Tom Gates: Five Star Stories
#21 of 23 in Tom Gates Series
What’s inside...
In 'Tom Gates: Five Star Stories,' Tom Gates is back with another hilarious adventure, filled with everyday challenges and comedic mishaps. From school projects to family events, Tom’s creativity and humor guide him as he strives to earn five stars for his schoolwork. The story follows Tom as he seeks inspiration for a story to be included in Oakfield School's story book, drawing from his collection of odd objects and the humorous tales they hold. With characters like Marcus writing about Tom, Amy sharing a funny poem, and Norman focusing on cheese, the competition is fierce. Will Tom manage to get his story in on time, and what will Granddad discover about Aunt Aggie's hat? This feel-good, laugh-out-loud story, packed with pictures, is the latest bestseller from Liz Pichon.
Discussion points
What was your favorite part of Tom Gates's latest adventure and why?
How do you think Tom handled the situations he faced in the story? Would you have done anything differently?
Tom creates a lot of interesting doodles throughout the book. Which one did you like the most, and what would you doodle in your notebook?
If you could be friends with any character from the book, who would it be and why?
The book has many humorous moments. Which scene made you laugh the most?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your favorite moment from the book to make the discussion feel like a shared experience.
Ask your child to create a drawing or a doodle inspired by the book. This encourages creativity and helps connect visual and verbal storytelling.
Encourage your child to relate personal experiences to those of Tom Gates. This helps develop empathy and personal connection to the story.
Use humor when discussing the book, mirroring its lighthearted and fun tone, to make the conversation enjoyable and engaging.
After discussing the book, propose co-creating a short story or comic strip together about a small adventure at home or school, utilizing themes or styles from the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Creativity
Explanation: Tom Gates consistently uses his creativity to navigate through his everyday challenges and experiences at school.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to employ creative thinking in problem-solving and express themselves through art and imaginative play.
Example Lesson: Value of Perseverance
Explanation: Throughout the book, Tom faces various obstacles but continues to try his best, showing persistence.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of persistence in achieving goals, whether in academics, hobbies, or relationships.
Example Lesson: Consequences of Actions
Explanation: Tom’s actions, both good and bad, lead to specific consequences which he learns from.
Real-World Application: Reinforces the concept of accountability and helps children understand the impact of their actions on themselves and others.
Example Lesson: Benefits of Reading
Explanation: Tom's adventures and creative ideas are often spurred by his reading, which stimulates his imagination.
Real-World Application: Promotes reading as a fun and enriching activity, enhancing imagination and academic skills.
Example Lesson: Building Relationships
Explanation: The interactions between Tom and his peers and family showcase the dynamics of various relationships.
Real-World Application: Illustrates the importance of communication and understanding in maintaining healthy relationships with friends and family.