Nicky Smith-Dale

Nicky Smith-Dale

Children's Author

nickysmithdale.com
Booking enquiry
Nicky Smith-Dale - author tools

Audiences

Age 5 to 7, Age 7 to 11, Age 11 to 14

Genres

Adventure, Comedy, Fairy tale, Fantasy, Humour, Mythology, Narrative, Poetry

Book types

Fiction 4-11

Details

Do you want to inspire a culture of reading and writing for pleasure in your school? I offer one-of-a-kind, interactive, and downright HILARIOUS events for ages 6-11 to celebrate the magic of stories! (I am currently taking bookings for 2024 and 2025)

**To celebrate the launch of the Betty Steady series, I am offering events in 2024/25 for the reduced price of £160 + travel expenses**

Praise for the Betty Steady book series:

‘Jokes by the dozen … Nicky Smith-Dale's enthusiasm proves infectious.’ Emily Bearn, Daily Telegraph 

‘An irrepressible catchphrase-riddled 7+ debut, full of surreal, riotous fun.’ Imogen Russell Williams, Guardian

School Visits

For a whole day visit, I usually start the morning with a 50-minute assembly and Q&A, followed by class/year group workshops. There will also be time for a book signing.

Assembly Presentation

In this fun and interactive talk, I explain how I became an author, introduce the children to the characters in my books (with plenty of props and audience participation), and explore how everyone can be creative in their own unique way.

Workshop option: Creating Compelling Characters

KS1/2, 45-60 minutes

Children will explore top tips for creating interesting characters. Using examples from the Betty Steady books, they will learn how to bring characters to life using motivation, unique traits, and backstory. Children will have great fun inventing vibrant characters and planning their own stories.

Workshop option: Super Similes and Marvellous Metaphors

KS2, 45-60 minutes

In this session, children will explore the playful use of figurative language in the Betty Steady books. Studying the difference between similes, metaphors, and personification, they will learn how to construct thoughtful comparisons in their own writing. Children will create descriptive passages using these new-found figurative techniques.

I can tailor my event structure to suit you!

Schools can opt for a half-day visit or online event. I am based in Hampshire, but willing to travel all around the UK.

To celebrate the launch of the Betty Steady series, I am offering events in 2024/25 for the reduced price of £160 + travel expenses. Please do get in touch if you would like any more information.

Books by Nicky Smith-Dale

978-0008600341
Betty Steady and the Toad Witch

Betty Steady and the Toad Witch

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? 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? 

Keywords

ADVENTURE CHILDREN'S COMEDY FANTASY FUNNY HUMOUR KS2 MAGIC POETRY READING FOR PLEASURE WRITING WORKSHOP