Badjelly the Witch

Reach for this book when your child is feeling intimidated by big fears or needs to see that even the scariest monsters can be defeated with a bit of silliness and a lot of heart. This absurdist fairy tale follows siblings Tim and Rose as they venture into the woods to find their lost cow, Lucy, only to be captured by the wicked Badjelly. It is a story that balances genuine peril with high-energy humor, teaching children that bravery often looks like sticking together and keeping your sense of humor when things get sticky. Spike Milligan's signature nonsense style makes it an ideal bridge for children moving from picture books to more complex narratives. It is particularly effective for ages 5 to 10, offering a safe space to process the concept of 'evil' through a lens of ridiculousness. Parents will appreciate the vocabulary-rich prose and the way it celebrates the bond between siblings and the loyalty of animal friends.