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Diary of an Accidental Witch #3
Flying High
Monday 1st November
There’s only fifty days until the Winter Solstice, the longest and witchiest night of the year. But before that there’s the Grand Tournament – the biggest and sportiest day in the witchy calendar! And I can’t wait!
Bea Black is all settled into her new life in Little Spellshire, a town with a magical secret. She’s made tonnes of friends at witch school, learned how to levitate frogs (just about) and been working hard on polishing up her broom skills. So when the Winter Solstice Grand Tournament rolls round, she’s ready to rise to the next challenge and fly high.
But then Ms Sparks decides that this year’s tournament will be a bit … er … different. That is, it won’t be an Extraordinary Grand Tournament at all, but rather a very ordinary sports day with Spellshire Academy! With magic firmly forbidden and rivalry reaching new heights, who will emerge victorious? And more importantly, will Bea’s friendship with her best non-witchy friend Ash survive the competition?
A perfect potion of magic and mischief, DIARY OF AN ACCIDENTAL WITCH is THE WORST WITCH meets TOM GATES.
There’s only fifty days until the Winter Solstice, the longest and witchiest night of the year. But before that there’s the Grand Tournament – the biggest and sportiest day in the witchy calendar! And I can’t wait!
Bea Black is all settled into her new life in Little Spellshire, a town with a magical secret. She’s made tonnes of friends at witch school, learned how to levitate frogs (just about) and been working hard on polishing up her broom skills. So when the Winter Solstice Grand Tournament rolls round, she’s ready to rise to the next challenge and fly high.
But then Ms Sparks decides that this year’s tournament will be a bit … er … different. That is, it won’t be an Extraordinary Grand Tournament at all, but rather a very ordinary sports day with Spellshire Academy! With magic firmly forbidden and rivalry reaching new heights, who will emerge victorious? And more importantly, will Bea’s friendship with her best non-witchy friend Ash survive the competition?
A perfect potion of magic and mischief, DIARY OF AN ACCIDENTAL WITCH is THE WORST WITCH meets TOM GATES.
- GenresHalloween
224 pages, Paperback
Published February 3, 2022
6 people are currently reading
49 people want to read
About the author
Perdita Cargill
24 books65 followersCome and meet and talk to us on www.facebook.com/waitingforcallback
or via the contact form on the website www.waitingforcallback.com ! (We're running a writing comp right now, check it out on the website)
I used to be the least numerate tax barrister ever to practise at the English bar but now I'm writing at last and it's the best 'job' in the world - not least because I'm writing funny teen books with my 18 year old daughter, Honor Cargill. Hon has just joined Good Reads - go and say hi to her!
or via the contact form on the website www.waitingforcallback.com ! (We're running a writing comp right now, check it out on the website)
I used to be the least numerate tax barrister ever to practise at the English bar but now I'm writing at last and it's the best 'job' in the world - not least because I'm writing funny teen books with my 18 year old daughter, Honor Cargill. Hon has just joined Good Reads - go and say hi to her!
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
February 2, 2022
Bea starts her second diary at the beginning of November, on the first day of half-term. It’s only fifty days until Winter Solstice, which is the “longest and witchiest night of the year”. Before that, though, the students at the School of Extraordinary Arts will be participating in the Grand Tournament, which is “only the biggest, SPORTIEST day in the witchy calendar!”
Bea has learned a lot since we first met her. Our witch-in-training is getting better at flying and her levitation skills are improving.
Her incantations may also, well, she needs to find words that rhyme with ‘piggle’ before we discover how she’s faring with those.
There’s still an us and them mentality in Little Spellshire, with Witches and Ordinaries staying well away from one another. This makes it awkward for Bea because, coming from a family of Ordinaries but training to be a witch, Bea has a foot in each world. She’s also friends with Ash, the Ordinary next door, but can’t tell him she’s a witch, no matter how much she wants to.
I enjoyed this book just as much I did the first in the series. With a focus on friendships and breaking down the barriers between people, this was a fun read that also included some sage advice.
