The Worst Witch to the Rescue

The Worst Witch #6

by Jill Murphy

Mildred Hubble has always been the worst witch at Miss Cackle's Academy, but she knows this term will be different. She's done the best holiday project ever and she's sure that her form teacher, the fearsome Miss Hardbroom, will be impressed. Even her arch-enemy, Ethel Hallow, is being friendly! But is it all just too good to be true?

Genres: Fantasy, Childrens, Middle Grade, Witches, Fiction, Magic, Boarding School

2 pages, Audio CD

First published October 4, 2007

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

[Lorna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've got to the age of 28 and it would appear I'm regressing in my reading habits. With The Worst Witch series of books I just couldn't resist. I remember them as favourites from my childhood.
No offence to the author they are never going to be literary masterpieces but that was not was I was looking for when I went back to these old friends. I often will go back to children's books when I'm looking for some light relief or something bright and breezy when I feel a bit bogged down from heavy reading and these fit the bill perfectly.
Not only do they bring swells of nostalgia over me but they're fun, humourous, imaginative and you genuinely feel for the characters. Mildred Hubble is hapless. She's clumsy, she's disaster prone and something is always bound to go wrong but as a reader you love her! Ethel Hallow the teacher's pet who always seems to be good at everything as well as being a bully who has it in for Mildred, is typical of those girls in school that you never liked because of thier superior attitude.
So there you have the ideal ingredients for adventure. Mildered is always bound to get into trouble, usually made worse by some sneaky action of Ethel's. Miss Hardbroom the stern form tutor never seems to be happy with anything Mildered does but by the end of the book Mildered has redeemed herself of any disasterous actions because of her good intentions.
But most importatly of all Mildred always survives another day despite having a battle to prove herself in the eyes of her form tutor, her headmistress, and sometimes even her most loyal friends. These are not literary classics. But they are children's classics. And this big kid wouldn't be without them!

[Lydia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes you just need to read children's books.

I adore Mildred Hubble and I adore this series. It's been lovely reading about Miss Cackle's Academy again over the past 2 days. And the books are just the right length to read during a lunch break. A wonderful little series that I cannot recommend enough.

[Josie · Rating 2 out of 5]

My least favourite Worst Witch book, partly because I'm too old for talking animals and partly because Mildred was a complete IDIOT to tell Ethel all about her holiday project in such detail. But mostly I hate this book because of Maud and Enid being the worst friends ever by not taking Mildred's side. I don't care how unbelievable it is that Mildred would outshine Ethel in class (although really, Mildred was far more likely to come up with a spell involving animals than Ethel). As Mildred's best friends, Maud and Enid should have staunchly defended her no matter what -- especially since they didn't believe her story about the frog in book #3 which turned out to be true. Not impressed!

[Tiffany Spencer · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Worst Witch to the Rescue
Plot Mildred confides in Ethel EVERYTHING (smacks forehead) about the special project they were given over break (WHHHHY?). And predictably she steals her project and takes credit for it after slacking off and not doing her own. The project is a potion that allows animals to talk. So Mildred comes up with a way to prove herself with the tortoise that she previously tested the potion out on. Only she has 48 hours until the potion wears off.

My Thoughts: It’s TIRING when you have to read about the same character making the same mistake OVER and OVER! Mildred isn’t the worst witch because she’s incapable-as she proves here-. She’s the worst witch because she keeps trusting someone who isn’t at ALL for her. Doesn’t even make it a secret. Yet she keeps giving this girl the benefit of the doubt. And for WHAT? And what’s so great about a project to make animals talk? I watched something over October called Witches Ball that had a wizard do a project on talking animals. You would think this was the greatest project ever. But then I guess I’m not all that big of an animal lover. And then if Maud and Enid are Mildred’s friend’s I’d REALLY hate to see her enemies. They don’t support or have her back for ANYTHING?

Rating: 4

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like that these books actually progress rather than all of them being the same. I feel like a lot of chapter books seem to be like episodes and no one gets older and its basically the same book over and over. However, with this one you can see that Mildred is getting better and people are starting to see the good in her. Even HB!

