Have you ever seen a herd of feral horses? Neigh? These wild horses have inspired artists, writers, animal-lovers, the young, and the young-at-heart alike.

Donna Seim is a writer who was so intrigued by these mysterious creatures of the Grand Turk Island in the Turks and Caicos Islands that she wrote a book!

Her Mom’s Choice Award® winning book [amazon_link id=”0982823673″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Satchi and Little Star[/amazon_link] is the story of Satchi, a young girl who spies a herd of wild horses. Among the herd is one special horse that has a little white star on his forehead. Satchi wants to catch and tame the horse herself, even though her parents say “Wild horses are meant to be wild.” And thus begins a charming story of friendship that is sure to touch your heart.

The Caribbean serves as another muse for Donna. Her two other books, [amazon_link id=”1933002735″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Where Is Simon, Sandy?[/amazon_link] and [amazon_link id=”0982691106″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Hurricane Mia![/amazon_link] are set there as well! When Donna’s not in the Caribbean, she lives in Newbury, Massachusetts.

Please welcome Donna Seim to the Spotlight!

MCA: Welcome to the spotlight Donna! Can you please tell us about what motivated you to create [amazon_link id=”0982823673″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Satchi And Little Star[/amazon_link]?
Donna: I was deeply inspired by the beautiful wild horses on Grand Turk Island in the Turks and Caicos Islands, and wild horses around the world. I also love children and children’s literature so I decided to set my story in the Caribbean where wild horses live and have Satchi, who is named after a friend of mine on the island, be the heroine. My readers identify both with the beauty and wildness of the horses as well as the lesson of true friendship that Satchi learns. Proceeds from the sales of [amazon_link id=”0982823673″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Satchi And Little Star[/amazon_link], are donated to the Grand Turk Chapter of the TCSPCA. Our dream is to build a wild horse sanctuary for the horses to allow them to roam free and be kept safe.

MCA: Now that you have an award-winning book, what are your goals for the next year?
Donna: My first goal is to work as hard as I can to get the word out about my award winning book, [amazon_link id=”0982823673″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Satchi And Little Star![/amazon_link] I am thrilled to have received this wonderful recognition!

I have school visits lined up and book signings and book shows scheduled throughout the Spring and Summer. My second goal is to reach as many readers as I can through Mom’s Choice and all the great tips I am getting from Terry! My third goal is to get my latest novel published so I can win another Mom’s Choice Award®!

MCA: Wonderful! Please name three ways your Mom’s Choice Award® will help you attain your goals.
Donna: First, the recognition is tremendously helpful. [amazon_link id=”0982823673″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Satchi And Little Star[/amazon_link]’s cover looks fabulous with a gold sticker on it. I always say, “If you have gold, wear it!” I use the gold sticker on my emails and my website for further exposure.

Second, following up on all the tips sent to me via email will help get the word out about the quality of my book and the message behind it. I’ll be signing up on Amazon and getting great reviews there, and working on the never ending social media.

Third, signing up for some of the fabulous offers to help reach librarians around the country and showing at BookExpo America!

MCA: Can you share with us what you learned about yourself as an writer in creating your award-winning book?
Donna: I have learned so much as a children’s writer. I think you need to know who you are and what you are all about when you are presenting your stories in front of young minds and hearts. The children often surprise and delight me with insights that are full of wisdom and thoughtfulness.

Working with children and writing for children allows my inner child to surface frequently! I have learned to listen as well as speak, and to be true and honest at presenting my stories. Children are great judges of character and I have learned that you simply cannot fool them!

MCA: That’s fantastic! Since launching your book, what has been your most rewarding experience in promoting or sharing it with the public? Do you have a favorite memory?
Donna: I have had so many memorable moments it is actually hard to pick out one. The expressions on the children’s faces as I read to them, whether they are in a classroom in New England or a classroom in the Caribbean, is my greatest reward. Their eagerness to ask questions and offer their own insights to my story is always fun for me.

I guess my favorite was the day I read three times at The Turks and Caicos National Museum. So many children came throughout the morning and afternoon, marching down the street and into the museum! Afterward, as we were refreshed with cookies and lemonade, some of the island boys who owned horses rode up to the museum to join us. The children fed them carrots and apples and we provided pails of water for thirsty horses. A perfect ending to a perfect afternoon!

MCA: That does sound lovely! As a new honoree, do you have any questions you’d like some of the “old hands” to answer for you?
Donna: Actually, this is my second award from Mom’s Choice! My first Picture Book, [amazon_link id=”1933002735″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Where Is Simon, Sandy?[/amazon_link] also set in the Caribbean, won the Gold Seal Mom’s Choice Award® for Children’s Picture Book, People, Places and Cultures, in 2008. It is now in its second edition, and we will soon be printing the third.

Even with Satchi and Little Star being my second Mom’ Choice Award, it doesn’t mean I am not still learning! There is something new everyday! Any advice is warmly welcomed!

Mom’s Choice Awards® Honors

[amazon_link id=”0982823673″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Satchi and Little Star[/amazon_link] written by Donna Seim
Illustrated by Susan Spellman
Children’s Picture Book
Gold – Values and Life Lessons

Contact, Connect, and Network with Donna

The Alumni Spotlight is a periodic feature on the official Mom’s Choice Awards® blog. It is part of our ongoing effort to “shine the spotlight” on you and your award-winning, family-friendly products, services, and media.