Times of the Islands Summer 2015

astrolabe newsletter of the Turks & Caicos National Museum
astrolabe newsletter of the Turks & Caicos National Museum
Donald Keith (DK): Now we have a new
outdoor exhibit at the Museum giving
form and substance to the Where
Is Simon, Sandy? story. WISS has been
around since 2008, and the Museum’s
reproduction of a donkey cart has been
around even longer. Where did the idea
of putting the cart together with the representation
of Sandy come from—and
what took you so long?
MARTIN SEIM
Museum Board Member and author Donna Seim spends time with one of her inspirational friends on Grand Turk, Mi Amiga.
Sandy’s Legacy Lives On
Author Donna Seim speaks of writing, donkeys, and Grand Turk.
Interview By Dr. Donald H. Keith, President, Turks & Caicos National Museum Foundation
Donald Keith (DK): I have always thought that the symbol of Grand Turk should be a towering windmill,
but windmills are just machines and most of them have collapsed by now. On the other hand, donkeys
are cute, personable, and their population is thriving on Grand Turk. Certainly the thousands of tourists
who come here are more likely to remember the donkeys than the windmills! So it is fitting that the star
of your (Donna Seim’s) first book, Where Is Simon, Sandy? (WISS), is a Grand Turk donkey.
Donna Seim (DS): The idea of the donkey
originated last December when I
was in the Museum’s gift shop signing
yet another box of 46 WISS books. Nikki
Jennings and Cecile Wennick were saying
how much the tourists love the donkeys
on Grand Turk and how many of the
books sell because of the donkey story
and the fact that it is set in Grand Turk.
I asked them what they thought about
having a donkey sculpture to match the
donkey cart. They both loved the idea!
We laughed about where we could possibly
find a donkey sculpture that was
life size.
Thinking it an impossible dream,
but still determined, I googled “Donkey
From top: The new “Where is Simon, Sandy?” donkey cart exhibit welcomes visitors at the
Sculptures.” I couldn’t believe my eyes. I
front of the Museum. One of Susan Spellman’s illustrations in the popular children’s book
found many, some sort of silly and some Where is Simon, Sandy? features a charming scene from Grand Turk.
sad. I wanted an endearing, life-like one.
After a good deal of searching I found her and fell in love. had two printings in the past six years, soon to be four.
My chosen donkey, however, was sold out. Disappointed, What part of its success are you most proud of?
I continued the search until I located the exact donkey
from another company that had her in stock and ready DS: I often say that Where Is Simon, Sandy? is my firstto
be shipped. I, unfortunately, wasn’t on Grand Turk for born, meaning my first book; making it dearest to my
the unveiling but Pat Saxton took pictures of Sandy in heart. I am most proud of the fact that WISS has been the
her shipping crate, and Nikki wrote and told me how she major supporter of the Museum’s Children’s Club since
loved ‘“Sandy,” reporting that every passerby stopped and 2008. I am also extremely pleased that many thousands
took pictures of themselves with the donkey. And it was a of children have enjoyed the story about the little donkey
day without a cruise ship! The locals were delighted with that wouldn’t quit.
our new resident, Sandy.
DK: I know that the first printing of WISS was sponsored
by the Turks & Caicos Banking Company, the TCI Tourist
Board, and Carnival Cruise Lines, but since then it has
DK: Everyone comments that the splendid watercolor
illustrations done by Susan Spellman compliment the
WISS story perfectly. How did you two meet and decide
to collaborate?
PAT SAXTON SUSAN SPELLMAN
60 www.timespub.tc Times of the Islands Summer 2015 61