After stories that involve time travelling with tortoises and hamsters, British children’s author Ross Welford brings us an endearing tale of a little prince from a magical place called Imaginaria. The Unlikely Diary of Prince Kal the Alien (HarperCollins India) explores young Prince Kalimonka’s adventures on planet earth, when one day, trying to save his pet oofus, he enters the Anywhere Cabinet and lands up in Northumberland, ‘Ingle-land’ (England). Here, he is kept in foster care. He befriends his foster parents’ daughter Noa, and begins his mission to find his pet oofus Gree, a Fortune Crystal that brought him here, and the Ember, a source of energy, that will activate the crystal and take him back home.

A panel depicting Prince Kalimonka. Illustrations Courtesy/Harry Briggs

Welford’s storyline is filled with humour and delight. His fascinating characterisation of the prince is worth noting. Prince Kal goes about trying to command respect from humans on earth, demanding that he be taken to meet the king. He keeps reminding himself of the ‘Princely Principles’ he must follow to avoid falling into un-princely ways. A sure-footed small boy, who wears a gown and a triangular hat, Prince Kal quickly learns the ‘Ingle-lish’ language. He carries the wisdom passed on by his master Lord Feliquoz, though he ends up making many mistakes along the way.