Join local author Donna Seim, author, and Susan Spellman, illustrator, at the Dragon’s Nest, 31 Market Square, Newburyport, on June 26th from noon – 4:00 pm for the launch of the new middle reader novel, Hurricane Mia: A Caribbean Adventure. (Continued below)

In Hurricane Mia, Mia’s world is falling apart. First she learns that her mom is sick. Then she and her younger brother are whisked away to their grandparents’ home in the Caribbean for the summer. Mia is furious until she meets Neisha, an island girl, who tells her about "the tea that cures everything." Will Mia find the tea? Will it cure her mom? An incredible adventure follows, taking Mia and friends on the high seas where they meet barracudas, explore uninhabited islands and search for a magical tea.  

The Dragon’s Nest will be celebrating Caribbean-style outside on Market Square with their very own Green Flash Café (just like in the book). For refreshments, they’ll be whipping up tropical mango smoothies. Donna Seim will read a selection from Hurricane Mia and both the author and illustrator will be on hand to sign copies of the book. With each signed book, you will receive a free good fortune in one of Mia’s magical tea bags!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR FROM AMAZON.com

Donna Marie Seim is an author of short stories and children's literature. Her love of children and children's literature gave her the desire to write for children. Donna's first picture book, WHERE IS SIMON, SANDY? is the story of a Little Donkey that wouldn't quit. It is a folktale from the Island of Grand Turk, of the Turks and Caicos Islands, that has been told over generations but had never been written down. It won Mom's Choice Award GOLD for Children's Picture Book; Peoples, Places and Cultures. Donna has been nominated for the Nancy E Peace Award for Action against racism for her work in cross-cultural awareness. And the book has recently been awarded Finalist in the category of Children's Picture Book for 2010 from The National Indie Excellence Awards.

Donna's second book and her first novel, for middle grade readers, published by Peapod Press, is HURRICANE MIA, A Caribbean Adventure! Launch date is set for June 2010. Join Mia on her rollicking adventure to find a magical tea, and experience a slice of the Caribbean through her eyes.

Donna lives in Newbury, Massachusetts with her husband and her dog Rags, when not traveling to the Caribbean!