I’ve seen 'Badjelly the Witch' described as a 'nonsense story,' and that’s spot-on. It doesn’t follow strict logic, and that’s why kids adore it. The unpredictability reminds me of how children’s imaginations work—jumping from one wild idea to another. It’s short, so even reluctant readers won’t feel overwhelmed, but the vivid imagery sticks with them. My little cousin still quotes Badjelly’s spells months after we read it together.
If you’re looking for a book that bridges the gap between silly and spooky for young readers, this is it. Badjelly isn’t a terrifying villain, just delightfully naughty, like a cross between the wicked witch of the West and a cartoon troublemaker. The story’s rhythm makes it great for read-aloud sessions—you can really ham up the voices!
Badjelly the Witch: A Fairy Story is absolutely a children's book, but it's one of those rare gems that doesn't talk down to its audience. The whimsical yet slightly dark tone reminds me of Roald Dahl's work—kids love the mischief and magic, but there's just enough edge to keep it exciting. I first stumbled upon it when babysitting my niece, and we ended up reading it three nights in a row because she couldn't get enough of Badjelly's chaotic antics.
What makes it stand out is how Spike Milligan blends absurd humor with a fairy-tale structure. The talking animals, the bumbling witch, and the sibling protagonists feel timeless. It's the kind of book that makes kids giggle but also leaves them wide-eyed at the unpredictability. I’d argue it’s perfect for bedtime reading—short enough to finish in one sitting but packed with enough imagination to spark dreams.
What’s cool about this book is how it doesn’t overexplain things. Kids are left to fill in gaps with their own creativity, like why a witch would turn people into sausages or how a cow ends up in a tree. That open-endedness makes it more engaging than heavy-handed moral tales. Plus, the ending is satisfying without being overly neat—a win for both kids and adults reading along.
From a parent’s perspective, 'Badjelly the Witch' is a fantastic choice for kids around 6–10 years old. The language is simple but playful, and the story moves quickly enough to hold their attention. My son, who usually squirms during longer stories, was hooked by the rhyming spells and the witch’s ridiculous schemes. It’s not as sugary sweet as some modern children’s books, which I appreciate—it feels more like an old-school folk tale with a twist. The illustrations are quirky too, adding to the charm.
2025-12-15 04:59:58
14
View All Answers
Scan code to download App
Related Books
Steamy Fairytales Collection: An 18+ Dark Fairytales Series
Joy Apens
10
100.9K
A retelling of several of the most famous fairy tales with a kinky, dirty twist. Each story is about 30,000 words so sit back, grab some holy water and relax! It's time to sink in 10 deliciously dark and twisted fairytales! Highly erotic and brimming with dark desires, don't say I didn't warn ya!
18+ Dark Fairytale Series
Rumpled (Retelling of Rumplestiltskin)
Sinderella (Retelling of Cinderella)
Allissa in Wankerland (Retelling of Alice In Wonderland)
Friends With Sexy Benefits (Retelling of Hansel and Gretel)
Snow White and the Seven Hunks (Retelling of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs)
Red (Retelling of Little Red Riding Hood)
Tangled (Retelling of Rapunzel)
Bella and the Beast (Beauty and The Beast)
Maid For Pleasure (The Ugly Duckling)
Goldilocks and the 3 Were-bears (Goldilocks)
All stories are continuations of the previous ones
1. Union between the Dark & Light
Roisin, a young woman diagnosed with cancer, sells all her belongings wanting to live her remaining time on her own terms. On the way she unknowingly enters the realm of elves and fairies while hiking, becoming part of a prophecy that will unite the dark unseelie with the light seelie to complete the balance needed between the two opposed courts.
2. Nyx Elderon forest God
Free from his binds and fulfilling the above prophecy Nyx Elderon decides to venture into the human realm and meets a young female human Enchantress that captivates his soul. They experience many challenges in their journey towards a relationship.
3. Becoming Fae
Ranch owner McKenna, never realized she was a powerful guardian for mystical creatures until the day an unseelie fairy named Axis appeared unexpectedly at her home. McKenna discovers much more in this adventure of elves, fairies and merfolk.
