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The Adventures of Alfie Onion
A stand-alone comic adventure for younger readers by sublime storyteller Vivian French, with pictures by a talented new illustrator and animator, Marta Kissi. Alfie Onion has just set off on a great adventure … but only to carry his brother’s luggage. It’s his elder brother, Magnifico Onion, who’s destined to win their family a Happily Ever After. But when it turns out Magnifico isn’t half the hero he’s cracked up to be, it falls to Alfie to save the day – with a little help from his loyal dog, a talking horse and a couple of meddling magpies.
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First published July 1, 2016
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About the author
Vivian French
591 books141 followersVivian June Isoult French MBE was born in 1945 and educated at Exeter University.
Vivian French was best known in school for being extremely skinny and for talking a lot. At school she developed an attachment to words and later became an actor, then a storyteller, and finally a writer of children's books. She is the author of more than two hundred books. Ms. French lives in Edinburgh, Scotland, and has four grown daughters.
Vivian French was best known in school for being extremely skinny and for talking a lot. At school she developed an attachment to words and later became an actor, then a storyteller, and finally a writer of children's books. She is the author of more than two hundred books. Ms. French lives in Edinburgh, Scotland, and has four grown daughters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
May 23, 2021
A cute adventure for kids who enjoy fairy tales filled with ogres, trolls, princes, etc. I do wish that the gender roles weren't so traditional in this story and the princess wasn't so helpless.
June 23, 2017
Cute, fun, fast. The perfect setting and characters, an unconventional hero, talking animals, trolls and ogres. The perfect book.
"Heroes always fall in love with the princess at first glance, you know."
"But I'm not a hero, I'm - "
"A hero. Who got rid of the ogres? You did. I saw you."
Such a great book.
"Heroes always fall in love with the princess at first glance, you know."
"But I'm not a hero, I'm - "
"A hero. Who got rid of the ogres? You did. I saw you."
Such a great book.
January 26, 2024
My 6yo really enjoyed this adventure! The fairy tale plot is creative and silly. We loved Alfie and the way he treated the people around him with respect and compassion at all times.
There were so many little characters we had to review who was speaking quite frequently.
Magnifico is pretty over the top with his tantrums which my son loved but I got annoyed with sometimes.
There were so many little characters we had to review who was speaking quite frequently.
Magnifico is pretty over the top with his tantrums which my son loved but I got annoyed with sometimes.
September 30, 2024
Cute adventure story about heroes I read with my son
July 9, 2016
3.5 Stars
The first chapter of The Adventures of Alfie Onion convinced me that I needed to read this book. It begins with Alfie’s mother, Aggie, who when she was young was given a book of fairy-tales. Upon realising that she herself was not going to get rescued by a prince she decides to create her own happily ever after by making a hero – Magnifico, her son.
The story is very much like those fairy-tales; there are talking animals, trolls and ogres, a princess. You have Alfie Onion who wants to go on adventures and his much more suited as a hero by being clever and thoughtful of others, yet he is only there to look after his older brother Magnifico. I’m a little torn on Magnifico the ‘hero’ as he is spoilt but at the same time he is only what his upbringing made him.
I enjoyed the writing and illustrations. I thought they worked well together. Vivian French made the story reminiscent of the tales I remember from when I was younger and I liked the animal characters.
The Adventures of Alfie Onion can be read aloud, which I think might be a lot of fun if the reader was inclined to do voices for all the magical characters.
The first chapter of The Adventures of Alfie Onion convinced me that I needed to read this book. It begins with Alfie’s mother, Aggie, who when she was young was given a book of fairy-tales. Upon realising that she herself was not going to get rescued by a prince she decides to create her own happily ever after by making a hero – Magnifico, her son.
The story is very much like those fairy-tales; there are talking animals, trolls and ogres, a princess. You have Alfie Onion who wants to go on adventures and his much more suited as a hero by being clever and thoughtful of others, yet he is only there to look after his older brother Magnifico. I’m a little torn on Magnifico the ‘hero’ as he is spoilt but at the same time he is only what his upbringing made him.
I enjoyed the writing and illustrations. I thought they worked well together. Vivian French made the story reminiscent of the tales I remember from when I was younger and I liked the animal characters.
The Adventures of Alfie Onion can be read aloud, which I think might be a lot of fun if the reader was inclined to do voices for all the magical characters.
January 1, 2019
Reviewed for School Library Journal, April 2018.
