The Lost Crown of Meleor

Valentina Cesaratto is a high-school teacher specializing in dramatic
arts and film studies.

Meleor is a beautiful planet hidden among the stars. During the week,
young Quikqueek and his friends, Smooth Koof and Bimbin the Hairy, work
in their gardens, growing house-trees, guitars, and spaceships. On
Sunday, the Meleorites enjoy visiting, walking, and talking.

One Sunday, Quikqueek notices the Princess’s crown hanging on the
cheesecake tree and decides to put it on his head. While he is looking
at his reflection in the lemonade well, the crown falls off. The job of
fishing the crown out of the well proves unsuccessful. Luckily, Smooth
Koof and Bimbin have grown a spaceship in their yard, so it is decided
that a trip be taken to Earth to bring back a fish to retrieve the crown
from the well. Soon after Quikqueek and the Princess arrive on Earth,
they meet Jeff the Fire-fighter, who knows how to swim underwater, and
invite him to Meleor to retrieve the crown from the well. Once there
Jeff immediately dives in, only to realize that Well Being is wearing
the crown. Well Being returns the crown to the Princess on condition
that the Princess wear it only on Sundays and and allow him to take care
of it the rest of the week.

This thoroughly whimsical and humorous picture book for young children
is a joy to read aloud. The illustrations, though simplistic in style
and nature, are as perfect and dignified as Meleorites could be. Highly
recommended.