4. Male Mated Fae
Ryker and his best friend Quinn, both unseelie fairies, discover their love for each other and become mated fae, in an adventure that tests their friendship that ultimately blossoms in love.
5. Mortal Enemies
Vampire and Fairy have forever been mortal enemies. 3 generations of one family find and discover their love within the arms of their enemy.
*Bonus* Mismatched Mates
Julith, a half fairy, half human has a horrible time finding her mate and gets involved with several hoping to ultimately find her one true love.
Seven Classic Faery Tales are given a very adult makeover.
You are entering a world of myth, magic, and Immortals.
Throw in the humans for the added spice of erotica and violence.
Mix together and you have dark adult faery tales ........
Do not read if easily offended!
When Anastasia, a lower level green witch, finally flees from a vengeful wolf pack, she finds herself soul-bond to the very thing she hates, a Lycan. Not only is he a Lycan, but he’s none other than Dominiko, the Lycan King himself! She thought struggling to accept him was the worst of her worries until she is faced with a catch 22. She must overcome her prejudice, embrace her power, and choose between the witches and Lycans, all while a war threatens to tear both worlds apart. Could she really go against her own people? Or will the Lycan kings hope for peace work?
The Good Witch was born unlike her family. She wants to help people and she finds a few friends that help her along the way. Each adventure is a new challenge. She hopes to one day free her family from the curse they placed on themselves. For these are the stories of the Good Witch.
Beryl and Daryl are excited that they can finally attend University and live together but things complicate when Beryl’s cousin shows up to hide at their residence. The cousin is half-fairy and the three end up growing close while protecting her secret.
Things start to complicate when the close trio encounter other Half-Myths and try to navigate between Schoolwork, possible romances and life-threatening situations.
A certain group is out to kill her and all others like her. Will Daffodil, the Half-fairy, survive and also continue her romance with a Half-Myth of higher standing than herself?
Badjelly the Witch' is this delightfully weird little fairy tale that feels like it was plucked straight from a campfire storytelling session. At first glance, it seems perfect for kids around 5–8 with its playful rhymes and talking animals, but there’s an undercurrent of mischief and mild scariness (that witch turns people into sausages, after all!) that gives it extra spice. My niece is six, and she giggles at the absurdity but clutches my arm during the spooky bits—so it’s got range.
What’s fascinating is how older readers, even teens, appreciate its Roald Dahl-esque dark humor. The illustrations are chaotic and charming, adding to its cross-age appeal. I’d say it’s technically for early elementary schoolers, but it’s one of those rare stories where the tone makes it a family favorite. My dad still quotes the ‘Bump!’ rhyme at dinner for no reason.
I stumbled upon 'Badjelly the Witch: A Fairy Story' years ago while browsing a dusty secondhand bookstore, and it instantly charmed me with its whimsical, slightly dark tone. The author, Spike Milligan, was a genius at blending absurd humor with fairy-tale tropes—something I didn’t expect from a comedian best known for 'The Goon Show.' His writing feels like a mischievous uncle telling a bedtime story that’s equal parts hilarious and spooky.
What’s wild is how Milligan’s background in comedy seeps into the book. The witch’s antics are ludicrous yet oddly terrifying, like something out of a child’s nightmare filtered through Monty Python. I later learned he wrote it for his own kids, which explains the heartfelt chaos. It’s a gem that deserves more recognition outside the UK.
Badjelly the Witch' is one of those charming little books that feels way bigger than its page count suggests! Written by Spike Milligan, it's technically a short children's novel—my copy clocks in at around 64 pages with illustrations. But don't let the brevity fool you; Milligan's quirky humor and whimsical rhymes make every page memorable. I first read it to my niece, and we ended up re-reading it three times in one afternoon because she kept giggling at the absurdity of a witch who turns people into sausages. The illustrations by Milligan himself add so much personality, making it feel like a complete adventure despite the short length.
What's fascinating is how it balances simplicity with depth. The story's pacing is brisk, but the language is so rich and playful that it lingers in your mind. It's the kind of book where you notice new puns or silly details with each read. For comparison, it's shorter than 'The Gruffalo' but has a similar re-readability factor. If you're looking for a quick, delightful bedtime story or a nostalgic trip back to childhood, this one's perfect. Just be prepared for kids to demand encore performances!