[Kirsty Carson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murphy does it again! Absolutely adore The Worst Witch series and then next book in the instalment didn’t fail to impress. Filled with magic and mayhem, and finally a bout of justice (where a certain know it all bully is concerned) this book has me giggling and smiling from start to finish. Such a wholesome, enjoyable read!

[Suzanne Fournier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mildred comes back to school feeling like she's finally not going to be in trouble the first day, when Ethel is unnaturally nice to her. Ethel as usual gets Mildred in trouble and Mildred has to try her hardest to save her skin and the day. Ethel finally gets her comeuppance but not as much as I'd have liked.

[Isa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Idk?

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, as much as I am enjoying these books I do think they need to chill it a bit with Evil Ethel and Miss Hardbroom who both seem to have it out for Mildred, and despite everything that’s previously happened, no one ever believes Mildred. I can barely think of any occasions where she’s lied in the previous books but Ethel has lied in every single one and she rarely gets a punishment for it!! It’s just a little irksome.

Other than that I really enjoyed this story and thought Mildred’s spell was brilliant!

[✨️ Louise Allen ✨️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Courageous Tale That Shines with Wit, Wonder, and Heart

Jill Murphy’s The Worst Witch to the Rescue is a sparkling addition to the beloved series, once again proving that Mildred Hubble’s charm lies not in perfection, but in persistence, kindness, and quiet bravery. With her usual blend of mishaps and good intentions, Mildred navigates new challenges that test her resolve and deepen her character.

Murphy’s writing is as crisp and engaging as ever—rich with humour, emotional insight, and a deep understanding of what it means to feel like the odd one out. The setting remains delightfully atmospheric, and the illustrations add warmth and whimsy, capturing the spirit of the story with gentle precision.

What makes this instalment stand out is its emotional resonance. Without revealing any plot, it’s safe to say that themes of integrity, friendship, and standing up for what’s right are woven seamlessly into the narrative. It’s a story that uplifts without preaching, and entertains while quietly encouraging readers to trust their instincts and speak their truth.

Perfect for young readers and nostalgic grown-ups alike, The Worst Witch to the Rescue is a heartfelt triumph—proof that even the most unlikely witch can make a difference.
❤️✨️🧙‍♀️

[Hazel-Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's frustrating that Mildred thinks she can trust Ethel at all - when will she learn. Still a fun read regardless and another nice little adventure at Miss Cackle's Academy. A spell for talking animals? I would have loved this so much as a kid.

[Rach (pagesofpiper) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book broke my heart and had me in tears. Ethel is such a horrible bully.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely story for beginning readers with the message of doing the right thing matters.

[Anna Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This might have been my favourite one yet! It was so gripping I read it in one sitting! I genuinely might have to have a little cry when I finish this series because they’re just so brilliant and I wish they could go on forever. Jill Murphy’s work had such an impact on me as a child, and her brilliant storytelling and fantastic illustrations are the spell for a perfect series.

[Zöe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ethel really is the limit

Also would like to highlight the appalling justice system in this school, wherein Mildred gets threatened with expulsion each book for just breathing out of turn and yet Ethel's outright warfare results in her being told to .... apologise to Mildred. WHAT!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Raghav Bhatia · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5.

[Melissa T · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another fun adventure for Mildred Hubble. She really is accumulating pets and animals at quite the rate. At least this time Ethel gets a taste of some humbleness when it's discovered that Mildred came up with a better idea than she did for once. I wonder if Mildred and Ethel will actually be on the same side by the time I get to through the last book in this series.

[Cruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author/Illustrator: Jill Murphy
First Published: 2007
Series: Book 6 of 7, Summer Term, Year 3.

Jill Murphy has grown as an author.

From her first Worst Witch book in 1974 (written at just 18) to her sixth and strongest 33 years latest, we have seen her progress. It isn't that the early books were *bad*, it's that this latest book is *better*.

In "The Worst Witch To The Rescue" Murphy gives a more emotionally engaging story (the 7yo cried) with a good lesson that struck a chord in me - and what many a parent tries to teach.

