There’s a new hero in town, and she’s quite something! The hero of Wobbly Rock, Betty Steady is only twelve, but she’s already an expert in swordplay and combat, tall, blessed with unmatched strength and speed, not to mention stylish hair.
But, as our narrator helpfully points out at the very beginning, being utterly brill means that you can sometimes get a bit big for your boots. That’s exactly what happens. Betty overestimates her ability to take on the Toad Witch and her sidekick ogre, she doesn’t do proper preparations, and she ends up in a very sticky situation. Fortunately, she’s got friends to help - Figg the imp, Elle Emen O’Pea the trumpet-playing mouse, and Rupert Sometimes, who’s an owl. It’s surprising what you can do with teammates and by using brains to back up the brawn.
This is a proper knightly adventure, while also very funny. Betty Steady is bound to win lots of fans, and there are more adventures to come, which is excellent news. Sarah Horne’s inky illustrations are a perfect match to the text, catching the excitement and the silliness. Hip hip hooray for Betty Steady!
Join LoveReading4Kids editorial expert Andrea Reece in conversation with author Nicky Smith-Dale in our exclusive publication day event.
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 FROM NO ONE! But can she prevent the Toad Witch from attacking Wobbly Rock?
The funniest young fiction debut of 2024, for readers of 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! HOT CROSS BUNS!
"Bold, brilliant and totally 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
"I'm a Betty Steady mega fan! This is a joyful and hilarious book packed full of fun.” Jenny McLachlan, author of Stink: Fairy vs Boy and the Land of Roar series
Author
About Nicky Smith-Dale
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.