Gr 3–5—Aggie Onion is certain that her seventh-born son is destined for greatness. After all, she named him Magnifico and has told him for years that he will win the hand of a rich princess and deliver them all to a life of glorious luxury. On Magnifico's 14th birthday, Aggie declares that this is the day for his grand adventure to begin. Unfortunately, Magnifico (who in truth is a spoiled and lazy lad) is not so inclined, especially when trolls and ogres are mentioned. To appease him, Aggie offers up his younger brother, Alfie, to act as manservant. The two set off in search of a princess and soon attract the attention of scheming magpies, a talking horse, and some loquacious mice. Full of trolls, ogres, and hilarious dialogue, award-winning author French (Oliver's Milkshake) has penned a droll and entertaining tale of adventure and hijinks. Illustrations by Kissi add to the humor and capture the characters admirably. VERDICT: Well-suited where Roald Dahl's BFG and Lois Lowry's Birthday Ball are popular.—Amy Nolan, St. Joseph Public Library, MI
Gr 3–5—Aggie Onion is certain that her seventh-born son is destined for greatness. After all, she named him Magnifico and has told him for years that he will win the hand of a rich princess and deliver them all to a life of glorious luxury. On Magnifico's 14th birthday, Aggie declares that this is the day for his grand adventure to begin. Unfortunately, Magnifico (who in truth is a spoiled and lazy lad) is not so inclined, especially when trolls and ogres are mentioned. To appease him, Aggie offers up his younger brother, Alfie, to act as manservant. The two set off in search of a princess and soon attract the attention of scheming magpies, a talking horse, and some loquacious mice. Full of trolls, ogres, and hilarious dialogue, award-winning author French (Oliver's Milkshake) has penned a droll and entertaining tale of adventure and hijinks. Illustrations by Kissi add to the humor and capture the characters admirably. VERDICT: Well-suited where Roald Dahl's BFG and Lois Lowry's Birthday Ball are popular.—Amy Nolan, St. Joseph Public Library, MI
November 24, 2023
Aggie Lumpett, a devotee of fairy tales, is convinced that she is going to ‘marry a prince and live happily ever after’. Sadly, no princes ever come her way so she settles for the next best thing – she marries a seventh son and proceeds to bear seven (well, eight if you count Alfie) sons of her own. She cossets her seventh child (entirely ignoring her eighth), names him Magnifico and declares him a hero. Magnifico’s destiny is set – he will venture forth (with Alfie in the role of Faithful Servant), win the hand of a lovely and wealthy princess, and then return home enabling Aggie to live ‘Happily Ever After in Glorious Luxury’.
But, as with all good fairy tales, things don’t quite go to plan. Magnifico is a sullen, unimaginative, cowardly glutton. Hardly the stuff of heroes. Thank goodness for Aggie’s diminutive and overlooked son, Alfie. He has an adventurous disposition, and an amiable attitude towards animals and trolls.
Prolific British author Vivian French plays with a raft of fairy tale tropes – talking animals; a journey into a deep, dark forest; a castle surrounded by thorns; wicked ogres; and a sleeping princess. But French turns some of these motifs on their narrative heads. (Spoiler coming up.) The princess, for instance, wakes all by herself (after the obligatory 100 years slumber) and endures a succession of kisses from dreary princes. She pretends to sleep through them all. When the humble Alfie turns up, Princess Mary sits up in bed and directs the story’s denouement.
Marta Kissi’s many illustrations enliven the text. She draws out the personalities of the characters and effectively exposes the emotional highs and lows experienced by Magnifico and Alfie in particular. The pictures help tell the story for younger readers who might be moving into more sophisticated chapter books.
Free-flowing action, distinctive characters and subtle humour make The Adventures of Alfie Onion a wonderful candidate for reading aloud in the classroom. The story also lends itself to a consideration of what makes a ‘hero’ and a discussion about the narrative structure of fairy tales.
My copy of this book was provided by Reading Time, the review journal of The Children’s Book Council of Australia. A version of my review appeared in Reading Time on 23 September 2016: https://readingtime.com.au/adventures...
But, as with all good fairy tales, things don’t quite go to plan. Magnifico is a sullen, unimaginative, cowardly glutton. Hardly the stuff of heroes. Thank goodness for Aggie’s diminutive and overlooked son, Alfie. He has an adventurous disposition, and an amiable attitude towards animals and trolls.
Prolific British author Vivian French plays with a raft of fairy tale tropes – talking animals; a journey into a deep, dark forest; a castle surrounded by thorns; wicked ogres; and a sleeping princess. But French turns some of these motifs on their narrative heads. (Spoiler coming up.) The princess, for instance, wakes all by herself (after the obligatory 100 years slumber) and endures a succession of kisses from dreary princes. She pretends to sleep through them all. When the humble Alfie turns up, Princess Mary sits up in bed and directs the story’s denouement.
Marta Kissi’s many illustrations enliven the text. She draws out the personalities of the characters and effectively exposes the emotional highs and lows experienced by Magnifico and Alfie in particular. The pictures help tell the story for younger readers who might be moving into more sophisticated chapter books.
