Climate change inspires first book in 15 years

After a 15-year break, Nelson author Lindy Kelly has just published her 26th book with all profits to go towards the restoration of the Kellys Conservation Forest wetland.

Lindy, whose family owns the “magical” property in Enner Glynn, says her children’s book, called ‘The Ghost of Brian McBoggarty’, is set in a swamp.

“It’s a work of fiction about a small boy with a sharp and inquiring mind, who wants to know everything he can about the swamp he lives next to … including the boy who drowned there many years ago.”

Lindy says, one thing that motivated her to write the book was her growing knowledge about the “massive” role that wetlands/swamps play in climate change.

“A wet swamp can sequester up to 2400 tonnes of carbon per hectare compared to a pine forest, which holds only 300 tonnes per hectare.

“In New Zealand, 90 per cent of our wetlands/swamps have been drained. Yet drained swamps emit carbon. So, the wet swamps we have left are very precious and rare.”

Lindy says, they have such a wetland on their farm as a part of the Kellys Conservation Forest project.

“We have been restoring it for some years now and all the profits from this book will go towards its continued restoration.”

Lindy says she also wanted to write about a child who was “full of curiosity about the world around them and passionate about learning”.

“I wanted this child to be full of confidence and conviction, brave, a free thinker, and self-motivated to travel his own journey. I have this character, Vinny, in the book.”

Lindy says the book was written over several months in conjunction with the illustrator, Trudy Nicholson.

“She’s a wonderful photographer as well as being a talented and published author herself.”

The book was published by Kauri Press and printed by Copypress.

Lindy’s last published book was an adult novel called Bold Blood in 2008, which topped the bestseller list in NZ.

“Since then, most of my energies have gone into farming and conservation. However, with this book, I have the chance to marry the enjoyment of having another book published with my concern for the health of the planet.”

Lindy says although ‘The Ghost of Brian McBoggarty’ is a fictional story, there is information in it that will interest children and teachers who care about the environment and global warming.

“This book is dedicated to all children with wonderful inquiring minds. I say to you, you have a priceless gift.”

The book can be purchased from Volume Books online or directly from Lindy for $20 (including postage) at [email protected]