Martha Mayhem and the witch from the ditch - Joanne Owen

A laugh-out-loud magical story featuring witches and fun, the first in a series of three books by Carnegie and Branford Boase long-listed author, Joanne Owen.Martha Mayhem (real name Martha May) is always causing chaos! She just can't help it, somehow chaotic things just happen to her. Martha lives in the small village of Cherry Hillsbottom with her eccentric grandfather, Professor Gramps and her small pet hog Elvis.
Life gets really exciting though when, on her way to school one day, she discovers a rather bedraggled-looking witch in a ditch. Griselda Gritch (the witch) tells a thrilled and alarmed Martha that she has accidentally let loose a ghastly ghoul that Griselda was trying to catch - and Martha is going to have to help her to get it back again! Griselda, though, is a rather grumpy and difficult accomplice. Can Martha, with the help of Gramps, Elvis and her best friend Jack (AKA Scrambled Egg Head), retrieve the ghoul and prove herself to Griselda?
A brilliantly funny magical story, full of energy and action!With fantastic illustrations from internationally-renowned illustrator, Tony Ross.

Joanne Owen was born in Pembrokeshire, Wales, and read Social and Political Sciences with Archaeology and Anthropology at St John's College, Cambridge. Now living in North London, Joanne has published two previous Young Adult novels. Steeped in the atmosphere of nineteenth century Prague, PUPPET MASTER blends the magic of marionette theatre with Czech folklore and legends. Described by The Guardian as 'timeless', PUPPET MASTER was longlisted for the Carnegie Medal and Branford Boase award and has been translated into several languages.
 
Her second novel, THE ALCHEMIST AND THE ANGELS is a fantastical, historical epic set in sixteenth century Prague, among the plague-ridden ghettos and decadent court of mad Emperor Rudolf. It was described by School Librarian as 'An imaginative tour de force'. Follow Joanne on Facebook at www.facebook.com/JoanneOwenBooks or on Twitter: @JoanneOwen

Super characters and humour, a story with traditional style but with modern edges, great for bedtime and children reading fun chapter books
Toppsta

A deliciously, wonderful read that highlights how courage, team work and a little bit of sparkle can help you overcome any difficulties. [...] The magic within Joanne's writing rather reminded me of Roald Dahl.
Lovereading4kids.co.uk - Shelley Fallows

It's hilarious, it gets you stuck in immediately. The first sentence you read, you want to read more
Mumsnet daughter, aged 9