenomenon in the world of children's literature, best known for creating the insanely popular Tom Gates series. Her unique style combines traditional storytelling with hand-drawn doodles and creative typography.

Before becoming a bestselling author, Liz worked as a graphic designer and illustrator, which explains why her books are so visually engaging. Her ability to capture the authentic voice of a pre-teen boy has won her numerous awards, including the Roald Dahl Funny Prize.

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What This Book Covers

Tom Gates: Pesky Pets and Parties follows Tom as he attempts to organize the ultimate celebration while dealing with a series of unpredictable animal-related disasters. He must balance his responsibilities to his band, DogZombies, while navigating the usual hurdles provided by his grumpy sister, Delia.

Key insight: "Creativity is Tom's superpower; whether he's doodling in class or fixing a party catastrophe, his imagination is the only thing standing between him and total social disaster."

The story explores themes of responsibility, friendship, and problem-solving. As the pets cause havoc at every turn, Tom has to use his trademark creativity—and a significant amount of snacks—to keep his plans from falling apart completely.

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Key Takeaways

This new adventure offers more than just laughs; it provides relatable lessons for young readers navigating the ups and downs of school and home life.

1. Resilience in Chaos - Tom demonstrates that even when things go spectacularly wrong, you can always find a creative way to pivot.
2. The Power of Creativity - Doodling isn't just a distraction; for Tom, it's a way to process the world and solve complex problems.
3. Managing Family Dynamics - The interaction between Tom and Delia remains a highlight, showing the realistic (and funny) friction of sibling relationships.

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Who Should Read This

This book is a perfect fit for a specific demographic of readers who enjoy fast-paced, visually-driven narratives.

• Fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid: If you love Greg Heffley's mishaps, Tom Gates offers a similar vibe but with more British humor and art.
• Reluctant Readers: The heavy use of doodles and varied fonts makes the 200+ pages feel much less intimidating for kids who struggle with blocks of text.
• Aspiring Artists: Children who love to draw will find endless inspiration in Liz Pichon’s intricate and funny marginalia.

Who Might Want to Skip

Readers who prefer dense, descriptive prose without visual interruptions might find the "doodle-heavy" format distracting. Additionally, if you prefer high-fantasy or serious drama, Tom’s lighthearted mishaps might feel too low-stakes for your taste.

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How It Compares to Similar Books

When compared to Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Tom Gates feels significantly more optimistic and visually "busy." While Greg Heffley can sometimes feel cynical, Tom Gates is generally well-meaning, and his world feels warmer and more vibrant.

Compared to the Big Nate series, Pesky Pets and Parties leans more heavily into the "scrapbook" aesthetic. Pichon’s work is less of a traditional comic strip and more of an immersive, hand-drawn experience that feels like peering into a real kid's notebook.

Against The Brilliant World of Tom Gates (the first book), this new release shows how much the characters have grown while maintaining the core "DogZombies" and "Delia-dodging" elements that fans love.

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Pros and Cons

What Works

• Visual Engagement: Every page is a work of art, ensuring that readers never get bored or overwhelmed by text.
• Relatable Humor: The "pesky pets" theme is universally funny, as anyone who has ever had a dog or cat can testify to their chaotic nature.
• Positive Message: Despite the "disasters," the book emphasizes the importance of trying your best and staying positive.

What Could Be Better

• Formulaic Structure: Long-time fans might find the "disaster-to-resolution" plot arc familiar, as it follows the established series template.
• Digital Reading: While the Kindle version is great, the intricate doodles are often best enjoyed in the physical hardcover format where you can see the detail clearly.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is this book suitable for a 7-year-old?

Absolutely! The Tom Gates series is generally aimed at children aged 7 to 12. The language is accessible, and the illustrations help younger readers follow the plot easily.

Do I need to read the previous Tom Gates books first?

While there are recurring characters and gags, Pesky Pets and Parties works perfectly well as a standalone story. Liz Pichon does a great job of re-introducing Tom’s world in every book.

Is the Kindle version as good as the hardcover?

The Kindle version is excellent for portability, but because the book relies so heavily on visual doodles, many fans prefer the physical copy to fully appreciate the artwork.

What makes this book different from other Tom Gates books?

This installment focuses specifically on the chaos of pets and large-scale party planning, which introduces a higher level of "mayhem" than some of the previous, school-focused entries.

Is there an audiobook version available?

Yes, there is a high-energy audiobook version. It features hilarious narration that brings the characters to life, making it a great choice for long car rides.

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Final Verdict

Tom Gates: Pesky Pets and Parties is a triumphant return for Liz Pichon. It delivers exactly what fans want: more doodles, more DogZombies, and more relatable "oops" moments that make Tom one of the most likable characters in children's fiction today.

Whether you are a long-time fan or a newcomer to the series, this book is a masterclass in how to make reading fun. It is energetic, visually stunning, and genuinely funny for both kids and the adults reading along with them.

Rating: 5/5

"In a world of boring textbooks, be a Tom Gates—doodle your way through the chaos and always keep a snack handy."