Free-flowing action, distinctive characters and subtle humour make The Adventures of Alfie Onion a wonderful candidate for reading aloud in the classroom. The story also lends itself to a consideration of what makes a ‘hero’ and a discussion about the narrative structure of fairy tales.
My copy of this book was provided by Reading Time, the review journal of The Children’s Book Council of Australia. A version of my review appeared in Reading Time on 23 September 2016: https://readingtime.com.au/adventures...
April 1, 2018
The Adventures of Alfie Onion, by Vivian French, is a very funny take at the concept of fairy tales and heroes and a great read for kids 7+.
The majority of the book focuses on Alfie Onion and his great adventure … carrying his brother’s luggage as Magnifico Onion sets out to find a princess and bring back her wealth to the Onion family. As their travels begin, it becomes very obvious that Magnifico isn’t half the hero he’s cracked up to be, and that Alfie’s character is much more admirable. With a dog, horse, 2 mice, and some meddling magpies who all talk, Alfie tries to save the day. Add in some trolls and ogres and you have a recipe for an entertaining book.
This book was entertaining and I liked the lessons of doing things for yourself and going after what you want rather than what someone else wants for you. In addition, it strongly shows that if you want something, you have to make it happen, not wait for someone else to do it all for you. Magnifico was spoiled and lazy, but that was from years of his mother doting on him feeling that he was her only hope for happiness. Alfie had been neglected and forgotten for years, but he agreed to go on this trip in the hopes of getting a bedroom rather than sleeping in the barn.
The majority of the book focuses on Alfie Onion and his great adventure … carrying his brother’s luggage as Magnifico Onion sets out to find a princess and bring back her wealth to the Onion family. As their travels begin, it becomes very obvious that Magnifico isn’t half the hero he’s cracked up to be, and that Alfie’s character is much more admirable. With a dog, horse, 2 mice, and some meddling magpies who all talk, Alfie tries to save the day. Add in some trolls and ogres and you have a recipe for an entertaining book.
This book was entertaining and I liked the lessons of doing things for yourself and going after what you want rather than what someone else wants for you. In addition, it strongly shows that if you want something, you have to make it happen, not wait for someone else to do it all for you. Magnifico was spoiled and lazy, but that was from years of his mother doting on him feeling that he was her only hope for happiness. Alfie had been neglected and forgotten for years, but he agreed to go on this trip in the hopes of getting a bedroom rather than sleeping in the barn.
March 29, 2021
TAoAO is an adorable book about love, friendship and unfairness.
At the start of the book we find out about Aggie Onion. Aggie Onion loved to read fairytales when she was a child, and even older! So when she marries a seventh son, she knew exactly what she would do. She would give birth to 7 children, in hope that the seventh child would be a boy. And she had a seventh son of a seventh son! He was called Magnifico Onion. But Aggie wasn't a smart mother. She treated Magnifico like he was a king, while the other children weren't. But then (unfortunately for Aggie), she had another child. He was named Alfie Onion. Poor Alfie Onion had a miserable babyhood, toddlerhood and childhood. He got hand-me-downs, he didn't have a bed and Aggie didn't like him.
When it was Maginifico's birthday one year, Aggie announced that he and Alfie were going on a trip to find Magnifico's magical Princess.
This book made me quite sad at times, sometimes made me smile and sometimes annoyed me. It is definitely aimed at a younger crowd (6+?) but I still enjoyed it. It is a good book for a cosy read on a warm afternoon.
At the start of the book we find out about Aggie Onion. Aggie Onion loved to read fairytales when she was a child, and even older! So when she marries a seventh son, she knew exactly what she would do. She would give birth to 7 children, in hope that the seventh child would be a boy. And she had a seventh son of a seventh son! He was called Magnifico Onion. But Aggie wasn't a smart mother. She treated Magnifico like he was a king, while the other children weren't. But then (unfortunately for Aggie), she had another child. He was named Alfie Onion. Poor Alfie Onion had a miserable babyhood, toddlerhood and childhood. He got hand-me-downs, he didn't have a bed and Aggie didn't like him.
When it was Maginifico's birthday one year, Aggie announced that he and Alfie were going on a trip to find Magnifico's magical Princess.
This book made me quite sad at times, sometimes made me smile and sometimes annoyed me. It is definitely aimed at a younger crowd (6+?) but I still enjoyed it. It is a good book for a cosy read on a warm afternoon.
March 23, 2018
I read ahead but I’m still reading this out loud to my girls. Like Cherry Pie Princess, this book is full of talking animals, ogres, trolls and other fairytale lore. Alfie is a sentimental protagonist and I appreciated his gentle nature. My only complaint would be how many characters there were to keep track of. Does this author have a random name generator or something? At one point I had to stop and review who was who. A solid, cute read that made me want to try a meat pie 🥧
January 22, 2019
This was a fun, and cute story. Although the neglectful mother, and abusive father made me feel really bad for their children. This was a fun and cute story, although I do think it might be hard for some kids to handle how mean some of the characters are. This is a book I would recommend to children who love adventure, can hand a bit of cruelty and harshness, and ultimately like happy endings.
