Jill Murphy (1) (1949–2021)

The great thing about the Worst Witch series, and what makes it superior to some other kids' series, is that, no matter how much Mildred Hubble gets in trouble or how much Miss Hardbroom seems to dislike her, Miss Hardbroom & co. do acknowledge when she does something right and, sometimes, Mildred is even rewarded for her achievements.

In The Worst Witch at Sea, Mildred's class is treated to a trip to the seaside as a reward for Mildred's valiant rescuing of a wizard who had been turned into a frog. The usual highs and lows ensue, from less than luxurious accommodations to a fantastic magical feast. As expected, Ethel makes trouble for Mildred, who then manages to save the day once again.

Although Murphy's Worst Witch books tend to run along a predictable plot arc, I still love them because they so accurately capture what it's like to be a tween girl. (And, for the reading and age level of these books, predictable plot arcs are not necessarily a bad thing.)

Note: I received a digital galley of this book through NetGalley.… (mais)