Book feedback positive
Two years after losing a partner, author pushes ‘think-safe’ message
The author of a children’s farm safety book has been thrilled by the response and is drafting another. Harriet Bremner’s book, Be Safe, Be Seen, was launched in Amberley just before Christmas.
A total of 3000 copies were published and are being sold around the country.
“It’s been really good and there’s been a lot of good feedback,” Bremner said.
Her partner, James, died in a farm machinery incident in Hakataramea Valley two years ago but the memory still remained raw.
“It was traumatic. No-one needs to go through that; we don’t talk about it much.”
The book features a daschund, Poppy, and a foxy, Ted, who is aloof and out of control.
“Poppy teaches him about having a ‘think-safe’ brain,” Ms Bremner said.
Targeted at children aged five, the book advises such things as standing behind a tractor and blind spots.
“The main thing is it tells children to make good decisions and not to rely on safety gear.
“You can put it on but you can still be hurt.”
Ms Bremner is planning a followup book.
”I’ve had a couple of drafts written and there are some exciting things in the future.”
Al McCone, WorkSafe’s engagement lead for agriculture, said three children had died on New Zealand farms in 2018 and agriculture continued to have a tragic number of onfarm fatalities.
“This needs to be turned around. We’re encouraging farmers to make sensible decisions and be aware of the risks on the farm and Harriet’s story is one way that families can connect with these actions.”
Ms Bremner had earlier written another children’s book, Bob ‘n’ Pops, which told the story of an unlikely friendship between a rugged farm boy and his sausage dog. ■
— Otago Daily Times