February 16, 2022
Everything works out for Alfie Onion and Magnifico Onion. Magnifico never wanted to be a hero. He is too Lazy. Alfie just wanted to help Magnifico so he can get a bed from his mother. He slept in the barn on the hey because he wasn't important. In the end, Alfie gets the prices and the riches while Alfie marries an Ogre he falls for. Perfect end and fun story at that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 20, 2022
This delightful fairytale adventure is for readers aged 7+ and I enjoyed it so much I read it in one sitting! It’s the perfect read-aloud for adventure loving boys and young princesses too. Complete with family woes, talking animals, smelly ogres, grumpy trolls, and a sleeping princess, this book would be an instant hit for bedtime reads, independent readers or classroom story times.
March 15, 2023
Very English fairy tale which starts out with some expected and some shockingly over-the-top elements, but the midpoint turn is worth all 189 pages. magical creatures, magic, and ingenuity make this a fun read aloud—especially with the challenging vocabulary. Humor reminds me of Nanny McPhee or the BFG. Read in nearly one sitting. Illustrated
April 20, 2018
Enjoyable, quick read with humor and adventuring and fun characters. Turns fairytale tropes on their heads while still maintaining the fairytale ways (including a tidy happily ever after ending). The target age is 7 and up, so it is a simplistic story. Would be very fun to read aloud.
August 28, 2018
Humorous adventure tale from prolific author Vivian French is a decent story, if not that memorable. There is entertainment value to be had, and younger readers will enjoy the tale.
French is a master at her craft and shines brightly in a galaxy filled with many authors.
French is a master at her craft and shines brightly in a galaxy filled with many authors.
November 11, 2018
I'm so glad Vivian French's books for children are now being published more regularly for U.S. readers. Her stories are so thoroughly satisfying with well developed characters, humor and enduring themes for kids. Truly delightful.
May 27, 2019
My favorite part of this book is when Alfie Onion’s first adventure came. He went with his brother, because he wanted to kiss a royal princess from a castle. Alfie Onion was his brother’s servant because Alfie Onion’s mom said that your brother have to become a good prince.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 22, 2020
Alfie is traveling with his older brother, Magnifico, and Alfie has to do absolutely everything for him! Magnifico has to go off and kiss the princess, so his family could live in glorious luxury. But will Magnifico do it? Or will Alfie do another thing for lazy Magnifico once again?
May 18, 2020
This was a cute little book which I enjoyed reading with my five year-old who is also called Alfie. There were some fun characters and a lot of plot excitement. Classic case of underdog wins the day, but with lots of trials along the way.
November 24, 2020
I love these stories by French! While I guessed some of the ending, there were a few twists I did not see and loved. Alfie is fantastic and so are all his creature friends. If you like fairy tales and talking creatures you will love this too!
December 29, 2020
Read- December 2020
- This was the final Vivian French book that was available through my library so I figured that I may as well read it. I did enjoy this one, I just wish things were explained more.
- This was the final Vivian French book that was available through my library so I figured that I may as well read it. I did enjoy this one, I just wish things were explained more.
July 8, 2021
This was actually really sweet and well written. The ending with how quickly the two characters declare love was a smidge off-putting to me, but I’m willing to accept it.
Definitely middle grade, but enjoyable even to an adult.
Definitely middle grade, but enjoyable even to an adult.
September 19, 2023
I read this aloud to my 8, 6, and 4 year olds. They loved the story and enjoyed seeing pictures with it. At times I had to remind them who characters were, as there are a lot of characters in this story.
December 4, 2024
I really enjoyed this. It was a fun adventure with a great group of characters. I did different voices for the many characters in my read aloud and it was fun, but a lot of work remembering them each time lol.
April 28, 2025
I bought this book and The Cherry Pie princess for my daughter when she was about 8. She thought my boys, who are 7 and 9, would like this one. I read it to my seven-year-old and while he enjoyed it, it's not one that I'll save to pass down to the next generation.
August 28, 2017
A very funny story and very well read. I loved the voices and I could picture the characters so clearly!
October 3, 2018
Like most of what I've read from Vivian French, this was fun, easy to read, and made you feel happy.
October 20, 2018
I’m loving these books by Vivian French!! Fairytale setting and captivating, hilarious characters. Wish I had these as as a kid!
January 11, 2020
My 5 year old son and I read Alfie Onion together. (I read aloud to him). We loved it! My son is a fan of adventure books and this one did not disappoint.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews