The Worst Witch / The Worst Witch Strikes Again / A Bad Spell for the Worst Witch

The Worst Witch #1-3

by Jill Murphy

The volumes from the Worst Witch series, "The Worst Witch", "The Worst Witch Strikes Again", and "A Bad Spell for The Worst Witch".

Genres: Childrens, Witches, Fiction, Middle Grade, Juvenile

Paperback

First published September 26, 1996

About the author

Jill Murphy was a London-born English children's author, best known for The Worst Witch series and the Large Family picture books. She has been described as "one of the most engaging writers and illustrators for children in the land."

Jill Murphy was born in London and attended the Ursuline Convent in Wimbledon which, together with the boarding school stories she enjoyed reading, provided much of the material and inspiration Miss Cackle's Academy in the The Worst Witch, which she started when she was 15. She put the book on hold as she attended both Chelsea and Croydon Art Schools, but continued to write it whilst living in a village in Togo, West Africa for a year and then whilst working as a nanny back at home. The book was published when Jill turned 24 and proved an instant success. However, Jill continued working as a nanny until the publication of The Worst Witch Strikes Again prompted her to devote herself to full-time writing. The Worst Witch stories have become some of the most outstandingly successful titles on the Young Puffin paperback list and have sold more than 3 million copies. They were also made into a major ITV series. She was also well known for her picture books and was commended in the 1980 Kate Greenaway Medal for Peace at Last. A Quiet Night In was shortlisted for the same medal in 1994. She was perhaps best known for the very popular Mr and Mrs Large picture books, which detail the domestic chaos of an elephant family. Five Minute's Peace won the 1987 Parents Magazine Best Books for Babies Award, as well as being shortlisted for the 1986 Children's Book Award. All in One Piece was highly commended for the 1987 Kate Greenaway Award and shortlisted for the 1987 Children's Book Award. The Last Noo-noo won the 0-5 category of the 1995 Smarties Book Prize and in the same year was shortlisted for the English 4-11 Outstanding Children's Book of the Year, going on to win the 1996 Sheffield Children's Book Award. It won the 1996 Gateshead Gold Award. In the same year it was adapted as a play and performed at the Polka Theatre, London.

Reviews

[Nikki Fenton · Rating 4 out of 5]

We love the worst witch , my 9 year old loves the story , very simple to read , looking forward to the next one in the box set !

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very cute, definitely feels older, but it is also very fun. The illustrations also really boosted it as well.

[Skye Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked it was very interesting what will happen next. but overall it was quite good 👍🤪😘

[Steffi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my FAVOURITE TV show when I was a little girl and I still love rewatching it from time to time till this day (and probably forever)! Was about time I took a look at the books!

I wish I had read these as a kid, they are so fun and quick - just perfect to get any little girl out there to love reading! I really had fun reading these, my only real complaint is, that I would have wanted more. These are very short books, so it was obvious there wouldn´t be nearly as much content as in the TV series, but I was still hoping to see more of my favourite characters (there are really very few characters in the books) and scenes. Still, I found that the episodes that were adapted from the books did a marvellous job!


(Adding the bindup because I don´t want this to count as 3 books towards my reading challenge - feels like cheating)

[Sinead · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always loved these books as a child - I was always the awkward, clumsy one growing up and Mildred was someone with who I could relate too (with magic and broomsticks and cats as well which was perfect). Loved the opportunity of going back to this book after meeting the author recently as it was so much more meaningful. Recommend these books to any mum or dad wanting their children to disappear into a fantasy world for a while and come out giggling on the other side.

[Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my absolute favorite movie growing up (the one with Tim Curry) and I never realized it was based on these fun books. The illustrations made the story even more entertaining and I wish I had found this series when I was younger.

[Aileen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful book for young readers 8 to 12. Also great as a bedtime chapter book.

[Harriet Latta]

Cute stories. The character development and details in the stories get better with each book.

[Vee Eden · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nostalgic read , that I loved as a child and I really enjoyed re reading this as an adult

[Shadoshard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I watched the movie with Tim Curry years ago (and it was the dickens to get on DVD) so when I saw it on the shelves at my favorite book store I thought - what the heck.

Jill Murphy wrote this series in the 70s when I was a kid, but I was never able to read them. Better late than never on this delightful series that predated Harry Potter. It is such a sweet and delightful series and I could so relate to Mildred (as many girls would I'm sure). And Mildred is such a wonderful character - all of them are - easy to relate to and whimsical - I thoroughly enjoyed getting lost in this world and would have no trouble re-reading again to children and for myself. I now need to find the rest of them to complete my reading!

[Siobhan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A wonderful read from my childhood, one I’d certainly suggest for other youngsters. Whilst it is not my all-time favourite childhood read I can still recall all the details of this one meaning it certainly left a lasting impression upon my young mind.

And isn’t that what we want with children’s books, for them to leave a positive lasting impression?

[Kayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a cute series!! It’s a perfect pre-Harry Potter for younger kids, and it’s great as a read-aloud or for newly independent readers. My seven-year old is devouring it! The chapters are pretty short, and there are illustrations on almost every page. We will definitely buy the rest of the books, and I learned that there will be an 8th and final book released in the future!

[Kirsty · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked reading about all things magical from a young age, and so I loved this series. I liked reading about all the scrapes Mildred manages to get herself into. I enjoyed watching the TV series as a kid too.

[Ush · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the book I chose, but it's not specific, because I could not find a single representative for the entire series, I chose one. I just enjoyed The Worst Witch completely.

[Lindsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a kid, I absolutely loved these books - I still remember the illustrations to this day :)

[Moira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Annie Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Old fashioned but fun.

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute little collection of books