Newbury, MA Author wins Mom's Choice Award!

In 'Where is Simon, Sandy?' author Donna Marie Seim retells a Caribbean folktale that has been passed down by word of mouth for generations. The story of a little donkey that wouldn't quit has long been an inspiration for children on the Turks and Caicos Islands. The perseverance of Sandy is a valuable lesson now more than ever as this small group of Caribbean islands struggles to bounce back from the tumultuous effects of not one, but three devastating hurricanes. More than 80% of the homes in Turks and Caicos have been destroyed; families who had only meager belongings before now have nothing.

(PRWEB) October 18, 2008 -- Newbury, MA author Donna Marie Seim and Newburyport illustrator Susan Spellman have been awarded a Gold Mom's Choice Award for their new children's book Where is Simon, Sandy? released in October. A captivating retelling of a Caribbean folktale passed down by word of mouth for generations, the story of a little donkey that wouldn't quit has long been an inspiration for children on the Turks and Caicos Islands. The perseverance of Sandy is a valuable lesson now more than ever as this small group of Caribbean islands struggles to bounce back from the tumultuous effects of not one, but three devastating hurricanes. But as Sandy persevered, so are the children and with each copy of Where is Simon, Sandy? sold, proceeds go to continue to help them bounce back.

Director of Culture for the islands, David Bowen is currently working on making this beloved tale into a musical play based on the work of Seim and Spellman. Bowen's plan is to write a simple script that will include choreography and a number of songs in the folk music and Ripsaw style to be debuted for the school children in Grand Turk where she story is originally set. The script will also allow all schools to produce and put on their own play to help boost the dramatic arts at the primary school level. It was also Bowen who set up a launch party on the island of Provo where children were able to listen to the story and then make their own donkey tales for a game of pin the tail on the donkey. The Cultural & Arts Commission has now arranged for the Provo Branch Library and a number of school in Grand Turk to receive a free book for their library. This book donation will continue throughout the holiday season as schools in Salt Cay. South Caicos, North Caicos and Providenciales will also receive one for their library.

Where is Simon, Sandy? is available at the Dragon's Nest toy shop in Newburyport, Barnes and Noble, Borders, Amazon.com, and independent bookstores nationwide. Check www.donnaseim.com for other events where you can meet Seim and Spellman.
   
For more information visit www.tcmuseum.org or www.donnaseim.com.
If you are interested in obtaining a review copy of Where is Simon, Sandy? or setting up an interview with Donna Seim, please contact Carol Corbett of PublishingWorks via phone (603) 772-7200. Orders can be placed at 1-800-738-6603.

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