Description
Rules are for FOOLS, baby!
Betty and her Wobbly Rock pals are off to celebrate the famous Turnip Festival in the kingdom of Upper Crust. Betty is still as tiddly as a piece of toast. What could possibly go wrong THIS time?
For readers of You're A Bad Man, Mr Gum and Grimwood!
The VIPs of Wobbly Rock can't wait to attend Queen McNiff's legendary Turnip Festival in the neighbouring kingdom of Upper Crust. But when Betty meets a fashionable forest sprite called Misty Jamjar, it dawns on her that perhaps her old pals aren't as sophisticated as she once thought.
Misty convinces Betty that being small ain't all it's cracked up to be. If Betty can help Misty break into the Queen's heavily guarded vault, they might just be able to gain access to the Orb of Ogg. This legendary Orb has the potential to change Betty back to her original, stunning height. GOLLY GHERKINS! It's not as if Misty Jamjar is a secret baddy or anything. And Betty isn't going to accidentally become as tall as a massive giant. That would be ridiculous.
The second funny illustrated young fiction magical adventure, new for 2025, perfect for readers aged 7+
About the Author
Nicky spent her childhood in daydreams, floating through life in a haze of stories and silliness. When she grew up (and had to impersonate a sensible adult) she tried a few uninspiring career options before discovering that teaching was a lot of fun.
Surrounded by incredible children's books she was moved to take up her pen and write a story of her own. The result was a bit disappointing but she didn't give up easily. After years of experimentation she decided to write the silliest story that popped into her brain. (A tale of evil toads and enchanted boiled eggs.) Yeah, it was weird. But weird worked.
Now, Nicky writes from her home in Winchester, where she lives with her husband and two children.
Reviews
Love for Betty Steady and the Toad Witch:
"Wonderful!" Matt Lucas
"An irrepressible catchphrase-riddled 7+ debut, full of surreal, riotous fun." Imogen Russell Williams, Guardian
"Jokes by the dozen, enchanted boiled eggs, and real heart ... Nicky Smith-Dale's enthusiasm proves infectious." Emily Bearn, The Daily Telegraph
"This rollicking romp will have youngsters laughing all the way to the final battleground ... Funny, joyful, big-hearted, and serving up extra dollops of youthful exuberance, this is an all-action adventure series perfectly fashioned for readers new to chapter books." Pam Norfolk, Lancashire Evening Post
"Bold, brilliant and toadally bonkers. There's humour bursting from every page in this madcap adventure about friendship, fighting, and one seriously fearless hero!" Mel Taylor-Bessent
"Betty ... Steady ... GO!!!!!! You'll race through this hilarious book. A glorious giggle fest!" Anna Brooke, author of Monster Bogey
"Anarchic and silly, with a heroine who is just a bit too big for her boots, this funny debut in the young fiction space will appeal to fans of Mr Gum and Knight Sir Louis" The Bookseller 'One to Watch'
"I'm a Betty Steady mega fan! This is a joyful and hilarious book packed full of fun." Jenny McLachlan
"Golly gherkins this is a HOOT! Betty Steady and the Toad Witch is fiercer than an angry ogre and funnier than a tap-dancing chicken" Jack Meggitt-Phillips
'Utterly ridiculous, outstandingly imagined, cleverly written, and fully illustrated, Betty Steady is an absolute delight.' Louise Ellis-Barrett, Armadillo Magazine
"A cracking, hilarious read! We could all do with more self belief and #bemorebetty" Nazima Pathan, author of Dream Hunters
"An amazing book! I read it in one sitting and it had me laughing all the way through!" Jennifer Bell, author of Magicalia
Book Information
ISBN 9780008600372
Author Nicky Smith-Dale
Format Paperback
Page Count 304
Imprint Farshore
Publisher HarperCollins Publishers
Series Betty Steady
Weight(grams) 270g
Dimensions(mm) 198mm * 129mm * 19mm
