About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is facing a situation that feels dull, restricted, or tech-free, such as a long car ride or a family camping trip. It is a fantastic tool for children who struggle with boredom or find it difficult to entertain themselves without a screen. The story follows Tom Gates as he navigates a low-key family holiday, using humor and his signature doodling to turn a potentially 'boring' experience into a creative adventure. Through Tom's relatable voice, the book explores themes of resilience, sibling dynamics, and the power of imagination. It is highly appropriate for the 7 to 12 age range, particularly for reluctant readers who benefit from a highly visual, diary-style layout. Parents will appreciate how it models turning a negative attitude into a positive, creative outlet while validating the common childhood experience of feeling embarrassed by one's family.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
None.
Ideal Reader
An 8-year-old who loves to draw and often complains that they have 'nothing to do.' It is also perfect for the child who finds dense blocks of text intimidating and prefers a graphic, non-linear reading experience.
Parent Prep
This book can be read cold. It can be read independently; it doesn't require prior historical knowledge or adult guidance to navigate the themes. A parent might hear 'I'm bored' or 'Is there WiFi here?' for the hundredth time and want to hand their child a book that celebrates offline fun.
Age Experience
Younger readers (7-8) will focus on the funny illustrations and Tom's immediate mishaps. Older readers (11-12) will better appreciate the satirical take on family vacations and the nuanced sibling rivalry between Tom and Delia.
What Makes It Special
Pichon’s unique 'doodle' style isn't just an illustration choice; it's a narrative device that invites the reader to interact with the page. Unlike many diary-style books that focus on social hierarchies at school, this one focuses heavily on the internal power of individual creativity to change one's environment.
Read plot summary
Tom Gates is whisked away on a family holiday to a remote campsite that lacks the bells and whistles of modern entertainment. Faced with a grumpy sister (Delia), a lack of internet, and his parents' quirky ideas of fun, Tom relies on his creativity. The book is structured as a doodle-filled diary, documenting his attempts to stay entertained through drawing, games, and observation of the eccentric people around him.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Tom manages to stay busy without any WiFi. What are three things you would do if you were stuck at a campsite with no electronics?
2
Tom and his sister Delia don't always get along. Do you think they are more alike or more different than they realize?
3
How does doodling help Tom change his mood when he is feeling bored or annoyed?
4
If you had to design your own 'Super Good Skill,' what would it be and why?
