Author/Illustrator: Jill MurphyFirst Published: 1982Series: Book 3 of 7 - Semester 1 of Year 2.Still going on The Worst Witch and it was Book 3 over the weekend.Another simple, engaging story from Murphy; this time with a time-jump which I found distracting but didn't worry the 7yo too much. Needs more suspension of disbelief and forgiveness than the first two but worth the effort.There is a lesson on lying and crying wolf, on trust and loyalty. It's very gently done and doesn't take from the overall excitement and 7yo horror of being turned into a frog and of disobeying the teacher.The 7yo was able to engage and empathise with the characters and discuss the problems faced by Mildred. She continues to discuss the books and the dilemmas during the day when a comment occurs. These are books which stay with the reader, blending the lessons taught with her Real Life and leading to better understanding of the World around her.A solid novella in a surprisingly good series.Series:Book 1 The Worst WitchBook 2 The Worst Witch Strikes AgainBook 3 A Bad Spell for the Worst WitchBook 4 The Worst Witch All at SeaBook 5 The Worst Witch Saves the DayBook 6 Worst Witch to the RescueBook 7 The Worst Witch and The Wishing StarAge:Read aloud: 6+Read yourself: 8+ (some tricky words)References:W'pedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Wors...(ISBN 9780140314465)-CR-
It was after the long summer holiday, the beginning of a new term in Miss Cackle’s Academy for Witches. Mildred has had the worst first year in the academy and she was hoping to have a better second year. Meanwhile Ethel was prepared to make sure that Mildred have another bad year in the Academy. When Ethel discovered that Mildred told her little sister a frightening story about a person being turned into a frog, she decided to have her revenge. Soon Mildred went missing and a strange frog appeared. Mildred’s friends; Enid and Maud tried to solve the mystery behind Mildred’s disappearance.Bullying behaviour is a big issue in schools, reading this book to a class can help children to talk about their feelings about bullying in school. Also it can be used as a curriculum support in PSHE to address bullying behaviour and during circle times. In addressing the social and emotional aspect of learning and discussing this with children, they will develop an understanding and become aware of what to do when faced with such behaviour; understand how other children are feeling and knowing how to react appropriately. This book is suitable for KS1 and KS2.
I'm definitely a fan of Mildred Cackle. She's such a believable character and one to whom many middle-grade readers will be able to relate. But what I most appreciate about Jill Murphy's Worst Witch books is that, while Mildred's nemesis Ethel may be a teacher's pet, she doesn't go without punishment. In A Bad Spell for the Worst Witch, Ethel's punishments for her misdeeds are just as severe as those Mildred receives, a scenario not all that common among middle-grade books lately.Note: I received a digital galley of this book through NetGalley.
—Andréa
The third book in this series, and this one is a bit disappointing.I really liked that it was the start for the second form, that Mildred did her best again to try to help a new girl (only to find out she is family of Ethel), and various other things.I didn't like that we magically have miss Hardbroom again for Form mistress. Really I dislike the character, she mean and never really listens if Mildred has something to say, and always seems to try to find something wrong with Mildred. I really wish she would soften up a bit.Also, what is a shame, that once again, at the end of the book Mildred saves the day again. First book: Oh what a coincidence, Second Book: Again?, Third Book, Yeah we know it now.. :(While the rest of the book is quite interesting, and yeah for Ethel getting punishment for something, it is just a shame that the endings are so predictable. I know it is a kids book and all, but I know from myself that even then I didn't like predictable endings that much.
—Mehsi
Stars: 5Overall: Ethel's back and she's out for Mildred as always, but she will NEVER win! I started to love that with each book there seems to always be a lesson to learn and an underdog to root for. When Mildred got switched into a frog, i got a little nervous because it almost seemed that she was never going to get switched back, but i really enjoyed the way that things were handled with the punishment. It made for a better and fun ending in saving the magician. I just really love these stories and I could read them a million times and never get bored. Characters: Mildred ; Ethel ; The MagicianPage Turner: YesSeries Cont: Yes! Recommend: I HIGHLY recommend this book for young readers or whom ever loves a good witchy tale.
—Nickcole
