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Book Review: The Worst Witch and the Wishing Star by Jill Murphy

The Worst Witch and the Wishing Star by Jill Murphy is a middle grade book and the seventh book in the series. I had not read the previous books, and while I would have had a better understanding of each character and how they relate to each other, I was perfectly able to enjoy the story regardless.

Mildred Hubble may be the clumsiest witch at Miss Cackle’s Academy, but as a senior student she has been assigned the important task of lighting lanterns and candelabras each evening. Inspired by this responsibility, Mildred tries to stay out of trouble. But there are many opportunities for mayhem when a wish on a star leads to a lovable stray pup who, unlike Mildred’s timid tabby, loves to fly on a broomstick. Can Mildred keep Star a secret and avoid setting fire to the school despite an impending talent competition, the disapproving Miss Hardbroom, and her ever-spiteful classmate Ethel Hallow?

The Worst Witch and the Wishing Star made me smile as I read. Mildred tries her best to be herself, and a good witch. She champions the animals and fellow students that are as awkward or that might feel as much of a misfit as she does. she does not mean to cause any problems, but opportunities to help others and her attempts to stay out of trouble tend to bring even more trouble her way. When she is given the task of lighting and extinguishing candles every day Mildred works very hard and does a great job. In the process she also happens to find a stray dog that she just needs to take care of. In the process she trains the dog to do wonderful things. I really liked that all her efforts to do the right thing, regardless of the rules, turns out to be the thing that saves the day.

The Worst Witch and the Wishing Star is a charming book for every reader that has ever felt left out or behind. Anyone that has felt clumsy or different can see a bit of themselves in Mildred, I know I saw some of myself. This is a fun and charming read that has me thinking I should go back and read the earlier books ion the series.

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