Independent readers · ages 8–11

The Worst Witch

Before that other wizarding school, there was this one.

The Worst Witch — written and illustrated by Jill Murphy. Ages 7–11.

Mildred Hubble isn't secretly gifted. She isn't the chosen one. She's just bad at it, and keeps turning up anyway — and children who struggle at school clock that straight away.

Murphy's own line drawings are half the pleasure: scratchy, funny, slightly gloomy in the best way.

The catch — short, and gentle by modern standards. A child raised on fast chapter books may find the opening slow.

Get the full guide: Books They Finish Alone →

Cover: The Worst Witch · written and illustrated by Jill Murphy · Puffin