Here are 94 books that The Worst Witch fans have personally recommended if you like
The Worst Witch.
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Iâve always been a lover of enchanted itemsâparticularly brooms. Maybe this is because my grandfather used to handmake his own brooms (I can still remember that magical and musty smell of his workshop). It took me a long time to write my own âbroom book,â with something different and distinctive to say. The books on my list are some that inspired me along my journey. In addition to being a writer, I teach creative writing and art therapy, which means Iâve logged many hours leading lit circles with kids. I feel it has given me a pretty good handle (pardon the pun) on what makes a childâs imagination soar.
It jerked back, and there was a sickening feeling in her stomach as the stick curved away towards the mountains.
There are five books in the Tiffany Aching series, but this one, Book 2, is my favorite because itâs when Tiffany really rolls up her sleeves as a witchâit also marks her first time riding a broom, but, in a delightful twist, Tiffany doesnât like it. Itâs not because sheâs afraid of heights, itâs because sheâs afraid of falling. Not to worry, even though sheâs not an expert broom flyer, Tiffany has plenty of magical friends to rely on throughout the series: a lawyer who has been permanently transformed into a toad and has a penchant for cursing (âcroapâ), Horace the cheese, Miss Level (a witch of two bodies and one mind), and the ever-delightful Wee Free Men (they can escape from anywhere . . . except a pub).âŠ
Iâve always been a lover of enchanted itemsâparticularly brooms. Maybe this is because my grandfather used to handmake his own brooms (I can still remember that magical and musty smell of his workshop). It took me a long time to write my own âbroom book,â with something different and distinctive to say. The books on my list are some that inspired me along my journey. In addition to being a writer, I teach creative writing and art therapy, which means Iâve logged many hours leading lit circles with kids. I feel it has given me a pretty good handle (pardon the pun) on what makes a childâs imagination soar.
At the touch of the purple juice the little broomstick gave a leap, a violent twist, a kick like the kick of a pony.
A classic book, with a voice in the spirit of C.S. Lewisâs Narnia, this book triggered the idea for Spell Sweeper because of the image it painted in my mind of a lonely broom sitting there, waiting to spring into action. And spring it does! When young Mary finds a broomstick, she accidentally ends up investing it with magic and it instantly whisks her away across the English countryside to arrive at Endor College, the school of witchcraft. But this is not a lovely schoolâMary discovers a menagerie of animals being subjected to evil experiments, including her own cat. With her broomstick as her trusty companion, Mary sets out to free the animals. This book is also the basis of the animated film Mary andâŠ
First published 45 years ago, this is a beautiful new edition of Mary Stewart's beloved magical classic illustrated by Shirley Hughes.
Don't miss the beautifully animated film adaptation called Mary and the Witch's Flower (by the producer of The Tale of The Princess Kaguya), in cinemas now.
'The little broomstick gave a leap, a violent twist, a kick like the kick of a pony.'
Mary's been exiled to her great-aunt, deep in the English countryside. Miserable and lonely, she befriends strange black cat Tib who leads her deep into the forest to an ordinary looking broomstick. Before Mary can gatherâŠ
Iâve always been a lover of enchanted itemsâparticularly brooms. Maybe this is because my grandfather used to handmake his own brooms (I can still remember that magical and musty smell of his workshop). It took me a long time to write my own âbroom book,â with something different and distinctive to say. The books on my list are some that inspired me along my journey. In addition to being a writer, I teach creative writing and art therapy, which means Iâve logged many hours leading lit circles with kids. I feel it has given me a pretty good handle (pardon the pun) on what makes a childâs imagination soar.
Following Kokiri, she shyly mounted her broom and kicked off the ground. Instantly, her body grew lightâshe was floating!
This is the classic book that inspired the beloved film of the same name. Thirteen-year-old Kiki sets off, in the tradition of witches, to find a town to serve for a year. When she arrives at the seaside town of Koriko, she starts her own businessâdelivering parcels by broomstick. At first, she assumes it will be easyâhey, sheâs Kiki!âbut she soon discovers that winning over the locals of Koriko is not so easy. Thankfully, sheâs got her wise-cracking cat Jiji on her side . . . as well as her magical broom. This book is absolutely charming!
Soar into this modern Japanese classic about a young witch and her clever cat with this new translation by Emily Balistrieri which will delight fans of the beloved Studio Ghibli animated movie as well as new readers.
'A magical, joyous read, brought to life by the most beautiful illustrations' - Harriet Muncaster, author of Isadora Moon
'A charming and beautifully written story' - Laura Ellen Anderson, author of Amelia Fang
Kiki is a trainee witch. On her thirteenth birthday she must follow tradition and leave home to find a new village. She knows she has to use only her powersâŠ
Throughout my childhood, my mother repeated the mantra, âLove your own, leave others alone.â Her purpose was to prevent me and my siblings from begging to keep every animal we saw. Arguably, the phrase had some impact because we obviously didnât bring home every animal. (But we also adopted a opossum from the backyard and named him Mr. Jenkins, so you be the judge.) For as long as I can remember, I have loved finding fantasy adventure books that feature the animals I love so much as trusted companions. I hope you enjoy the books on this list as much as I do!