I’m looking forward to next term. There’s going to be a residential trip for Year Seven students and a new teacher to meet. I don’t know about you but a geography teacher who is a “world expert on caves, lairs and unexplained snares” sounds like someone I need to befriend, if only so I’m invited along for their adventures.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Little Tiger Group, an imprint of Stripes Publishing, for the opportunity to read this book. I’m rounding up from 4.5 stars.
Blog - https://schizanthusnerd.com
Bea has learned a lot since we first met her. Our witch-in-training is getting better at flying and her levitation skills are improving.
Her incantations may also, well, she needs to find words that rhyme with ‘piggle’ before we discover how she’s faring with those.
There’s still an us and them mentality in Little Spellshire, with Witches and Ordinaries staying well away from one another. This makes it awkward for Bea because, coming from a family of Ordinaries but training to be a witch, Bea has a foot in each world. She’s also friends with Ash, the Ordinary next door, but can’t tell him she’s a witch, no matter how much she wants to.
‘Those of us who know, know and those of them who don’t, can’t.’Something’s going on with Ash as well and Bea means to ask him what it is, really she does, but she’s just so busy. She needs to prepare for both the Grand Tournament and the Winter Solstice, and take care of Stan and Egg. And there’s homework to do too.
I enjoyed this book just as much I did the first in the series. With a focus on friendships and breaking down the barriers between people, this was a fun read that also included some sage advice.
“Friendships are a bit like eggs you know, Bea. They can be fragile. Best to look after them carefully.”Katie Saunders’ illustrations bring Bea’s diary to life. I particularly loved the froggy pictures and the ones that showcase the fashionistas that are Bea’s School of Extraordinary Arts’ friends.
I’m looking forward to next term. There’s going to be a residential trip for Year Seven students and a new teacher to meet. I don’t know about you but a geography teacher who is a “world expert on caves, lairs and unexplained snares” sounds like someone I need to befriend, if only so I’m invited along for their adventures.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Little Tiger Group, an imprint of Stripes Publishing, for the opportunity to read this book. I’m rounding up from 4.5 stars.
Blog - https://schizanthusnerd.com
June 29, 2022
A new term is here! A sportsfestival is nearing, there are fun assignments, and there is friendship… but also trouble in friendship land.
I was so excited that there was another book in the series! Then it was waiting for Amazon to have it in stock. Then waiting some more, but then I could finally read it! And I flew right through it, it was just so much fun that I couldn’t stop. I had to go to the end!
NOTE: This review may be chaotic. Haha. I tried my best to get my feelings across, but you know how that one goes at times. XD
In this one a new term/year starts and with that are all kinds of fun events (and weather). Winter Solstice is coming which I just thought like a perfect event for the witches to celebrate. And then there is a Tournament! While I was sad that the Tournament changed because I would have loved to see a witchy tournament… I am also kind of liking what it was changed into. And what Bea had to do to make sure that everything was understood by the witches. Because, dang they got some fun(ny) ideas on what it is supposed to be. XD Magic is OK right? Um, no. These are mere mortals, you cannot just summon tornadoes or give yourself an extra boost!
I was so so proud of Bea! She is really improving with her magic! As the story continues we see that things are going way smoother than the first term/year (still not sure how that all works). She is showing she can levitate, she has her first spell that works, and there is more! Her flying is also improving by leaps and I just wanted to give her a big hug! And now I also want to become a witch, haha.
I was also frustrated with Bea. For most I was very happy with her in the book but how she handled Ash and his feelings. OUCH. I get it girl you have other friends. You got your schoolwork. You cannot tell it is all magic. But seriously, take some time for Ash. I could imagine why he was feeling this way and why he was acting the way he did throughout the book. In the meantime Bea was all like, why is he angry at me? Gee, I wonder why….
I really loved that this one was once again written as a diary! It is just so much fun, plus we get to see some homework assignments and other fun things!
I was a tad worried on how the Ash situation nearer to the end would go. I really like the combo of witchy girl and normal boy and I was worried that maybe things would be turned over and that Ash would also want to learn magic. I am very happy with what the authors decided for this one and it was certainly a relief.