Not only do we, again, explore The Mean Girl and her bullying, but we also get an interesting lesson on finding what you are good at, and accepting what you aren't.

The premise of Worst Witch is, obviously, Mildred's not being really good at this witch thing. Slowly, over the course of the series, we have seen her better her skills through practice, concentration, and *want*. In "The Worst Witch To The Rescue", Mildred discovers she has a real talent for imagination and creativity. She is not only good at it, she's The Best. And that is something to take real pride in.

Isn't that a lesson we often want to teach our children? You cannot be good at *everything* but one day you will find you passion and you will fly.

The corollary, of course, is a person who has always found life *easy* will one day strike a challenge. How you deal with it tells a lot about your character. Edith, The Mean Girl and Mildred's nemesis, was always teacher's pet - studious, clever, responsible. Suddenly she finds her personal failing - she isn't imaginative. She can learn (and regurgitate) but struggles with the imaginative step (something I personally empathise with). When confronted with this issue, Edith folds. She struggles. She does not address it because she has never had to ask for help before. Instead she strikes out at Mildred.

A reason given for her bullying. We can understand why Edith does what she does, even if we do not agree with it. We can feel compassion for Edith even while rooting for Mildred.

Edith's personal character is found to be wanting. And she gets her comeuppance.

OTOH H.B. is shown to have a wealth of character. Given what she was told, the problems Mildred has had in the past, her past knowledge of Edith, H.B. could only assume Mildred was in the wrong. However, when shown she was mistaken, H.B. acts to rectify her mistakes.

Even adults (and teachers) can be wrong.

Murphy's growth as a story-teller comes through in the strength of the narrative - the light and shade, creative turns, and solid plot threads - and the well composed lessons. She may have taken years to develop this series, but they hang well together, have not aged, and should find their way onto Classics shelves.

Now, I just need to wait for Book 7 to be released...

Series:
Book 1 The Worst Witch
Book 2 The Worst Witch Strikes Again
Book 3 A Bad Spell for the Worst Witch
Book 4 The Worst Witch All at Sea
Book 5 The Worst Witch Saves the Day
Book 6 Worst Witch to the Rescue
Book 7 The Worst Witch and The Wishing Star

Age:
Read aloud: 6+
Read yourself: 8+ (some tricky words)

References:
W'pedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Wors...

(ISBN 9780141321523)

-CR-

[Philip · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice instalment but lacking a decent villain. Ethel is okay and everything, but she's really more of a Malfoy-level threat. Lets have the worst witch taking on Voldemort or something.

P.S. Mildred's animal-speech spell is very clever, but is it part of the spell that makes the animals so well-mannered and middle class?

[Hayden · Rating 5 out of 5]

After the disappointing entry that was the fifth book, I started to wonder if the series was beginning to dwindle in quality. However, reading the sixth part of the eight book series, it may well be that I was proven wrong!

The story, I am happy to say, is an enormous improvement over the last book. Putting forth not only the fact that our beloved protagonist Mildred Hubble has found the chance to prove how amazing a witch she can be, the cunning antagonist Ethel Hallow is there to try and ruin everything, even turning Mildred's pottery into snakes. The stakes are raised considerably and there is that feeling of danger, putting Mildred in a position of humiliation and expulsion.

The writing from Murphy is great as usual, fantastic at best. She expands on the perspectives of other characters which helps to take the story into different directions and to enjoy the world much more. One character that I loved reading was Einstein, Mildred's project and pet turtle; he was just so fun to read and acts sleepy and easily scared, as a turtle may well be. His conversations with Mildred are heart warming and it reminds me how wonderful Murphy is at creating characters. Plus seeing Miss Hardbroom having hot chocolate with Miss Cackle was a humanizing moment for them both!

The illustrations are brilliant and detailed superbly, bringing everything to us and pulling us in as it creates an adventure along with the prose. They work well in making the story simple yet fun to read for children and fans alike.

This one was a huge step for the series to take, making for an adventure with Mildred that is a lovely read, and makes me eager for the final two additions to a wonderful series.

[Karl Orbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

...and so, the last of The Worst Witch series, at least until Jill Murphy decides to write another. The series has been added to very slowly over the decades since the first book was released. They've improved over time too.

