The competition is now closed. Thank you for your interest. Copies of The Bum Sneeze can be purchased online via Shawline Publishing or by contacting the author directly lindabeauthor@gmail.com

Flatulence, or farting as it is commonly known, can be both excruciatingly embarrassing and immensely amusing. It’s not surprising that the Whoopee Cushion, which produces a loud noise resembling a fart, has been a popular practical joke device since it was invented in the 1930s!

For Belinda Bridgeman, a Year 1 teacher at St Joseph’s Wingham, this natural bodily function was becoming a problem during school lessons.

“A few years ago, I was teaching a Year 1 class and I couldn’t get the children to do any learning without talking about farting or the smells to do with farting,” Mrs Bridgeman said.“So it got me thinking, maybe I should write a book that will engage them and meet their learning needs.”

Three years later, ‘The Bum Sneeze’ was published.

The Bum Sneeze, which is aimed at 3–8-year-olds, is about a boy who has a problem when he eats too many pears.

“It results in quite a smell and distraction for some time,” laughs Mrs Bridgeman.

Whilst a children’s book does not have a lot of words, Mrs Bridgeman discovered that finding the right words was the hardest challenge.

“This wouldn’t have happened without the support and encouragement from St Joseph’s along the way. I am very blessed,” she said.

The book also includes teacher’s notes at the end, linked to the English syllabus, so teachers can include them in their lesson plans.

Belinda shares her full experience with writing the book, including working with the illustrator to bring the story to life, in a short video. Simply scan the QR code below to watch it.

The Bum Sneeze is available at most bookstores and online via Shawline Publishing. Autographed copies can be obtained from contacting the author at lindabeauthor@gmail.com.