Tumptins Sneeze

Childhood is a time of magic, where little minds ponder the mysteries of why the sky is blue or why grass isn't purple, and when “Silly Head” is the worst possible insult. For a growing number of children these worries, while still valid, exist alongside concerns adults would consider to be truly monumental, or even life threatening, such as food allergies. It confounds a child's logic to sit next to a friend eating pizza, or a peanut butter sandwich, and yet not be able to do the same. All manner of questions arise, and they are hard to answer beyond "Because it will hurt you, Honey." While this response may be accepted, it still makes no sense.

Imagine living in the land of dairy and being unable to enjoy a slice of cheese, or a glass of milk while it is all around you. Worse yet, a mermaid who is unable to touch shellfish or seaweed. It can become a terrifying prospect for adults and children alike when those ubiquitous items that float around us every day can become a quick trip to the hospital.

And what of a child's friend who suffers and is made fun of for it? The struggle to protect and aid that friend, to comfort him or her, may be quite a battle indeed for a young person, especially when it spotlights both children and opens them to misunderstanding and ridicule. A surprising number of young, amazing children, suffer these slings and arrows every day.

"Tumptin's Sneeze" addresses these very grown-up concerns with whimsy and humor, a gentle encouragement to those youths who do what is right even when it becomes difficult. It offers a sense of equation and balance for the children who can't even touch what everyone else around them is eating, no matter how delicious it might look. It provides strength and support in a manner easy for young people to accept and take to heart, teaching them to accommodate and understand those who may require special concessions.

In Tumptin's Sneeze we visit the land of Kiya, a plucky little girl who is friends with Tumptin the elephant; his great sneezes keep the peanut crops of her people well-watered and growing strong. Determined to help her pal get to the root of the sneezing problem, Kiya embarks on a journey of strength and spirit while facing down those who tell her she's wrong to stop the sneezes the crops so desperately need. The concern for her friend's health and comfort win out, and while it is difficult, she stands firm, eventually discovering Tumptin's problem and finding a solution.

Filled cover to cover with rich, charming illustrations sure to warm the heart and a story to last through a lifetime, Tumptin's Sneeze makes a sterling addition to any child's library, and a gorgeous gift for a special friend. And who can go wrong giving a gift that simultaneously cheers the soul and fortifies character?

Learn More About Tumptin's Sneeze

Have you ever wanted to help your son or daughter be the kind of friend that will stand up for others, even when it is difficult?

My passion is writing children's books that help kids do that very thing. I wrote Tumptin's Sneeeze to help portray what it feels like to be a child that cannot eat what everyone else is eating, as well as how it feels to be a friend who has to decide to try to help, even when the stakes are high.

I hope you will pick up a copy of Tumptin's Sneeze today and that it will be a great tool in helping your children understand and stand up for others.

Oct 12, 2012 by: Rachelle Smith

This was such a fun book with some great life lessons as well as a message about food allergies. In today's world food allergies are very apparent and this book does a great job of teaching that it is alright for someone to be different than the "norm". The com- passion that Kiya shows for Tumptin's needs is exactly the message we should be teaching our children, to care for others even if they aren't exactly like you. The story line was great as was the illustrations. Beautiful work!

Sep 28, 2012 by: Rebecca Watson

This is a must read if your child has food allergies, has a friend with food allergies - or has ever heard of food allergies! Tumptin\'s Sneeze is a book made to read out loud, with lyrical phrases and a move-along beat. Fun illustrations match the mood, and learning about food allergies was never so fun! Other important themes are explored too, from loyalty to problem-solving to com- munity responsibility. A worthy addition to any home library, and a must for the pediatrician\'s office.

Nov 30, 2012 by: Amanda Barker

Tumptin's Sneeze is a charming story about a beloved elephant that's allergic to peanuts! This story is so fun, my little one loves to have it read out loud to her. We don't have to struggle with Food Allergies in our home, but this book helped both my 3 year old daughter and I to better understand what it's like to have a food allergy and to love someone with food allergies. This book would make a great gift for any child, especially anyone affected by allergies!

Nov 3, 2012 by: Natalie Norton

TI was so happy when I came across "Tumptin's Sneeze." My daughter has been diagnosed with food allergies for almost two years. It has been difficult for her to not only avoid certain foods but to know how to talk with her friends about her food allergies. "Tumptin's Sneeze" helped our family out. My daughter enjoyed reading it and was able to read the story with some of her friends. What a fun and positive book!

Sep 28, 2012 by: Suzee Sanders

I just received "Tumptin's Sneeze" and found it a great story with many fantastic lessons. The main message is about food allergies but it also is about compassion, friendship, problem solving and knowing kids can make a difference and shouldn't be ignored. Great job Kathy!

Sep 29, 2012 by: Laurie Hansen

I love this book. My daughter cannot put it down!

Come join us for a live reading of Tumptin's Sneeze to celebrate the official release date. Don't miss this great chance to put the kids in their pajamas and sit around the computer screen to participate in the interactive online reading of this charming children's picture book about friendship, determination and creative problem solving. Kathy will also facilitate a discussion about children's food allergies and talk about being a children's author. Participate in this live reading and learn how to receive extra entries in our official release date celebration giveaway of an iPad Mini.

click here to check it out >

Food allergies:

Although food allergies can manifest in various ways and can be quite serious, this story was created as a fun way of helping young children become familiar with the ever-growing challenge of food allergies. Once children become more aware of the problem, they can easily make accommodations to help others be more comfortable.

Standing up for something important:

Sometimes, it is difficult to stand up for what you
believe… especially when everyone tells you that you
are wrong. Kiya had to stand her ground and, even
though it was difficult, it ended up helping Tumptin
feel better.

When my daughter was three, she had a favorite playmate, Brooklyn, who was so allergic to peanuts that she had to carry an epi-pen with her. Of course, Bekah LOVED peanut butter sandwiches and didn’t understand why we scrubbed away any peanut traces and kept the peanutbutter on the shelf when Brooklyn came over. So, this story was born as a way of helping my daughter be more understanding of her friend’s food allergy. Even though each person responds differently to a peanut allergy, the sneezing was a fun way to teach my daughter.

Fast forward 3 years...Tumptin’s Sneeze is well into production. Bekah has been having tummy aches so severe she never felt like doing much at all. When the tummy aches couldn’t be explained medically, the matter was dismissed. However, the tummy aches continued. Finally, we ran a full panel of blood tests. The results showed peanuts were what was making my little Bekah sick!