Finally in this book, Milly actually is portrayed as actually pretty capable in her own right, she outsmarts the others, Ethel in particular - though it all goes wrong for her, as it always does. She is such a gentle, kind and hopeful girl, you cannot help routing for her, or being incandescent with rage over that awful girl, Ethel. Good lord, Ethel really is a wicked witch in this book.

The author also appears to have a penchant for talking animals, particularly amphibians and reptiles. As here we have them talking as a major part of the book again. I like to think Milly loves other animals a great deal and finds ways to talk with them.

It's a shame this series does not continue all the way through her school career, it gets stronger as she gets older.

[Nikki · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was another ok book in the series. It's still not the best series I've ever read but it's not the worst either. I think one of the main problems I have with this series is that Mildred never seems to learn. She always trusts Ethel no matter what. I think it's great that she's nice to her even when Ethel can be so mean but that doesn't mean she had to constantly trust her to help her with everything and has to tell her everything. Also it bothers me that Miss Hardbroom is always so mean to Mildred and never listens to her or trusts her. Mildred has more than proved that everything is not always her fault but Miss Hardbroom never believes her. Each book of the series is almost like starting over with all the characters because any progress and changes they made seem to disappear with the beginning of each new book which makes the series not nearly as great as it could be.

[La La · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I said about book number five, a longer story and more involved than the first books, so a higher rating. In fact, I could not put this one down the story it was so exciting! A definite yes for a young reader's first on their own series, and still perfect for a chapter a night bedtime story for younger children. Absolutely perfect for children too young for Harry Potter, but wanting a story about a magic school. I will be reviewing the series on my Children's book blog and will add the link here after it is posted.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've found another one! Oh I was so happy I could read yet another Mildred story.

[Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book,. perfect for 2nd grade and 3rd grade. I recommended it tot he Librarian at my school and she is going to buy the first three books.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Despite having been put down as the worst witch at Miss Cackle's School for Witches since she began, Mildred Hubble arrives in an upbeat mood for the summer term of her third year. For one thing, she has come up with a really creative spell for her holiday project, which she knows will impress her often exasperated form-mistress, Miss Hardbroom. For another thing, she discovers a real aptitude for art, giving her hope of not always being the worst student in every subject. But it doesn't even take her nemesis, Ethel Hallow, until lunch on the first day of term to ruin both happy prospects for Mildred, thanks to a couple of mean-spirited tricks (one of which actually crosses the line into cheating) that will obliterate any hope you may still cherish that the two girls will ever grow into friends.

Add the fact that Ethel's sneaking friend, Drusilla, discovers that Mildred is secretly harboring an illegal pet in her dorm room, and the stage is set for a heartbreaking term for Mildred – and that's if she doesn't get expelled. Thank goodness for a temporarily talking toad, knocking on Mildred's door at just the right time. Otherwise, things might not go well for a certain tortoise up a tree, and Mildred may lose her chance to get a fair shake.

This is the sixth of eight "Worst Witch" stories written and illustrated by the late Jill Murphy. For those who are struggling to tell one book from another in the series, this is the one where Ethel starts to get a little of what she deserves, and perhaps a turning point in Mildred's progress from "worst witch" to a student even Miss Hardbroom might someday be proud of. If there's hope for her, there may be hope as well for any kid who struggles in school. And it couldn't happen to a more warm-hearted and courageous little witch.

[Mark Buxton · Rating 3 out of 5]

My name is Ethel, and I wish I had the imagination to come up with an amazing idea for our homework project. I have a reputation to uphold as the most outstanding student at Miss Cackle's Academy for Witches. Luckily, it was easy stealing Mildred Hubble's spell to let small animals speak. No one would have believed Mildred could come up with such a fantastic spell anyway. She's apparently good at modeling clay, and I was embarrassed when the art teacher compared Mildred's pot to mine. However, I fixed her good and got her kicked out of the class. I now know she has a talking tortoise that might be able to tell everyone what I've done. I'll need to take care of that problem too.

