About Where is Simon, Sandy?
In, Where is Simon, Sandy? Donna brings to print a folktale that has been passed down by word of mouth for generations. The story brings to life the charm of The Turks and Caicos Islands and its people. Donna fell in love with these beautiful islands on her first visit over thirty-three years ago.
The story...
On an island in the Caribbean lived an old man named Simon and his little donkey, Sandy. Simon lived in a stone cottage with Blackie the cat. He had built a shed especially for Sandy. He shared his yard with Bupper the rooster and some very chatty hens. Everyday Simon would hitch Sandy up to her cart and fill all the pails with fresh water from the well. Simon and Sandy would walk to town to deliver the pails brimming with water to the townspeople. Sandy loved her job delivering the water, she knew each and every gate by heart. Then one day...
Awards for Where is Simon, Sandy?
Mom’s Choice Awards Distinguished Honoree and Gold Metal Winner for Children's Picture Book; Peoples, Places and Cultures.
Finalist in the National Independent Excellence Book Awards for Children's Picture Book!
Where is Simon, Sandy? is dedicated to the children of The Turks and Caicos Islands. All proceeds will be donated to The Children’s Programme of The Turks and Caicos National Museum.
SOME FUN FACTS ABOUT DONKEYS
They are easy to train if you are patient and kind to them.
Donkeys aren’t always stubborn!
But they do like to do the same thing over and over again.
Donkeys eat grass and leafy green plants.
They like to eat flowers too, so keep your gates closed!
The mother donkey shows the young ones what is good for them to eat.
A baby donkey is called a foal.
A boy donkey is called a jack and a girl donkey is called a jenny or mare.
Donkeys have a very loud bray, or hee-haw, that can be heard from far away.
The earliest donkeys lived in Africa.
They looked like a zebra without stripes.
Sometimes today you can find a donkey with just one stripe.
Donkeys have long ears so they can hear faraway.
They have small but sturdy feet that are good for climbing.
The donkey cart was one of the very first ways to carry things and people
Donkeys like people.
They make very good pets and will be loyal and true to their owners
Donkeys are very smart.
Praise for Where is Simon, Sandy?
— “The simple folktale style of this story includes rapid plot development and descriptive language. Cultural facts are related through the illustrations, which provide insight into island life. The realistic, colorful pictures capture the emotions of the people and donkey.”
School Library Journal
— “I’ve found the perfect winter read: Where is Simon, Sandy? …an engaging yet informative picture book…”
Danielle Dreger-Babbitt, Seattle Books Examiner
— “WHERE IS SIMON, SANDY? highlights a very important era in our cultural heritage and brings a focus to our beloved donkeys. Ms. Spellman has captured the feel and look of the Islands by marrying various aspects of the architecture, gates, walls and landscape of the Turks & Caicos. The characters, written words and art come together beautifully to convey a truly unique story that will not only entertain the young readers, but also teach them about loyalty, friendship, responsibility and compassion.
In my capacity as Director of Culture for the Turks & Caicos, I can truly say that book projects like this one are a blessing. We need many more books and stories like this to be used in our educational system in order to build a sense of national pride and cultural appreciation among our young readers.”
David Bowen, Director of Culture, The Turks & Caicos Cultural & Arts Commission
— “As modern development slowly erases traces of the Turks & Caicos past, this book can serve as a proud reminder to local children of their country's rich history and folklore. The touching tale is simply told and beautifully illustrated; Grand Turk visitors will recognize the island's distinctive features on every page. Best of all, the story captures the sweet innocence and camaraderie of life on a small Caribbean island, a feeling that can still be found in many of Grand Turk's dusty corners.”
Kathy Borsuk, Editor Times of the Islands, The International Magazine of the Turks & Caicos Islands
— “Such a lovely tale! There is heartfelt depth here in this simple story of island life. The dutiful donkey Sandy alerts her community to the plight of her master through her loyal behavior, and help is soon on the way. The writing and images perfectly capture the wonderful feeling often found on islands, that of community where everyone feels part of a special extended family, and depending on one another is a natural way of life. WHERE IS SIMON, SANDY? is a tale that is sure to enjoy a long life in the hearts of those who hear it.”
Holly Meade, Children’s book author and illustrator
— “…a great read. WHERE IS SIMON, SANDY? brought back fond memories of my boyhood days in the islands when children were free to roam and everyone was his brother's keeper. I was especially enthralled by the vivid eye-catching illustrations which I am sure will encourage children of all ages to turn these pages over and over again.
Honorable Dr. Carlton Mills, Minister of Education, Turks and Caicos Islands