Welcome to Explore with Me
Kia ora, I'm Mary - a place-based storyteller, māmā, and keen trail runner, writing children's books that celebrate the landscapes and communities of Aotearoa's southern regions.
Through rhythm, rhyme, and a curious kōtare, my books invite kids and their whānau to explore, discover and delight in the world around them.
From braided rivers to bush tracks, farmland to vibrant wee towns, each story is a love letter to the places we are lucky to call home.
These stories do more than entertain. They spark curiosity, encourage literacy, and grow pride in our local communities.
Just as importantly, they give back. Each Explore with Me book supports local causes - from Kai for Kids, to the Te Manahuna Aoraki Project, to the creation of a book nook in a new under-2s kindy - as a small thank you to the places and people who inspire these stories. It's my way of helping care for our communities and landscapes, so the next generation can explore and love them too.
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About the Author
I'm Mary Blain - an author, educator, and māmā. I live on a cropping farm in Mid Canterbury with my husband, Steve, and our two busy boys, Benji and Chester.
When I'm not writing or visiting schools, you'll likely find me out trail running, chasing gorges and mountain tracks before popping into town for coffee, cuddled up sharing stories with my kids, or researching spots for my next pukapuka!
Through my work, I hope to inspire young readers to explore and feel proud of where they live - while celebrating the communities and landscapes that make each district unique. As you can probably tell, I'm just a small-town gal who adores books, kids, and our beautiful Aotearoa.
Local places, local faces...
