Customer Reviews

The Worst Witch Strikes Again (Young Puffin Story Books)

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STRIKES AGAIN is pretty much the best of the WORST WITCH books published so far, though the most recent one (ALL AT SEA) is pretty amusing too. But nothing beats STRIKES AGAIN for hilarity. Though often compared to the Harry Potter books, Jill Murphy's series about a young witch is very different and plays up the laughs and jokes much more than the Rowling tales, which include elements of horror and suspense noticeably, and happily, absent from Murphy. THE WORST WITCH was written when the author was fresh from school herself, at age eighteen, and she published it long before she even thought of having any children herself. It has some of the freshness and high spirits of other books written by teens and young children (say, THE YOUNG VISITERS). You feel that anything could happen in these books.

In STRIKES AGAIN Mildred is once more embarrassed by being so bad at everything she does, and constantly put to shame by girls who are more together. And yet she learns not to doubt herself, and her self-esteem rises like a magic potion. Mildred learns that adults and teachers aren't always right, and sometimes you have to learn to lead with your heart. The scenes at school are priceless. The movie version isn't bad either and it stars the divine Fairuze Balk from RETURN TO OZ and THE CRAFT.

In another of the Worst Witch books, Mildred is given responsibility by Ms. Cackle to take care of the new student, Enid. But Enid turns out to be as much of a klutz and a troublemaker as Mildred. Becuase of the trouble Enid gets her in, Mildred could be expelled from Miss Cackle's Academy. Whatever will she do? This is a good book for kids who are interested in reading the Harry Potter books, but are too young and may be daunted with books that thick. These are fairly quick reads and would appeal to anyone with a sense of magic.

Mildred Hubble is the original Harry Potter. Returning for the second year at Miss Cackles Academy for Witches Mildred and all her friends are back, and so is (Undfortunatly) Ethel. But this time they are second years and there are a new batch of first years. Mildred and her friends are in for another adventure in this book, equally as brilliant as the worst witch.

This is part of a short chapter series suitable for 7-11 year olds who still rely on constant visual stimulation; this ninety-two page chapter book has one or two large, attractively drawn pen and ink illustrations or silhouettes per two-page spread.

Action is continuous for the reader who follows Mildred Hubble (rhymes with trouble ...) as she struggles to not get expelled from Miss Cackle's Academy for Witches.

I think the worst pupil in Ms. Hartbroom's class, Mildred, does not cause all the trouble. This book was funny and exciting, and discouraging, that is if you are an Ethel-fan. Great reading for second grade!

As childrens book serries go this is one of the best. The worst witch is a precurser to the Harry Potter serries. Like Potter are heroine is sent to a boarding school that specializes in the teaching of magic. She is the worst student that has ever come through the school, but her heart is in the right place and she strives to improve. She may not be the best witch, but she's the witch that wins your heart. These books will fascinate youngsters and give them something to occupy their imaginations over the long months to follow July 8th

Well, now that I have recalled this wonderful series again, I have recently come to the conclusion that the people that compare Harry Potter and Mildred are wrong. It is Mildred and Neville Longbottom that are the similar characters. Mildred is horrible with spells, and is said to be the worst witch to grace the school in years. Neville is only really good in herbology, his spells are said to go wonky, and he screws up majorly in most of his classes. Mildred anyone?

Regardless of who came first and who inspired whom, this is a great series that I loved this series as a kid, and will continue to have fond memories of the Worst Witch. One day, I hope to have kids that I can share this wonderful series along with Harry Potter to. Both are worth the price of the books.