Children's book review: Where is Simon, Sandy by Donna Marie Seim

December 26, 6:48 PMSeattle Books ExaminerDanielle Dreger-Babbitt

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Looking for something to thaw your heart from all of this snow and ice?  I've found the perfect winter read:  Where is Simon, Sandy?  The Story of a Little Donkey That Wouldn't Quit written by Donna Marie Seim and illustrated by Susan Spellman.  It is a folktale from the Turks and Caicos Islands set on the island of Grand Turk.  The story is about Simon and his donkey, Sandy, who take water to the people of Cockburn Town every morning.  One morning Simon does not come out of his cottage which worried the donkey.  Sandy goes to the well without her master to look for him.  Sandy stops at each gate/ home along the route looking for Simon.  As Sandy searches for Simon a parade of neighborhood children join her in the search and ask, "Where is Simon, Sandy?"

Eventually Sandy and the children reach the last gate on the route, which belongs to the town doctor.  The doctor asks Sandy where Simon is and her response is to turn around and walk toward's Simon's home where she brays.  The doctor realizes that something is wrong with Simon and when he enters the house he finds that Simon has injured his foot.  Simon must rest his foot until he recovers which worries him.  After all, who will take the water to the people of the village?

The neighborhood children agree to pitch in and help Sand deliver the water.  They also agree to help feed and care for her until Simon is well.  The children have so much fun delivering the water to the village that they continue to help Sandy and Simon with the task even after Simon is able to walk again.

If you're unfamiliar with the island of Grand Turk (like I was) it is a desert-like island that receives very little rainfall.  When this true story happened, the town had no running water and the only way for the people of Cockburn Town to receive fresh water was by donkeys pulling carts from the fresh water wells located far outside town.

Where Is Simon, Sandy? is an early recipient of the Mom's Choice Gold Award for a children's picture in the category of "Peoples, Places, and Cultures."  all proceeds from the book are donated to the Children's Programme of the Turks and Caicos National Museum. 

If you're looking for an engaging yet informative picture book, get your copy of Where is Simon, Sandy from your neighborhood bookstore or local library.  The illustrations are gorgeous and will have you planning your next tropical vacation to the Turks and Caicos.