Families who loved The Worst Witch and the Wishing Star 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 feels like a 'work in progress' who constantly trips over their own feet or good intentions. It is the perfect balm for the child who struggles with perfectionism or feels like the 'messy' one in a group of high achievers. The story follows Mildred Hubble, a young witch at Cackle's Academy who, despite her best efforts, remains the worst student in her class. When a lucky wishing star grants her a forbidden wish for a pet dog, Mildred must navigate the consequences of her secret while trying to prove her worth during a high-stakes school competition. It is a gentle, humorous exploration of resilience, the value of being true to oneself, and the realization that mistakes do not define your character. For ages 7 to 10, it provides a comforting reminder that even 'disasters' have a place where they belong.
