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Liz Pichon facts for kids

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Liz Pichon
Pichon in Waterstones at Piccadilly, London in 2018
Pichon in Waterstones at Piccadilly, London in 2018
Born (1963-08-16) 16 August 1963 (age 61)
London, England
Occupation Author and illustrator
Education Camberwell School of Art
Genres Children's
Notable works Tom Gates series
Spouse Mark Flannery
Children 3

Liz Pichon (born 15 August 1963) is a British author and illustrator who creates amazing books for children. She is super famous for her Tom Gates series. These books are funny stories about a boy named Tom Gates. They have sold over 16.5 million copies and have been translated into 44 different languages around the world!

About Liz Pichon

Early Life and Education

Liz Pichon was born in London, England, on 16 August 1963. She loved art and studied graphic design at the Camberwell College of Arts. Her first job was as an art director for a music company called Jive Records. She worked there from 1987 to 1990.

Personal Life

Liz Pichon is dyslexic, which means her brain works a bit differently when it comes to reading and writing. This hasn't stopped her from becoming a hugely successful author! In 1990, she married Mark Flannery. They have three children – one son and two daughters. Today, Liz and her family live in Brighton, England.

Liz Pichon's Books

The Tom Gates Series

The Tom Gates series is what Liz Pichon is best known for. The first book came out in 2011. There are now 23 books in the main series! Plus, there's a special book for World Book Day, an Annual, an Activity Book, and even a Music Book. These books are full of doodles, funny notes, and stories from Tom's life.

Other Awesome Books

Liz Pichon has also written other cool books. Shoe Wars, a middle-grade book, was published in 2020 and has sold many copies. She also has a new graphic novel series called Meet The Mubbles, which will be published in 2025.

She has also illustrated many other books for different authors, including:

  • Twilight Rhymes Moonlight Verse (1997)
  • Spinderella by Julia Donaldson (2002)
  • Beautiful Bananas by Elizabeth Laird (2003)
  • The Three Horrid Pigs and the Big Friendly Wolf (2008)

Fun Events and Adaptations

World Records and Special Projects

Liz Pichon loves to get involved in fun projects! In 2016, she created the "Kids' Tapestry." This was a children's version of the famous Bayeux Tapestry. It showed historical events to celebrate 950 years since the Battle of Hastings.

In 2017, Liz Pichon, a primary school, and her publisher, Scholastic Children's Books, broke a Guinness World Record! They held the largest disco dance ever. How cool is that?

She also designed the T-shirts for the BBC's "Children in Need" charity event in 2022 and 2023. These T-shirts were super popular and helped raise lots of money!

Tom Gates on Stage and Screen

The Tom Gates books have become so popular that they've been adapted into other exciting forms:

  • In 2019, a Tom Gates Live stage show toured the UK. Liz Pichon even helped write it!
  • In 2020, Liz and her husband, Mark Flannery, started a podcast called Tremendous Tales.
  • In 2021, Tom Gates: The Album was released, featuring songs from the books.
  • Also in 2021, The Brilliant World of Tom Gates TV show started on Sky Kids. Liz Pichon helps write and present the show. It's a mix of animation, songs, and fun drawing activities. The show has won several awards, including a Scottish BAFTA! A third series launched in January 2024.
  • A Tom Gates movie is also being planned!

Awards and Recognition

Liz Pichon has won many awards for her amazing books:

She has also been a runner-up for other awards, like the Nestlé Smarties Book Prize and the British Book Awards Children's Book of the Year.

List of Works

Tom Gates Series

Main article: Tom Gates
  • The Brilliant World of Tom Gates (2011)
  • Tom Gates: Excellent Excuses (and Other Good Stuff) (2011)
  • Tom Gates: Everything's Amazing (Sort Of) (2011)
  • Tom Gates: Genius Ideas (Mostly) (2012)
  • Tom Gates Is Absolutely Fantastic (at Some Things) (2013)
  • Tom Gates: Best Book Day Ever! (So Far) (2013)
  • Tom Gates: Extra Special Treats (not) (2013)
  • Tom Gates: A Tiny Bit Lucky (2014)
  • Tom Gates: Yes! No (Maybe...) (2015)
  • Tom Gates: Top of the Class (Nearly) (2015)
  • Tom Gates: Super Good Skills (Almost...) (2016)
  • Tom Gates: DogZombies Rule (for Now) (2016)
  • Tom Gates: Family, Friends and Furry Creatures (2017)
  • Tom Gates: Epic Adventure (Kind Of) (2017)
  • Tom Gates: Totally Brilliant Annual (2017)
  • Tom Gates: Biscuits, Bands and Very Big Plans (2018)
  • Tom Gates: What Monster? (2018)
  • Tom Gates: Mega Make and Do (and Stories Too!) (2019)
  • Tom Gates: Spectacular School Trip (Really!) (2019)
  • Tom Gates: Ten Tremendous Tales (2021)
  • Tom Gates: Random Acts of Fun (2021)
  • Tom Gates: Happy to Help (2022)
  • Tom Gates: Five Star Stories (2023)
  • Tom Gates: Book Of Everything (2024)(Journal)
  • Tom Gates: Is Ha Ha Hilarious (Oct 2024)

Other Books by Liz Pichon

  • My Big Brother, Boris (2004)
  • Bored Bill (2015)
  • Penguins (2008)
  • The Three Horrid Pigs and the Big Friendly Wolf (2008)
  • Shoe Wars (2020)
  • Meet The Mubbles (Book 1 coming 2025)

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Liz Pichon para niños

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