The illustrations were once again fab! Really love the style!
All in all, I cannot wait for the next book in the series! I had so so much fun reading this one and there was so much good in there!
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
I was so excited that there was another book in the series! Then it was waiting for Amazon to have it in stock. Then waiting some more, but then I could finally read it! And I flew right through it, it was just so much fun that I couldn’t stop. I had to go to the end!
NOTE: This review may be chaotic. Haha. I tried my best to get my feelings across, but you know how that one goes at times. XD
In this one a new term/year starts and with that are all kinds of fun events (and weather). Winter Solstice is coming which I just thought like a perfect event for the witches to celebrate. And then there is a Tournament! While I was sad that the Tournament changed because I would have loved to see a witchy tournament… I am also kind of liking what it was changed into. And what Bea had to do to make sure that everything was understood by the witches. Because, dang they got some fun(ny) ideas on what it is supposed to be. XD Magic is OK right? Um, no. These are mere mortals, you cannot just summon tornadoes or give yourself an extra boost!
I was so so proud of Bea! She is really improving with her magic! As the story continues we see that things are going way smoother than the first term/year (still not sure how that all works). She is showing she can levitate, she has her first spell that works, and there is more! Her flying is also improving by leaps and I just wanted to give her a big hug! And now I also want to become a witch, haha.
I was also frustrated with Bea. For most I was very happy with her in the book but how she handled Ash and his feelings. OUCH. I get it girl you have other friends. You got your schoolwork. You cannot tell it is all magic. But seriously, take some time for Ash. I could imagine why he was feeling this way and why he was acting the way he did throughout the book. In the meantime Bea was all like, why is he angry at me? Gee, I wonder why….
I really loved that this one was once again written as a diary! It is just so much fun, plus we get to see some homework assignments and other fun things!
I was a tad worried on how the Ash situation nearer to the end would go. I really like the combo of witchy girl and normal boy and I was worried that maybe things would be turned over and that Ash would also want to learn magic. I am very happy with what the authors decided for this one and it was certainly a relief.
The illustrations were once again fab! Really love the style!
All in all, I cannot wait for the next book in the series! I had so so much fun reading this one and there was so much good in there!
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
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September 10, 2024See my full review here: https://www.yabookscentral.com/flying...
FLYING HIGH is a fun new installment in the series that follows Bea Black, a young girl who is learning to be a witch. Told through her diary entries, this story takes place in between the action, in the lead up to the big Winter Solstice celebration and related competitions. Unfortunately, when Bea takes her neighbor and good friend, Ash, to the local bakery for some cake, her frog best friend, Stan, gets out and causes a ruckus that ends with a food and snowball fight between the students at Extraordinary and the ordinary (non-magical) students at the Academy.
As word of this fight gets out, Extraordinary decides to cancel their planned games, particularly the Go matches that everyone was excited about, and instead host some shared games with the students at the Academy to promote friendship. Everyone is upset and blames Bea, so she deals with the lead-up to the new competition featuring ordinary games for which Bea, being the only student that spent her life as an ordinary, is the resident expert - while also balancing her schoolwork and friendships.
What I loved: This series features great themes that young readers can relate to about fitting in (or not), navigating friendships, making mistakes, and trying your best. Bea is a sympathetic character, and her voice comes across well in the diary form of the book. This one has a lot of information about the flying game Go as well, including some of the tricks and maneuvers they use during play. Go is the key witch game, and so, it was nice to have information about how it was played in the form of explanatory book pages and pamphlets throughout.
The illustrations included throughout add a lot of fun with expressive teachers and doodly-style details that match up with the diary format perfectly. As a diary, it includes a lot of feelings and thoughts, but it also includes dialogue and so on that help the story flow smoothly. This will work well for young elementary school readers who are gaining independence in reading.
What left me wanting more: As this is written for young elementary schoolers, the element of keeping secrets from her father (only parent) is a tough one. This may need some extra discussion about secret keeping from parents, as it comes up a lot throughout the book that she needs to not tell her father about things she is doing to keep a secret about magic that encompasses her friendships, schoolwork, etc. Additionally, this book felt like an in-between story, as it carries the reader into the semester but before the big games that it has been leading to, which will mean you need the next one handy!
