A PRIMARY school teacher from Moretonhampstead has described the publication of her first book as both 'exciting and slightly nerve-wracking'.

Francine Bowden has recently seen her debut children's book, The Somewhat Bumpy Story of the Bath on Legs, published by Pegasus Publishers.

The tale has a novel twist — the story is told from the perspective of a snooty bath on legs. The tub has magical and mysterious properties that send two children generations apart on two exciting adventures.

Francine started writing the book back in 2010, during her first year of teaching. Before that she dabbled in poetry and story writing as a hobby.

She said: 'To see the book published feels both exciting and slightly nerveracking.

'I am excited as I never imagined, even in my wildest dreams, that I would hold my own book in my hands — I cannot wait for that moment.

'It makes me a little nervous too in case it isn't well received — I know how critical the writing world can be.

'However, it is mine and I love the story so it stills feels like a big achievement.

'There were quite a few inspirations for my story. My university lecturer in Bristol was hugely inspirational and fuelled my passion for inspiring children to write.

'Many of the children's books I had read during both my child and adult life got me thinking and it has always been a dream of mine.

'I never really spoke about it as I didn't even think it would come to anything. I just wrote little bits when an idea popped into my mind!

'When I had written a good chunk of it, I read it to the children in my class at the time and they helped me with what to write next.

'I would love to write a second book and the ending of The Somewhat Bumpy Story of the Bath on Legs is concluded in a way that could be continued. However, I haven't had an idea that is as exciting or imaginative as this so I will wait until I do before I get writing again.'

To find out more about Francine's book visit http://www.pegasuspublishers.com">www.pegasuspublishers.com