Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this book is comprised of two titles in the Worst Witch series: The Worst Witch and The Worst Witch Strikes Again. It's a great precursor for readers not ready for the Harry Potter series mixing friendship, adventures, and fantasy. The accident-prone Mildred Hubble experiences a series of mishaps in witch school causing her humiliation, fear (not much), and frustration. She's a likeable character who has good friends and a couple of enemies, including a sharp-nosed teacher named Miss Hardbroom. Children fall from broomsticks, are turned into animals by the wrong spells, and threatened by a band of misfit witches.
Families can talk about Mildred's challenges. Can readers relate to her awkwardness physically, as well as in social and academic situations? What about Mildred is so likeable? Does she bring this trouble on herself, and if so, how? Is she a problem solver and if not, what skills does she need to work on?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Pam Gelman
Mildred Hubble has a knack for getting in trouble at Miss Cackle's Academy for Witches. Sometimes it's without much effort and usually without intention. She's a constant visitor to Miss Cackle's office, and her principal usually lends an empathetic ear. Miss Hardbroom, on the other hand, has little patience for Mildred's challenges, whether memorizing the wrong potion and turning herself invisible, chanting the wrong spell and transforming a classmate into a pig, or messing up a formation on broomstick.
Mildred is your average, awkward school-aged kid who has adventures with her friends, but also faces challenges. Kids will find her a relatable character right away (with the added fun that she's a witch), and will enjoy her unique friends Maud and Enid. Maud wears glasses, is short and stocky, and tends to play it safe. Enid is tall and big-boned, also awkward, and likes mischief.
First published in 1974 when the author was just 18 years old, it's since been adapted as a movie and TV series. It makes a great read-alone or read-aloud for pre-Potter kids, and not just because it will remind them of the bestsellers. The author's great characters and worthwhile lessons are ideal for this age group.
From The Book
Mildred closed the door and fell onto her bed, almost flattening the kitten, which leapt out of the way just in time.
"Oh, Tabby," she said, burying her face in the kitten's warm fur, "I've had such a dreadful time, and it wasn't even my fault! I might have known Ethel wouldn't lend me her broomstick out of kindness. Nobody will ever believe that it wasn't me just being clumsy as usual."
Plot Summary:
Mildred Hubble is excited about her first year of witch school, but soon discovers the lessons to be more challenging than expected -- making mistakes and getting into trouble seem to come easier to her than making the grade. But when she find out that rogue witches are plotting against the school, Mildred may just manage to save the day.
Related Books:
More Magic in School:
Matilda by Roald Dahl
Wizard's Hall by Jane Yolen
More Great Fantasy for Different Ages:
Life After Harry Potter Book List
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ViolenceChildren fall off broomsticks, but no injuries. A girl is turned into a frog, but spell broken. Girls plot against one another. |
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Social BehaviorLessons about how everyone makes mistakes, being honest about who you are, and learning to solve your own problems or to ask a friend for help when you need it. |
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