Another middle grade fantasy, Eva Evergreen: Semi-Magical Witch, follows a young girl trying to prove herself even with a lack of magical ability.
Though away from her parents, Evaâs not alone. Her trusty companion throughout her journey to help the residents of Auteri and earn her title never leaves her side. And, whatâs more, is her animal companion is one I hadnât seen before reading this bookâit's a flamefox.
The flamefox, better known as Ember, loves food but loves her person, Eva, moreâsomething that will resonate with people who love pets (and people who just love, well, love)!
Eva Evergreen is determined to earn the rank of Adept Witch before she turns thirteen years old. If she doesn't, she'll lose her magic forever. For most young witches and wizards, it's a simple enough test:
ONE: Help your town, do good all around. TWO: Live there for one moon, don't leave too soon. THREE: Fly home by broomstick, the easiest of tricks.
The only problem? Eva only has a pinch of magic. She summons heads of cabbage instead of flowers and gets a sunburn instead of calling down rain. AndâŠ
After discovering Jesus at the age of fourteen, I began reading the King James Version of the Bible. This early modern English version was difficult to understand at first, but it soon became my poetic introduction to a faith that would reveal just how big and wonderful our Creator is. I eventually realized how a correct interpretation of science agreed with a correct interpretation of the Bible. That led me to study apologetics and such topics as how the universe began. As a creative person at heart, having been an actor, songwriter, playwright, and novelist, I am realizing that being made in the image of God means that the possibilities for creativity never end.
I read this book for the first time in my thirties. I think I appreciated it more as an adult than I would have as a child. The story is often categorized as an allegory, but the author never intended it to be read as such. C.S. Lewis referred to Narnia as a âsupposalâ.
What a gloriously refreshing way to read a book full of wonderful characters, familiar truths, and exciting plotsâsupposing it all could have happened in another time or place. I adored the innocent places this book took me, places in my own memories, dreams, and hopes.
Lucy steps into the Professor's wardrobe - but steps out again into a snowy forest. She's stumbled upon the magical world of Narnia, land of unicorns, centaurs, fauns... and the wicked White Witch, who terrorises all. Lucy soon realises that Narnia, and in particular Aslan, the great Lion, needs her help if the country's creatures are ever going to be free again...
Philosophical novels challenge rather than appease. They subvert. They obscure. As a former acquisitions editor at major publishing houses, I am confounded by the scarcity of chances taken on books that donât fit the status quo or, are "difficult." I am most interested in how booksâeven when they meander and cavortâlead to surprising and unsettling revelations. Or how they donât lead to revelations at all but keep the reader guessing as to when some semblance of grace will be achieved. I donât wish to sound pessimistic; if anything, I wish to be realistic. Philosophical novels are reflections of life, which is often confusing, contradictory, and, yes, difficult. With a touch of grace for good measure.
This one needs no plot description. If you donât know what The Wizard of Oz is about, then I donât know what to tell you. Watch the movie, or better yet, read the book. Itâs considered a childrenâs classic, but like the best kid-lit, there is so much sinisterism and cynicism hiding behind the curtain (no pun intended).
HarperCollins is proud to present its range of best-loved, essential classics.
'"Come along, Toto," she said. "We will go to the Emerald City and ask the Great Oz how to get back to Kansas again."'
Swept away from her home in Kansas by a tornado, Dorothy and her dog Toto find themselves stranded in the fantastical Land of Oz. As instructed by the Good Witch of the North and the Munchkins, Dorothy sets off on the yellow brick road to try and find her way to the Emerald City and the Wizard of Oz, who can help her get home.âŠ
Iâm pretty sure Iâm about to die in space. And I just turned twelve and a half.
Blast off with the four winners of the StellarKid Project on a trip to the International Space Station and then to the Gateway outpost orbiting the Moon! Itâs a dream come true untilâŠ
As you may notice, in my own stories, I like to find the magic in everyday things and, to a greater or lesser extent, each of the books I have chosen to write about here, do that. Having worked with children as a Rainbow Guide Leader, taught children, for a brief spell, abroad, I know children and their intelligence, understanding, and kindness, amongst other things, can often be underestimated. The books I chose, show how children (girls in particular) win the day by using their intelligence, skills, and talents. Celebrating girls and their achievements is increasingly important in improving their rights and access to opportunities in life.
It is about courage and standing up for what is right, even in front of people who are bigger and stronger than you are. It is about being the smallest/ youngest person in the room, and still being able to lead â it is about ostensibly having the least power in the room and still being able to lead and persuade others to follow your lead. It is about using your voice.
Sophie is the creator of her own story, she isnât passive. Valuable lessons, particularly for girls, to learn, so that their voices can always be heard and so that they always have the courage to challenge wrongs and wrongdoing and so help make the world a better place.
2
authors picked
The BFG
as one of their favorite books, and they share
why you should read it.
This book is for kids age
7,
8,
9, and
10.
What is this book about?
From the bestselling author of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Matilda!
