The Worst Witch is a fantasy series written and illustrated by British author Jill Murphy. This story revolves around the adventures of the ‘worst student’ in school, Mildred Hubble as she starts her journey in Miss Cackle’s Academy for Witches. 

In your opinion, what sort of witch can be defined as 'the worst’? On the other hand, what sort of traits make the ‘best’ witch? How do you draw this fine line between the ‘best’ and ‘worst’? in fact, are ‘best’ and ‘worst’ polarities, or are their traits more like colours on a spectrum? What message does Murphy send when she classifies Mildred as the ‘worst’ kind of witch? 

Murphy admitted that “Mildred is me” -  always getting into trouble and never doing well in institutions. What kind of character or even phase in life do you think Mildred represents? Have you ever encountered a ‘Mildred’ at some point in your life, or are you one yourself? 

What sort of relationships does Mildred have with her friends at school? Who do you find most likeable, and what are some of the traits they exhibit that attracts you?