Final verdict: FLYING HIGH is a fun installment in a series about learning magic, making friends, and exciting competitions. Recommend for early elementary school aged readers.
Please note that I received an ARC. All opinions are my own.
FLYING HIGH is a fun new installment in the series that follows Bea Black, a young girl who is learning to be a witch. Told through her diary entries, this story takes place in between the action, in the lead up to the big Winter Solstice celebration and related competitions. Unfortunately, when Bea takes her neighbor and good friend, Ash, to the local bakery for some cake, her frog best friend, Stan, gets out and causes a ruckus that ends with a food and snowball fight between the students at Extraordinary and the ordinary (non-magical) students at the Academy.
As word of this fight gets out, Extraordinary decides to cancel their planned games, particularly the Go matches that everyone was excited about, and instead host some shared games with the students at the Academy to promote friendship. Everyone is upset and blames Bea, so she deals with the lead-up to the new competition featuring ordinary games for which Bea, being the only student that spent her life as an ordinary, is the resident expert - while also balancing her schoolwork and friendships.
What I loved: This series features great themes that young readers can relate to about fitting in (or not), navigating friendships, making mistakes, and trying your best. Bea is a sympathetic character, and her voice comes across well in the diary form of the book. This one has a lot of information about the flying game Go as well, including some of the tricks and maneuvers they use during play. Go is the key witch game, and so, it was nice to have information about how it was played in the form of explanatory book pages and pamphlets throughout.
The illustrations included throughout add a lot of fun with expressive teachers and doodly-style details that match up with the diary format perfectly. As a diary, it includes a lot of feelings and thoughts, but it also includes dialogue and so on that help the story flow smoothly. This will work well for young elementary school readers who are gaining independence in reading.
What left me wanting more: As this is written for young elementary schoolers, the element of keeping secrets from her father (only parent) is a tough one. This may need some extra discussion about secret keeping from parents, as it comes up a lot throughout the book that she needs to not tell her father about things she is doing to keep a secret about magic that encompasses her friendships, schoolwork, etc. Additionally, this book felt like an in-between story, as it carries the reader into the semester but before the big games that it has been leading to, which will mean you need the next one handy!
Final verdict: FLYING HIGH is a fun installment in a series about learning magic, making friends, and exciting competitions. Recommend for early elementary school aged readers.
Please note that I received an ARC. All opinions are my own.
February 5, 2022
This highly entertaining read is the second in this series, but can be enjoyed as a standalone.
Bea Black is a scholar at the school of Extraordinary Arts in Spellshire, where her father accidentally enrolled her, this is now her second year. She is becoming more confident of her abilities and has started to make friends, both with fellow students and non magic friends, especially Ash who lives nearby. He doesn’t know Bea is a witch and that makes her homework interesting, levitating spells and chemical formulas in particular. After a fight between both schools, a non- magic sports day has been arranged, in order to foster friendships, using magic is forbidden, and the children accept this far better than the teachers!!
The sports day is hilarious, and this book teaches us that politeness, honesty and fairness are in abundance, even the most spiteful , nasty bully has a heart of gold. It also emphasises that being different ( a witch ) doesn’t preclude friendships with ordinary mortals ( Ash ).
Written in diary form, with many amusing corrections, this will appeal to both sexes in years 2&3. My daughter grew up with The Worst Witch books, and now , aged 37, is obsessed with Harry Potter. This is a lovely book to be read aloud by a class teacher, my daughter in law teaches this particular age group, perhaps this will find a place on her bookshelf!!
Many thanks to Danni Price at Little Tiger group, who really pulled out all the stops when my Kindle absolutely refused point blank to download this book in any readable state! I’m so pleased we both persevered, as this book is not my usual read , but with young grandchildren about, I’m really rather keen to find books that amuse and entertain them when I Child mind for them.
