Now she has released a second children’s book expanding her "Explore with Me" series.
It’s called Explore with Me Mackenzie Country.
It combines playful rhyme, adventure and real New Zealand landscapes and, this time, focuses on the breathtaking Mackenzie Country which has a personal connection for Blain.
"It’s a place that has meant so much to me — I visited on a first date with my now-husband, and we’ve returned again and again over the years, now with kids in tow," she said via a statement.
"A lot of my friends, family and community also have strong connections to the area, which makes writing about it all the more special."
Blain’s "Explore with Me" books encourage children and their families to explore their environments, fostering curiosity, pride and a sense of adventure.
Blain’s first book allowed her to visit Mid Canterbury schools to share the story and engage young readers, and she said she was looking forward to doing the same in Mackenzie.
Community support has been strong throughout the project.
"It’s a joy to help the areas I write about and care for deeply," Blain said.
"It’s incredible to see families, local businesses and sponsors get behind these books and the communities they celebrate."
Beyond storytelling, the series also had a conservation focus.
A portion of proceeds from each book sold, along with 100 percent of sponsorship funding will go to Te Manahuna Aoraki Project, supporting large-scale conservation efforts in the Mackenzie Basin.
"It’s a joy to help the areas I write about and care for deeply," Blain said.
"It’s incredible to see families, local businesses, and sponsors get behind these books and the communities they celebrate."
