Epic adventure

Tom Gates has more family than usual to deal with in this illustrated comic novel by Liz Pichon. With two pairs of grandparents now in his life, Tom has found a few unexpected perks. The older relatives, known as the Wrinklies, are generous with presents, and they have planned a family outing that is shaping up to be a big deal.

The outing is not the only thing growing in scale. Tom's sister Delia has also asked to come along, and Tom, not thrilled, has decided he can simply ignore her.

Pichon both writes and illustrates the series. The story unfolds through Tom's own notebook entries, filled with doodles, lists and scribbled commentary. Written for younger readers, it follows a schoolboy's everyday chaos with plenty of laughs.