A Bad Spell for the Worst Witch - Author Jill Murphy

Mildred Hubble is trying her best—but magic has other plans!

In A Bad Spell for the Worst Witch, the new school term at Miss Cackle’s Academy for Witches gets off to a rocky start. Mildred is more determined than ever to leave her "worst witch" reputation behind, but from broomstick blunders to potion mishaps, nothing seems to go right. And when a powerful spell goes terribly wrong, Mildred finds herself in deeper trouble than ever before.

This third installment in Jill Murphy’s much-loved series combines magical chaos with heartfelt friendship, gentle humour, and a heroine who never gives up—no matter how many spells go awry.

Recommended age: 7–10 years
Perfect for: independent readers, class read-alouds, and fans of magic-filled adventures with strong characters and school settings.

Why we—and schools—love it:

• Relatable heroine: Mildred’s mistakes and perseverance make her easy for children to connect with and root for.
• Literacy-friendly format: Clear chapters, expressive language, and black-and-white illustrations support early independent reading.
• Perfect for thematic learning: Offers rich material for exploring friendship, resilience, and growth through mistakes.