The Worst Witch to the Rescue

Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

The Worst Witch to the Rescue by Jill Murphy is a classic Worst Witch adventure starring lovable but accident-prone Mildred Hubble.

'It isn't actually a known spell. I sort of made it up myself.'

Mildred Hubble always tries her best, but her spells never seem to go right. She may be the worst witch at Miss Cackle's Academy for Witches, but she's the best friend you could ever have. Millions of readers love her and so will you . . .

Jill Murphy started putting books together (literally with a stapler), when she was six. The Worst Witch was first published in 1974 and this much-loved classic has been enjoyed by readers for more than 30 years. Jill Murphy also written and illustrated several award-winning picture books for younger children.

If you'd like to read more of Mildred's disastrous adventures at Miss Cackle's Academy:
The Worst Witch , The Worst Witch Strikes Again , A Bad Spell for the Worst Witch , The Worst Witch All at Sea, The Worst Witch Saves the Day and The Worst Witch and the Wishing Star are also available from Puffin and are perfect for children aged 5-9.

Reviews provided by Syndetics

School Library Journal Review

Gr 3-5-The sixth installment of the "Worst Witch" series has student witch Ethel Hallow unusually anxious. Instead of the usual spell practice, the school assignment over break from strict Miss Hardbroom was to simply come back with something "unusual and interesting." Ethel has found herself in the hard spot of trying to invent something on the way back to school, when she runs into Mildred Hubble. Mildred was in a tree rescuing her cat Tabs. When Ethel asks Mildred how she did on her holiday project, she is surprised to find that Mildred has discovered something exciting. Ethel is not used to being the one in the shadows, and in fact their roles seem to be reversed. True to her personality, Ethel finds a way to leave Mildred in the dust and take on her project as her own. Before the end of the story, Ethel does get her comeuppance and Mildred is allowed to shine. Heavily illustrated, with plenty of white space, these books do appear to be for younger children, but the vocabulary is high and contains Britishisms, which may need some explanation. Quite a nice facelift to a fantasy series for those not quite ready for Harry Potter.-Stacy Dillon, LREI, New York City (c) Copyright 2014. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Booklist Review

Miss Cackle's Academy for Witches is back in session, and student Mildred Hubble's excited to share her school project: a spell enabling animals to talk. But before she can, mean-girl classmate Ethel pilfers and presents Mildred's work as her own. Unfortunately, Mildred's evidence a talking tortoise named Einstein has disappeared, and Mildred must use courage and ingenuity to find and save pal Einstein and also prove to everyone, including strict headmistress Miss Hardbroom, it's her spell. Featuring a lively, likable protagonist, humorous touches, and intricate black-and-white illustrations, this sixth Worst Witch title is another entertaining read in the enjoyable series.--Rosenfeld, Shelle Copyright 2014 Booklist

Kirkus Book Review

How can anyone resist a talking tortoise and a good-hearted young witch?For the first time in many years, American readers can read more adventures of Mildred Hubble, the lovable, accident-prone young witch. Returning for her second term at Miss Cackle's Academy for Witches, Mildred is uncharacteristically optimistic about a fresh start. Her big idea for creating a spell that makes animals talk (at least for a little while) is unique, creative and impressive. Her notes are in order, and she is excited to present her project to the demanding Miss Hardbloom. But innocent Mildred shares her idea with her enemy, the slippery and conniving Ethel Hallow, and things go bad quickly. Her optimism disappears with her notes when evil Ethel presents Mildred's idea as her own. Readers will cheer for the bighearted Mildred when she takes huge risks to save Einstein, her tortoise friend, and he in turn saves her. An old-fashioned tone combines with Briticisms and sophisticated vocabulary to make this a fine step up from early chapter books. Distinctively detailed black-and-white illustrations grace each spread, adding humor and information to the narrative. Mildred's innocent expressions juxtaposed with Miss Hardbloom's harsh eyebrows will keep young readers engaged and amused.Heartwarming magic with just the right touch of talking toads and tortoises. (Fantasy. 8-12) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.