Local author’s book release

South Canterbury woman Kelly Cooney has written her first children’s book. Being Brave at Mount Dobson has a message about teaching children to be brave and not letting their fears get the better of them. ‘‘Bottling up your emotions is never the right way to go about things,’’ Cooney said. The book follows the story of Marley, a boy from Timaru, who is looking forward to skiing at his favourite field. He has challenged himself to ski the steeper slopes, but he is a bit scared about doing it. ‘‘He works through his fear with the use of some tools and a little help from a cheeky kea,’’ Cooney said. Tips and facts for readers and parents to help with processing emotions are woven through the story and in an info section with questions and answer at the end of the book, she said. The book is the first in a series of children’s books Cooney has written called the Vibe Tribe with 10% of all profits to be donated to outdoor education pursuits within New Zealand primary schools, she said. The book is designed for children aged 3 to 9, and is available at Farmlands, Timaru Booksellers, Fairlie Bakehouse and Kidstuff.