Jill Murphy author page

Jill Murphy biography

Jill Murphy was a British author and illustrator known for her work in children’s literature. She studied at Chelsea, Croydon, and Camberwell Schools of Art. Murphy wrote and illustrated books for young readers, often drawing on her own experiences and observations to create relatable characters and stories.

Murphy is best known for The Worst Witch series, which follows the adventures of Mildred Hubble at Miss Cackle’s Academy for Witches. The first book, The Worst Witch, was published in 1974. The series expanded to include several sequels, such as The Worst Witch Strikes Again and The Worst Witch All at Sea. The books have been widely read in schools and libraries.

In addition to her work on The Worst Witch, Murphy created the Large Family picture books, beginning with Five Minutes’ Peace in 1986. These stories centre on the everyday life of an elephant family and have been recognised for their humour and insight into family dynamics.

Murphy both wrote and illustrated her books, contributing distinctive artwork that complemented her storytelling. Her work has been published by Macmillan Children’s Books and Walker Books, among others.

Jill Murphy’s final book in the Worst Witch series, The Worst Witch and the Wishing Star, was published in 2013.

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