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publishers, Tiger stripes and Little Tiger group, for my printed book , in exchange for my honest and unbiased review. It has been a real giggle to read this novel, I now plan to read the first in this series, and will hope to read the third in the future.
I have given this a five star rating. I will post to Goodreads and Little Tiger group and Amazon.
Bea Black is a scholar at the school of Extraordinary Arts in Spellshire, where her father accidentally enrolled her, this is now her second year. She is becoming more confident of her abilities and has started to make friends, both with fellow students and non magic friends, especially Ash who lives nearby. He doesn’t know Bea is a witch and that makes her homework interesting, levitating spells and chemical formulas in particular. After a fight between both schools, a non- magic sports day has been arranged, in order to foster friendships, using magic is forbidden, and the children accept this far better than the teachers!!
The sports day is hilarious, and this book teaches us that politeness, honesty and fairness are in abundance, even the most spiteful , nasty bully has a heart of gold. It also emphasises that being different ( a witch ) doesn’t preclude friendships with ordinary mortals ( Ash ).
Written in diary form, with many amusing corrections, this will appeal to both sexes in years 2&3. My daughter grew up with The Worst Witch books, and now , aged 37, is obsessed with Harry Potter. This is a lovely book to be read aloud by a class teacher, my daughter in law teaches this particular age group, perhaps this will find a place on her bookshelf!!
Many thanks to Danni Price at Little Tiger group, who really pulled out all the stops when my Kindle absolutely refused point blank to download this book in any readable state! I’m so pleased we both persevered, as this book is not my usual read , but with young grandchildren about, I’m really rather keen to find books that amuse and entertain them when I Child mind for them.
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publishers, Tiger stripes and Little Tiger group, for my printed book , in exchange for my honest and unbiased review. It has been a real giggle to read this novel, I now plan to read the first in this series, and will hope to read the third in the future.
I have given this a five star rating. I will post to Goodreads and Little Tiger group and Amazon.
February 22, 2022
A book about magic but more importantly the magic of friendship.
I simply love Bea and everything she stands for. She tries to do the best and although she makes some mistakes along the way her heart is always in the right place.
I also really loved Ms Sparks - there is a kindness and knowingness to her. I sense she is very much on Bea’s side.
Finding a way to bring two groups together has been her secret wish and I am looking forward to seeing what adventures her and her Extraordinary friends have now that Ash is part of the gang.
As a child I loved the Worst Witch books and I am delighted to see a new witch on the scene - I know these books will be very popular with children (and their grownups).
Perfect for year 3 and up (7+)
I simply love Bea and everything she stands for. She tries to do the best and although she makes some mistakes along the way her heart is always in the right place.
I also really loved Ms Sparks - there is a kindness and knowingness to her. I sense she is very much on Bea’s side.
Finding a way to bring two groups together has been her secret wish and I am looking forward to seeing what adventures her and her Extraordinary friends have now that Ash is part of the gang.
As a child I loved the Worst Witch books and I am delighted to see a new witch on the scene - I know these books will be very popular with children (and their grownups).
Perfect for year 3 and up (7+)
April 6, 2022
Book two in the series.
I will note that if the authors are doing one book per term then it could be book 2 of a long series. I personally hope so.
Bea is growing as a witch and as a person. The series already has differentiated itself from any other series about any magical school too. Magic is involved but not necessarily spells. Bea is becoming a better friend than she was and because of this she is gaining more friends. Stan has more personality as a frog than some writers put into human characters. (I sense a spin-off for younger readers there).
I enjoyed reading this book. The emotion is there but never overwhelming. I feel that it deserves a 5* rating for doing what it set out to do and being entertaining with it.
I will note that if the authors are doing one book per term then it could be book 2 of a long series. I personally hope so.
Bea is growing as a witch and as a person. The series already has differentiated itself from any other series about any magical school too. Magic is involved but not necessarily spells. Bea is becoming a better friend than she was and because of this she is gaining more friends. Stan has more personality as a frog than some writers put into human characters. (I sense a spin-off for younger readers there).
I enjoyed reading this book. The emotion is there but never overwhelming. I feel that it deserves a 5* rating for doing what it set out to do and being entertaining with it.
