A tiny bit lucky by Liz Pichon

Tom Gates, Book 7. Scholastic, 2014. ISBN 9781743625347.
(Age: 8-11) Highly recommended. Families. School life. Art. Friends. Music - Bands. Liz Pichon's Tom Gates series is a sure-fire winner that continues to deliver in this seventh instalment.
Tom's dad is keen for the television to be turned off and for him to run around outside. With the help of some string and a plastic bag they make a kite and take it to the nearby park for a test flight. Unfortunately June the new next door neighbor is present when things don't go to plan. Tom's life is busy with band practice, troubles with his sister Delia, the neighbour's cat and school dramas.
To keep himself entertained Tom takes a piece of string to school and turns it into small scenes, of course his teacher catches him and it is back to doodling in his books. The School Inspector's visit causes lots of problems, the class pizza making is problematic too, watch out for the chocolate raisins. There's so many dramas, the Dogzombies enter the battle of the bands, a party at the neighbours and two mini-stories included.
Tom Gates' A tiny bit lucky is filled with doodles, illustrations, string drawings and a running commentary about school and home life. Liz Pichon's handwriting forms the text with bubble writing, emphasized words, block writing and words made out of patterns. This is a great addition to the series and is great for engaging reluctant readers. I would highly recommend it for a reading audience from 8-11.
Rhyllis Bignell