I haven't read the first five books in the series, but that didn't affect my enjoyment of this one. Mildred is the main character, and Ethel is obviously the antagonist. I assume this relationship is a factor in all of the books. Mildred seems to have a poor reputation as a student, as there is talk of dismissing her from the academy. She has talent, so I'm curious to know how the misconception arose. Maybe I need to read the first book in the series, ha ha. The story feeds on images and reputations, but the essence of it stems from Mildred's goodness and compassion. She actually creates bigger problems for herself by trying to help Ethel. Mildred's friends remain loyal, although the evidence causes some skepticism. In the end, friends stand together, and Mildred is cleared of any wrongdoing. Will this result in an improved reputation? Overall, this book tells a fun story centered on an endearing protagonist. I recommend you give it a shot.

[Sanchari Das · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Oh, Mildred! Why do you always set yourself up for diaster?"

Mildred Hubble begins another term at Miss Crackle's Academy for Witches with a hope that everything will be different this time. For, she has the best holiday project ever, one that's sure to impress everyone and erase her earlier reputation of being the Worst Witch.

But knowing her luck, something is bound to get messed up. And it soon does when her clay pot suddenly turns into a nest of snakes in the art class. But what's worse, Ethel steals her holiday project and takes all the credit for Mildred's hardwork.

Sad, upset and heartbroken, Mildred can't imagine how such a perfect day can end in such a huge disaster. She decides to give it a rest untill she can think of something to prove her innocence. But when her talking tortoise lands into a terrible trouble, the Worst Witch couldn't help but resume her role as the perpetrator of magical mayhem yet again.

Join Mildred Hubble in Jill Murphy's "The Worst Witch To The Rescue" as she goes on a heroic rescue mission in the middle of a virtual hurricane, earning for herself the redemption that was long due.

Well, compassion has a way of paying off and the Worst Witch most certainly has a kind heart, even if she isn't always the best at witchcraft with most of her spells ending in complete diasters.

"I honestly don't know how she does it-- she's a sort of trouble magnet."

[sabisteb aka callisto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Über die großen Ferien hatten die Schülerinnen von Miss Cackles Akademie ein Forschungsprojekt als Hausaufgabe: Sie sollten sich selber einen Zauberspruch erarbeiten/einen erfinden. Endlich einmal hat Mildred eine richtig gute Idee und das Projekt ist echt super gelaufen. Ethel jedoch, die fiese Klassenbeste, ist super im Auswendiglernen und Anwenden von Erlerntem, zum selber Erfinden fehlt ihr leider die Kreativität. Im heutigen Schulsystem wäre das kein Problem, man soll ja nur Kompetenzen erwerben und diese anwenden können, vor Pisa jedoch noch eine Kernkompetenz.
Nun ist guter Rat teuer… Ethel klaut Mildreds Projekt und gibt es als ihr eigenes aus. Niemand will Mildred glauben, nie würde sie so einen Zauberspruch erarbeiten können.
Wie kann Mildred beweisen, dass Ethel ihr Projekt gestohlen hat, wenn die Zeit gegen sie arbeitet?
Erstaunlich spannend für so eine kleine, eigentlich einfach gestrickte Geschichte, bei der man eigentlich weiß, dass es für Mildred immer gut ausgeht. Man leidet mit ihr und hofft, dass das Gute siegt.

[Zidana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this aloud to my 8 year old witchy daughter.
This is book 6 in The Worst Witch series and probably our favorite so far. Mildred invents a spell to make animals speak and is excited about presenting her new spell at the start of term (she attends an all girls school for witches). In typical Worst Witch fashion, mayhem ensues and things don’t go as planned. The roller coaster of emotions my daughter experienced as this story progressed was sweet and funny to witness and it’s no surprise because the protagonist, Mildred, is quite lovable and very easy to root for.
This is a lighthearted series for kids who love all things magical and easily tied up in the end. My daughter has been begging to read Harry Potter and this series feels way more digestible for her sensitive mind and heart. It has all the wonders of Hogwarts and the adventures of the HP trio without all the complexities and dark plot- it’s a great gateway into the world of magic and adventures.