The first title in a popular French series that was originally published in the early 1990s, and re-issued in 2005, with a whole new set of adventures. For the most part, readers will identify with the main character, Christopher Thomas... he's a regular kid, but with a collection of five little imaginary friends that live in a shoebox under his bed. The charming little "loonies" (as they are known in the English version) provide most of the humour, with their queer little habits and ideas. Children will love the crazy adventures and marvel at the creativity of the little fellows - they can make amazing things out of Lego! For children transitioning from picture books to novels, this chapter book is the perfect format because the font is a little larger and the chapters are a little shorter. Reluctant readers will also appreciate these features. By the end of the story, readers will all be wishing for their own little set of loonies! ( )