February 5, 2024
Съвсем наскоро ви разказахме за новите перипетии на симпатичната и колоритна малка вещица Малварина. Но ако сте жадни за още вълшебни приключения и хумористични вещерски сюжети, то от изд. „Асеневци“ са ви приготвили още едно продължение по темата - „Дневникът на вещицата по неволя 2. Летим високо“ от Пердита и Онър Каргил. Прочетете ревюто на „Книжни Криле“: https://knijnikrile.wordpress.com/202...
February 16, 2022
Flying high was a brilliant second instalment in the Diary of an Accidental Witch series. The writing was quirky and hilarious. I loved to read about how the Extraordinaries and the Ordinaries competed on sports day! Seeing Bea's extraordinary friends and Ash hang out together made my heart warm! The theme of friendship was executed really well. Overall this was a brilliant light read and I would definitely like to read more in this series.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher!
February 3, 2022
He he! What a brilliant second instalment to what's shaping up to be a terrific series. Bea has the most wonderful personality and her voice is irresistible! Fun, funny, imaginative, this book is a exactly what I'd have been hiding under the covers to read late into the night when I was little. Highly recommended!
February 4, 2022
Follow Bea Black as she continues to find her feet at the Extraordinary School. This time she must learn the traditions of the Winter Solstice but will all go to plan for this accidental witch?
Another hilarious story brimming with magic and mayhem with a lovely message of friendship tied in.
Another hilarious story brimming with magic and mayhem with a lovely message of friendship tied in.
May 31, 2023
I loved this book. She is getting a hang of it but she still wants to be friends with Ash and their schools don't get along.
So when a simple drink ends in a bar/tea fight, it is bound to get worse. I'm curious how she will grow into the witch school and into her friendship with Ash.
So when a simple drink ends in a bar/tea fight, it is bound to get worse. I'm curious how she will grow into the witch school and into her friendship with Ash.
February 8, 2022
****Copy from NetGalley in return for an honest review****
So this isn't quite middle grade - it's very early chapter book type level, with lots of illustrations and regular breaks in the story for other bits. Probably aimed at kids at around the age I read The Worst Witch. I wanted to like it more - and maybe for people who haven't already read a lot of witch (and wizard!) books for kids it will work better (so the actual target audience!) but for me it was a little too derivative. But I did like the diary format and the illustrations.
So this isn't quite middle grade - it's very early chapter book type level, with lots of illustrations and regular breaks in the story for other bits. Probably aimed at kids at around the age I read The Worst Witch. I wanted to like it more - and maybe for people who haven't already read a lot of witch (and wizard!) books for kids it will work better (so the actual target audience!) but for me it was a little too derivative. But I did like the diary format and the illustrations.
February 13, 2022
I loved this book even more than the first! It was great seeing all of the characters develop, while getting to see more of the wonderful world of magic!! Couldn’t recommend enough!!
January 20, 2023
Excellent, even better than the first
July 22, 2022
I really enjoyed the first book in this younger middle grade series, so I’ve been looking forward to picking up the second, which is themed around a wintry, witchy sports day and follows our main character Bea as she tries to prepare for this while also navigating having both friendships with other witches and her “ordinary” next door neighbour Ash, who feels like she’s abandoned him a bit. Bea is such a great main character- she is very much not a natural witch but she tries so hard and she’s so kind to the people around her, and I love her friendships, but also her rivalry with Blair Smith-Smythe and her relationship with Stan the class frog (who kind of reminds me of Pascal from Tangled, who I LOVE). These are very gentle and lovely anc super comforting, particularly as the humour is so great and I love that it’s set at a witch school. The confusion around human customs is one of the funniest things, but I also laughed a lot at the mishaps poor Bea accidentally found herself getting into, such as the disastrous bun fight in this book. I am distinctly not a sporty person, but this is easily my favourite sports day I’ve ever seen and I can’t wait to see what Bea and all her friends get up to in book 3!
February 5, 2023
In place of Diary of an Accidental Witch - Unexpected Guests!
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