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Margot and the Moon Landing
A universal story about speaking, listening and being heard.
Margot loves space. Astronauts, the stars, and especially the moon landing. So she can’t understand why all of her attempts to communicate her passion fall on disinterested ears. Her mom is patient but distracted; her classmates would rather play kickball; and her teacher just wants her to focus and pay attention in class. Even so, Margot wishes she never had to talk about anything but space ever again.
When she wakes up one morning and discovers she can only recite Neil Armstrong’s famous speech from the moon landing, Margot realizes she has an even bigger problem. How can Margot get everyone to pay attention and—more importantly—to hear what she’s really trying to say? This powerful picture book debut plays with themes of listening and communication to highlight the importance of a space of one’s own, no matter what your passion may be.
Margot loves space. Astronauts, the stars, and especially the moon landing. So she can’t understand why all of her attempts to communicate her passion fall on disinterested ears. Her mom is patient but distracted; her classmates would rather play kickball; and her teacher just wants her to focus and pay attention in class. Even so, Margot wishes she never had to talk about anything but space ever again.
When she wakes up one morning and discovers she can only recite Neil Armstrong’s famous speech from the moon landing, Margot realizes she has an even bigger problem. How can Margot get everyone to pay attention and—more importantly—to hear what she’s really trying to say? This powerful picture book debut plays with themes of listening and communication to highlight the importance of a space of one’s own, no matter what your passion may be.
40 pages, Hardcover
Published April 14, 2020
2 people are currently reading
97 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
April 22, 2020
Thank you Annick Press and NetGalley for a free ARC in return for my honest review. Wow, and now in a good way! This book, for me, fell off the rails by about page 7 and it doesn't get better the longer you go. Margot loves space and is obsessed with the first Moon landing. All she does is live, eat and breath Apollo 11 info and voice transmissions. Nobody pays much attention to her, from her mom to her teachers or other kids in school. This goes on and on for 30 more pages until she writes on the wall and her mother reads and and finds ways to help Margot overcome her love of space. An obsessed child who answers math questions with quotes from Neil Armstrong, bored or distracted adults and just a cluster of nothing. Not sure what the point of the story is other than it is OK to be obsessed so long as you don't write on the walls!
November 19, 2019
I'm actually a little bit surprised by this one... and not in a good way. While the underlying ideas about listening are fine, there's another way this book can be interpreted, and it leads to some very uncomfortable messages.
Margot is obsessed with space. All she wants to do is read about it. When she's not reading about it, she's talking about it... even if it's not an appropriate time or place. One day, she wakes up and the only things that come out of her mouth are parts of Neil Armstrong's famous speech. Nobody thinks anything's wrong, because she's always talked about space before, anyway. She goes home, frustrated, and writes out all her worries on her wall (even though she knows that's wrong). Her mother reads what she's written, her normal words come back, and her mother encourages her love of spacey things.
What I'm having a problem with here is that Margot could be interpreted as being on the autism spectrum. She has a fixed, narrow interest. She doesn't want to do anything else; when the other kids try to engage her in other activities, she just blurts space facts at them. She doesn't seem to be able to read other people or gauge situations, and tries to share her space facts at inappropriate times (like during a kickball game, or when she's called on in math class). She's aware she's different, but she doesn't seem to know what to do about it. Now, it wouldn't be a problem if Margot were autistic... except for the fact that the story seems to punish her for it. Through some supernatural justice system, she's condemned to repeat Neil Armstrong's speech as punishment for... what? Being obsessed with space? This punishment doesn't really serve to teach her anything (she's still just as obsessed with space at the end of the book, and presumably annoying her classmates with random facts). I almost got the feeling that there's supposed to be a "boy who cried wolf" thing going on here. But that's rather unfair, given the way the character is set up. In essence, Margot ends up being punished for her autism.
The pictures are fine, but I just don't feel right about the story. If it had taken a slightly different approach and perhaps addressed the elephant in the room, it might have worked better. Instead, we're left with a story about a girl who's punished for something that's out of her control. (Had she shown an ability to rein in her perseveration, I might have viewed her character a little differently. But since she seemed incapable of doing so, it felt unfair for her to be punished for it.)
I'm afraid I can't recommend this one.
Thank you to NetGalley and Annick Press for providing a digital ARC.
Margot is obsessed with space. All she wants to do is read about it. When she's not reading about it, she's talking about it... even if it's not an appropriate time or place. One day, she wakes up and the only things that come out of her mouth are parts of Neil Armstrong's famous speech. Nobody thinks anything's wrong, because she's always talked about space before, anyway. She goes home, frustrated, and writes out all her worries on her wall (even though she knows that's wrong). Her mother reads what she's written, her normal words come back, and her mother encourages her love of spacey things.
