Invizikids: The Curious Enigma of 'Imaginary' Childhood Friends

by Michael J. Hallowell

This text provides a cross-cultural comparison of so-called 'imaginary childhood friends'.

Genres: Psychology

155 pages, Paperback

First published August 16, 2007

Reviews

[Ard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Are the imaginary friends that some children profess to have anything other than just made-up friends by lonely kids? Could they be something more, ghosts perhaps, or some other energy that can be perceived by some but not others? It's an interesting topic for anybody with an open mind. The author studied the phenomenon for years and came up with a lot of interesting stories. He tries to classify them into various categories and with this he really tries to bring some order in a subject of which very little is known. This slim book is interesting and a brave attempt but ultimately a little unsatisfying. All stories are anecdotal so we just have to take the author's word for it and the people he interviewed and I doubt it will convince any critical minds. But it may make them wonder. People who are intrigued by DMT elves, or by Anthony Peake's The Hidden Universe, Hancock's Supernatural or who have heard some magical stories about imaginary friends of other people may find it very worthwhile.

I wasn't too fond of the writing though. Even though the subject warrants a light tone and some humour, the writing was a little too tongue-in-cheek for me.