The Adventures of Alfie Onion

by Vivian French, illustrated by Marta Kissi

Interest age: 7 to 8
Reading age: 8+

Published by Walker Books, 2016

Adventure

About this book

Once upon a time, a little girl fell in love with fairytales. She was convinced that if she had the seventh son of a seventh son, he would be a true hero - and she'd be destined for a life of Glorious Luxury.

In fact, it's her eighth son, the unlikely Alfie Onion, who has the hero-worthy qualities to secure a Happily Every After for the whole family.

There is lots to like in Vivian French's take on the fairytale. It's pitched perfectly for confident young readers, with some fun Disney-style animal subplots and an uplifting ending that rewards even the foolish Magnifico, the seventh son.

Alfie's story is both sweet and satisfying - and cute illustrations, attractive page layouts and fairly short chapters make it a smart choice for slightly older reluctant readers, too. A bit Shrek, a bit Disney, and a lot of fun!

About the author

Vivian French is a British writer of picture book texts, novels, plays, and non-fiction for children and young adults. She has written more than 250 books – including the picture book Oliver's Vegetables (1995) and The Tiara Club series of chapter books illustrated by Sarah Gibb (from 2005) – which have sold more than three million copies.

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