Pichon brings back Tom Gates for first advent calendar

In a first for author-illustrator Liz Pichon is bring back her bestselling creation with the Tom Gates Totally Brilliant Advent Calendar in 2022, marking a first for the author-illustrator. 

World rights were acquired by Lauren Fortune, fiction publisher at Scholastic UK, from Caroline Walsh at David Higham Associates.

Scholastic said: “Crammed with fun for every day of Advent, children can count down to Christmas with 24 mini activity and story books based on Liz Pichon’s award-winning book series. Each day offers a funny and fabulous book packed with how-to doodles, mega make-and-do activities and stories to share, starring all the favourite characters, including Tom, Rooster, Marcus and Delia."

Following Tom Gates’ 10th anniversary year in 2021,  Pichon is also releasing her first art activity book, You Can Draw Tom Gates with Liz Pichon, on 31st March 2022. Publication will be marked by her touring the UK in the Tom Gates Doodle Van to launch a national drawing challenge. This publication will be followed by the Tom Gates Totally Brilliant Advent Calendar in September 2022 and the 20th novel in the Tom Gates series in October 2022. 

Pichon said: “I was ridiculously happy to make miniature books for this advent calendar. I used to collect them when I was a kid, so writing a brand-new Tom Gates story as the big finale is perfect for a Christmas treat. I think my readers will be excited to add this to their collection.”

Fortune added: “This special collection of mini-books by the brilliant Liz is a treasure trove of stories, activities and fun that children will love opening this Christmas – and keeping forever.”