The Unlikely Diary of Prince Kal the Alien
Inspired by Astrid Lindgren’s 1981 book Ronya, The Robber’s Daughter, which blends fantastical creatures with a medieval setting, and Carpenter’s Catweazle, where a wizard is transported to another time, Welford’s tenth novel follows the adventures of a pompous alien prince.
Structured in an ad hoc diary format, the story is interspersed with flashbacks and Princely Principles dictating how a royal personage should behave. Welford delights in playing with the culture shock of Prince Kalimonka from the land of Imaginaria who crash lands on a beach in Northumberland only to encounter a Budle Bay Biddy. Experiencing loss, confusion and frustration, he suddenly finds himself stranded in an alternate reality where ember is dimmed, bureaucratic social services reign supreme and precious things disappear. As events spiral out of control, he discovers electrickery, beasts with shining red eyes, strange food and a boggling cast of humans who alternately threaten, trick and cajole. Why won’t anyone believe him? Whom can he trust to help him return home? Will Feliquoz ever forgive him for vanishing in his Anywhere Cabinet?
Welford made his middle-grade debut with Time Travelling with a Hamster – a delightful fusion of time travel and emotional truth. He enjoys combining fantasy and reality in his work and is fascinated by the idea of interdimensional portals as seen once more in this story. Fizzing with fun, magic, science and some surprises, this book will appeal to fans of zany fish out of water and hijinks narratives. Comic cartoon style illustrations complement the energy of the story and an elusive ending promises a sequel.
