Title: A Bad Spell for the Worst Witch
Author: Jill Murphy
First published January 1, 1982
128 pages, Paperback
Rating: 4.05
Overview
Mildred Hubble is back for another year at Miss Cackle’s Academy, but her hopes for a peaceful year are dashed when she discovers that Miss Hardbroom will be her form teacher once more. As if that isn’t bad enough, Mildred finds herself at odds once again with her arch-nemesis, Ethel.
But things take a turn for the worse when Ethel turns Mildred into a frog! Determined not to let this setback defeat her, Mildred sets out to find a way to reverse the spell. Along the way, she stumbles upon an enchanted magician who needs her help.
Will Mildred be able to break the spell and save the day? Find out in this bewitching tale of friendship and magic.
About the Author
Jill Murphy, a renowned children’s author from London, is best known for her captivating works such as The Worst Witch series and the Large Family picture books. Her writing and illustrations for children have been commended as some of the most engaging in the field.
Murphy’s inspiration for The Worst Witch series came from her time at Ursuline Convent in Wimbledon, along with the boarding school stories she enjoyed reading. She began writing this series when she was 15 and even continued while living in a village in Togo, West Africa, and later while working as a nanny.
The series was published when she turned 24 and became an instant hit. It led her to focus on writing full-time.
Her stories have been incredibly successful, with more than 3 million copies sold and even adapted into a major ITV series. Murphy is also renowned for her picture books, with one commendation and one shortlisting for the prestigious Kate Greenaway Medal in 1980 and 1994, respectively.
Her most popular works are the Mr and Mrs Large picture books, which humorously depict the domestic chaos of an elephant family. One of these books won Best Books for Babies Award in 1987 and was shortlisted for the Children’s Book Award in the same year.
The Last Noo-noo, another one of her picture books, won several awards such as the 1995 Smarties Book Prize and the 1996 Sheffield Children’s Book Award, and was adapted into a play in the same year.
Editoral Review
Jill Murphy’s A Bad Spell for the Worst Witch is a charming and delightful addition to the children’s fantasy genre. Originally published in 1982, the book has stood the test of time and continues to be loved by young readers today.
Murphy’s whimsical writing style and hilarious plot make for a thoroughly entertaining read. The story follows the adventures of Mildred Hubble, a clumsy and accident-prone student at Miss Cackle’s Academy for Witches.
When she accidentally turns her archenemy into a pig, Mildred must find a way to reverse the spell before it’s too late. Along the way, she makes new friends, uncovers a plot to steal the school’s magic, and learns important lessons about friendship and self-confidence.
Murphy’s world-building is top-notch, with a vivid and imaginative depiction of life at a magical boarding school. The characters are endearing and relatable, with Mildred’s struggles serving as a perfect metaphor for the difficulties of growing up.
The themes of friendship and self-belief are woven seamlessly throughout the narrative, making for a heartwarming and uplifting story. One potential weakness of the book is its reliance on cliched plot devices, such as the bumbling protagonist who saves the day through sheer luck.
However, Murphy’s writing is so full of energy and humor that this becomes a minor concern. Additionally, the book’s retro charm may not appeal to all modern readers, though it’s still a fun and engaging read for anyone looking for a bit of nostalgic whimsy.
Overall, A Bad Spell for the Worst Witch is a classic of children’s literature that still holds up today. With its lovable characters, magical setting, and heartwarming themes, it’s a must-read for any young fantasy fan.
As the Washington Post said in their review, the novel is “gorgeously crafted” and “draws a line between the social maladies of then and now.” With its message of empowerment and self-acceptance, the book feels more relevant than ever. I give it a score of 9/10.
