Betty Steady and the Toad Witch

By: Nicky Smith-Dale, Sarah Horne - illustrator

Narrated by: Sebastian Humphreys

Prepare to lick the toenails of adventure! Betty Steady’s faster than an angry goose and stronger than an ogre in yoga pants and she DON’T NEED NO STINKING HELP! But can she prevent disaster before the Toad Witch attacks Wobbly Rock?

The funniest young fiction debut, for listeners of You’re A Bad Man, Mr Gum and Grimwood!

At twelve years old Betty Steady stands tall and dazzling, and is the Guardian of Wobbly Rock – a faraway kingdom which she protects fearlessly ALL ON HER OWN. But then the Toad Witch literally cuts Betty down to size. Can Betty prevent disaster before the Toad Witch and her evil army launch a terrible attack on Wobbly Rock? And when will she learn that she doesn't have to do stuff ALL ON HER OWN any more?

Join us for fights and friendships! Lasagne-eating snails and slimy villains! Meet Betty and her crew: Figg the imp, Simon Anderson the stallion in tiger-print cycling shorts, Elle Emen O’Pea the trumpet-playing mouse in a bobble hat, and many, many more! Just jolly join us, OK? HOT CROSS BUNS!

©2024 Nicky Smith-Dale, Sarah Horne (P)2024 HarperCollins Publishers

Critic reviews

“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

Unmissably Funny!

A fantabulously funny book for kids of any age 5-105! bursting with unique and very loveable characters, all brought to life by the brilliant narration of Sebastian Humphreys of "Beano, Three in One" fame!