One of TIME MAGAZINE's 100 Best Fantasy Books of All Time
The BFG is no ordinary bone-crunching giant. He is far too nice and jumbly. It's lucky for Sophie that he is. Had she been carried off in the middle of the night by the Bloodbottler, or any of the other giants-rather than the BFG-she would have soon become breakfast. When Sophie hears that the giants are flush-bunking off to England to swollomp a few nice little chiddlers, she decides she must stop them once and for all.âŠ
As you may notice, in my own stories, I like to find the magic in everyday things and, to a greater or lesser extent, each of the books I have chosen to write about here, do that. Having worked with children as a Rainbow Guide Leader, taught children, for a brief spell, abroad, I know children and their intelligence, understanding, and kindness, amongst other things, can often be underestimated. The books I chose, show how children (girls in particular) win the day by using their intelligence, skills, and talents. Celebrating girls and their achievements is increasingly important in improving their rights and access to opportunities in life.
A childhood favourite of mine and still a favourite now â this set of stories turns traditional fairytales on their heads and the person who might traditionally (sometimes still) be viewed as the weaker person and the more vulnerable person, actually wins the day and they win through using their wits.
Always a happy ending and shows how intelligent, not just clever, children and girls, in particular, can be.
CLEVER POLLY AND THE STUPID WOLF by Catherine Storr has delighted generations of young children.
Twelve stories written for the author's daughter, who was scared of the wolf under the bed! Drawing occasionally on well-known fairy tales, and skilfully blending fantasy and reality, these stories are bursting with humour, originality and charm. And Polly, not scared at all, outwits the wolf on each and every occasion! Also in A Puffin Book, the sequel: POLLY AND THE WOLF AGAIN.
I was an elementary school teacher for over ten years, so I know how important high-interest books are for getting kids to read independently. And in my experience, nothing is more interesting than a book that makes you laugh! In addition, throughout my life, I have been a reader as a means of entertainment and escape, and the more magical the story details are, the more I feel like Iâm on an imagination vacation!
The voice of this book hooked me right awayâthe main character, Bea, is hilariously self-deprecating and quirky; I felt immediately connected to her. Plus, I tend to love epistolary books, meaning books that are structured in the form of letters, or this case, a diary with lots of fun cross-outs, footnotes, and lists. Even saying the word âepistolaryâ is fun!
I was also charmed by the settingâa school for witches, which Beaâs charming, absent-minded-professor-type dad has accidentally enrolled her in. It has witchy trademarks like flying brooms, levitation spells, and rebellious magic wands.
And I was compelled to read to the end because I wanted to find out how Bea would fit in with a bunch of witches when she was a regular kid!
1
author picked
New Girl
as one of their favorite books, and they share
why you should read it.
This book is for kids age
6,
7,
8, and
9.
What is this book about?
Monday 20th September
I'M AT WITCH SCHOOL! Now would be a really good time to discover I can do magic...
Bea Black has just moved to Little Spellshire, a town with a magical secret. When her dad accidentally enrols her at the local witch school, she has to get to grips with some interesting new classes, like, NOW! Also on her to do list? Make friends, look after the grumpy class frog AND do everything humanly magically possible to stay on a broom...
But with the Halloween Ball on the horizon, will she be able to master her wand skillsâŠ
Boy Underground is a powerful adventure story about Hugo, an autistic boy who decides to go all the way into the Paris underground to find a place where he belongs.
For Hugo, the world can be too loud and bright. He likes the quiet. He likes the dark. And heâŠ
I learned to read when I was three and the first book I remember reading was Ozma of Oz, which featured some great witches (even though they werenât called that). Iâve been fascinated by women using magic to change the world around them ever since, and books about witches have remained a staple of my reading diet. As an adult, I learned more about the theory and practice of witchcraft and even spent some time in a coven. These days, I guess youâd call me more of a hedgewitch; I maintain no formal practice, just try to live in âa good wayâ like my Ojibwe ancestors taught.
Hex Life is an anthology of witchy stories, many featuring contemporary witches.
Anthologies are often a mixed bag, but they generally have something for everyone, so even if every story doesnât resonate with you, you can find little gems that do.
This anthology has eighteen possible new treasures to unearth, and while I liked them all, the one that sparkled brightest for me was Angela Slatterâs âWidowsâ Walk.â
âWidowsâ Walkâ is the story of four witchy Widows, the many cats they keep, and the young girl they set out to help. Stories about witches often involve vengeance or righting wrongs, and this is no exception. But what stands out about this story is the grace, warmth, and sweetness with which said wrongs are righted.
Brand-new stories of witches and witchcraft written by popular female fantasy authors, including Kelley Armstrong, Rachel Caine and Sherrilyn Kenyon writing in their own bestselling universes!
These are tales of witches, wickedness, evil and cunning. Stories of disruption and subversion by today's women you should fear. Including Kelley Armstrong, Rachel Caine and Sherrilyn Kenyon writing in their own bestselling universes.
These witches might be monstrous, or they might be heroes, depending on their own definitions. Even the kind hostess with the candy cottage thought of herself as the hero of her own story. After all, a woman's gotta eat.