Families who loved A Bad Spell for the Worst Witch by Jill Murphy often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when your child is navigating the social hurdles of elementary school, particularly dealing with a 'frenemy' or feeling like they can never quite get things right. Mildred Hubble is the ultimate relatable underdog: she is well-meaning and hardworking but prone to clumsy mistakes that her rival, Ethel Hallow, is all too happy to exploit. When Mildred is unfairly transformed into a frog, she must rely on her resilience and the loyalty of her friends to set things right. It is a perfect choice for kids who feel the pressure of high expectations and need to see that even a 'worst witch' can find her way through a bad day. The story normalizes feelings of embarrassment and the frustration of being misunderstood while maintaining a light, humorous tone that keeps the stakes feeling safe.