Tom Gates: Excellent Excuses (and Other Good Stuff): questions to ask and activities to try
Tom has two weeks off school and big plans, but the dentist and his sister Delia keep getting in the way. Tom Gates: Excellent Excuses is a funny diary-and-doodles book that gets children reading.
What age is it for? Tom Gates: Excellent Excuses (and Other Good Stuff) is best for ages 8–11. Good for: Reluctant readers, doodling, and annoying big sisters.
Tom Gates: Excellent Excuses (and Other Good Stuff) (Liz Pichon)
- Age
- 8-11
- Best for
- Reluctant readers, doodling, and annoying big sisters
Let your child read it on their own or take turns. Ask about Tom’s excuses, and whether any of them would really work.
What it helps with
- Reading for fun
- Reluctant readers
- Brothers and sisters
- Drawing and creativity
Comprehension and discussion questions
Pick two or three, not all of them. “I don’t know” is a fine answer, and you can always come back to it another day.
- “What were Tom’s plans for the holiday?”
- “What got in the way?”
- “Which of Tom’s excuses was the best?”
- “Why do Tom and Delia annoy each other?”
- “What would you do with two weeks off?”
- “Would you like to keep a doodle diary?”
5-minute activities to try together
Doodle diary
Keep a doodle diary for a week, with one drawing and one sentence each day.
Band name
Make up a band name and draw its album cover, like Tom’s band Dogzombies.
Free printables: Tom Gates: Excellent Excuses (and Other Good Stuff) worksheet and activity pack
This book’s one-page worksheet with the questions and activities above, plus our activity pack: printable scenario cards, three 5-minute activities and a “What could I try?” page for practising everyday skills together. Enter your email and download them straight away.
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If your child liked this, try
The Brilliant World of Tom Gates (Liz Pichon)
- Best for
- Doodles, excuses and a band called Dogzombies
- Age
- 8-11
The 26-Storey Treehouse (Andy Griffiths and Terry Denton)
- Best for
- Getting reluctant readers hooked, with lots of jokes
- Age
- 6-9
Planet Omar: Accidental Trouble Magnet (Zanib Mian and Nasaya Mafaridik)
- Best for
- A boy with a big imagination at a new school
- Age
- 7-10
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By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 16 October 2026
Growing Wise offers educational ideas for parents and carers. It is not a substitute for professional medical, developmental or mental-health advice. As an Amazon Associate, Growing Wise earns from qualifying purchases.