There have been many, many children's books dealing with the sometimes thorny subject of imaginary friends. Trust David Mackintosh to come up with a wholly original approach that is a tightly knit and entertaining story, suffused with David's charming linework.

Lincoln Green is your ordinary everyday stetson-wearing kid. He's far too busy for all that tedious tidying up, horrible homework or other menial tasks. Luckily Lincoln has a secret friend who lives in his mirror, and chips in with all the things that Lincoln doesn't like doing - while Lincoln plays all day.

Trash is dutifully taken out by the mirror Lincoln. Homework dutifully finished off, and when Lincoln makes a new friend his double pitches in to play all the games that Lincoln doesn't want to.

Of course things start to go awry when the double realises what a bum deal he's getting, and rebels in spectacular fashion leaving Lincoln with egg on his face, unfinished homework and a rather teed off mum who wants to know why things haven't been done.

Can Lincoln somehow redeem the situation? We'll leave you to find out what happens in this story. If you're like us, you've lapped up David's previous books like "The Frank Show" and the sublime "Marshall Armstrong is New to our School". This tale is twice the fun!

Charlotte's best bit: Lincoln's uber-cool treehouse

Daddy's Favourite bit: A fantastic treatment of the imaginary friends storyline, impressive in every way

This brilliant book nestled amongst the library stacks on one of our regular library trips and we couldn't wait to grab it, check it out, and get it home. We really like David Mackintosh's quirky characters (in books like "Marshall Armstrong is New to Our School") and we'd heard a lot about how great this book is.

It is too, celebrating Grandparents and how much we love and value them - even if they're slightly eccentric.

When a young boy needs to bring someone along for show and tell at his school, he really struggles until he remembers Granpa Frank - who lives at home and is a bit of a curmudgeonly old so-and-so. The boy isn't keen when he realises he'll have to talk about Granpa Frank for a WHOLE MINUTE. No easy task when all Frank seems to want to do is mooch around, generally being crotchety and a bit grumpy most of the time.

As we all know though, Grandparents tell the best stories - and as soon as Frank enters class, he takes over and the children are utterly fascinated by the tales of his interesting and varied life. The Frank Show is a huge success!

Expertly told, never overly sentimental and Frank is the sort of Grandad just about anyone would love to listen weaving a tale or two. Awesome stuff Mr Mackintosh!

Charlotte's best bit: Frank's crazy clothing worn to the Show and Tell

Daddy's favourite bit: Brilliantly drawn and told, most grandparents will absolutely love reading this to their grandchildren.

Starting school can be quite daunting. We've just been through the process with Charlotte and she absolutely loves it, but what happens when you're a child that joins part-way through the term when all the other children know each other and have fun together?

In "Marshall Armstrong is New to Our School" we see the situation from the other side of the fence. A mysterious new boy arrives in class and is put at the front of the classroom next to someone who instantly makes up their mind that "Marshall. Just. Doesn't. Fit. In!"

Marshall has spotty arms. Marshall owns an impressive arsenal of classroom supplies. Marshall eats space food at lunch.

So when Marshall Armstrong invites the entire class to his house for his birthday, everyone secretly dreads it.

Find out what happens next in this quirky and rather brilliantly designed book that is full of cool retro-style artwork, and some knowing nods to any children (and parents) who always wonder what it's going to be like when the slightly odd kid in class invites everyone round to tea.

We loved the design of the characters in this. Marshall himself looks like a miniature version of Elton John in the 80s (and he plays a piano that he made himself, along with his dad). He's a geek, he's extremely clever and wholly original - as is this book.

Charlotte's best bit: Marshall Armstrong's amazing house (complete with fireman's pole from the top floor to the bottom - we really want one of those!)

Daddy's favourite bit: Marshall's space food and detailed dietary descriptions! Delicious!