Betty Steady and the Toad Witch

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.

“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, Daily Telegraph (Children’s Book of the Week 25/04/24)“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“Fast-paced and funny … an utterly bonkers magical adventure” Book Trust"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