Liz Pichon

Things are looking up for Tom Gates. The school dance is coming up, and his birthday, too! What could possibly put him in a bad mood? Well, the words math lesson, for one thing. And that annoying twit Marcus Meldrew at school. And Granny Mavis threatening to bake Tom's birthday cake (carrots!). And the fact that nobody seems to be noticing the long list of birthday presents Tom has prominently displayed. Worst of all, can it be true that Tom's dad...

When their mother sends them packing, three pigs find despicable ways to find new accommodations, but when the big, friendly wolf tries to show them the error of their ways, the pigs respond by huffing and puffing.

Tom Gates is the master of excuses for late homework: dog attacks, spilt water, lightening. Tom's exercise book is full of his doodles, cartoons and thoughts, as well as comments from his long-suffering teacher, Mr Fullerton. After gaining five merits for his 'Camping Sucks' holiday story, Tom's work starts to go downhill, which is a pity, as he's desperate to impress Amy Porter, who sits next to him.

Bill, a very bored dog who resists taking part in his busy owner's many activities, has a major attitude change after his unexpected visit to a planet populated by bored aliens.

A bug is so ugly she scares away the bird that was about to devour her.

In this retelling of the classic fable, how is Mr. Troll supposed to sleep when the three Billy Goats Fluff travel noisily over his bridge every day? The goats go to a field that makes their fleece extra fluffy for Mother Goat's knitting business. One day Mr. Troll loses his temper and threatens to eat the Fluffs. How will Mother Goat solve the problem and make a friend of Mr. Troll?

A lively and engaging introduction to subtracting.