What I'm having a problem with here is that Margot could be interpreted as being on the autism spectrum. She has a fixed, narrow interest. She doesn't want to do anything else; when the other kids try to engage her in other activities, she just blurts space facts at them. She doesn't seem to be able to read other people or gauge situations, and tries to share her space facts at inappropriate times (like during a kickball game, or when she's called on in math class). She's aware she's different, but she doesn't seem to know what to do about it. Now, it wouldn't be a problem if Margot were autistic... except for the fact that the story seems to punish her for it. Through some supernatural justice system, she's condemned to repeat Neil Armstrong's speech as punishment for... what? Being obsessed with space? This punishment doesn't really serve to teach her anything (she's still just as obsessed with space at the end of the book, and presumably annoying her classmates with random facts). I almost got the feeling that there's supposed to be a "boy who cried wolf" thing going on here. But that's rather unfair, given the way the character is set up. In essence, Margot ends up being punished for her autism.
The pictures are fine, but I just don't feel right about the story. If it had taken a slightly different approach and perhaps addressed the elephant in the room, it might have worked better. Instead, we're left with a story about a girl who's punished for something that's out of her control. (Had she shown an ability to rein in her perseveration, I might have viewed her character a little differently. But since she seemed incapable of doing so, it felt unfair for her to be punished for it.)
I'm afraid I can't recommend this one.
Thank you to NetGalley and Annick Press for providing a digital ARC.
February 11, 2020
Margot can't help but to talk about outer space all the time, to the point where it alienates her from friends and family. But really, all she wants to be is heard. One morning, she wakes up and all she can say is Neil Armstrong's famous speech--one of the most important speeches relating to what lies beyond our world. And when nobody understands what she's trying to say, she lashes out. Why can't anybody understand her?
With beautiful cartoon-esque pencil drawings, Margot and the Moon Landing suggests that sometimes all anyone needs is to be listened to. For someone to say "I hear you", even if they aren't all that interested in moon landings. Luckily, Margot does have a happy ending in which her feelings and her facts are heard, and she's able to express her ideas in a much better format than just blurting them out. This is a great book that shows that collaboration can happen when there's an optimal work space, and understanding begins with communication. There's no need to stop loving one's interests, only a need to find someone who will listen, and listen intently. Great for the STEM-lover, and great for grades K-2.
Review cross-listed here!
With beautiful cartoon-esque pencil drawings, Margot and the Moon Landing suggests that sometimes all anyone needs is to be listened to. For someone to say "I hear you", even if they aren't all that interested in moon landings. Luckily, Margot does have a happy ending in which her feelings and her facts are heard, and she's able to express her ideas in a much better format than just blurting them out. This is a great book that shows that collaboration can happen when there's an optimal work space, and understanding begins with communication. There's no need to stop loving one's interests, only a need to find someone who will listen, and listen intently. Great for the STEM-lover, and great for grades K-2.
Review cross-listed here!
May 6, 2020
My daughter is obsessed with space. She wants to be an astronaut when she grows up. And her best friend is named Margot. And she eats dahl and rice! I loved everything about this book, and can’t wait to share it with my students. I think it’d be a great title to share to encourage their own exploration, sharing our feelings, or even learning about Buzz and Neil! The illustrations are lovely and filled with cute details, and diverse characters. #MargotandtheMoonLanding #NetGalley
December 18, 2019
*received for free from netgalley for honest review* Really cute book! This is a really important book I think too, I liked the message it sends to both kids and parents! 5 out of 5 without question, amazing story, adorable art and awesome characters :)
December 11, 2019
Margot lives and breathes space exploration, but no one else shares her fascination. This makes her feel unheard and isolated. In a sweet, beautiful, and unique manner, her mother makes a connection with her. I loved the message—many of us had a specific obsession, focus, or goal during childhood and it meant everything to us to get support from others. The illustrations are also wonderful. I read this via NetGalley, courtesy of the publisher.
November 25, 2019
A sweet story about a child with interests so intense and specific it makes it hard to make friends? ... I can relate too much. Without giving anything away, it feels like a lesson for any adults who might be reading the book as well.
November 26, 2019
What a charming children’s book. The story itself is classic (even classical), and the prose is clean and unassuming. But the real charm here is in the detail, both in the story itself and the accompanying beautiful illustrations: the little girl in the hijab on the playground; a main character of mixed ethnicity whose culture is both specific (“dahl”, “pièce de résistance”) and universal (definitely a Canadian); the casual note in Margot’s Space near the end where she’s almost imperceptibly scribbled that she’s “feeling grumpy today” (me too, Margot). There’s probably some room to think more deeply about the meaning of space here — Margot needs people to respect her space metaphorically as much as she needs actual space? — but the book works just as nicely if you’re reading with your heart or your eyes as if you’re reading with your English degree in hand. Definitely a winner. I’ll be buying a copy or two for gifts for friends’ kids!!
November 25, 2019
I loved this beautiful, heart-filled book. It's a special book with a really important message about loving what you love with total fierceness. I'm going to give this as a present to all of the smart and passionate little kids in my life.
November 23, 2019
A beautiful, relatable book for children and the adults reading it to them! Margot’s passion seemed to make her feel isolated and obsessive at times, which frustrated her, but with the support and compassion from her mother, who learned to listen to her and help give space for her enthusiasms, Margot achieves what I think everyone wants, especially children: to be seen, heard, and understood. Gorgeous, imaginative illustrations, too. I think I will enjoy this book as much as my son.
November 26, 2019
Margot and the Moon Landing threads the line between joy and nostalgia in the way all great children's books should. It's "message," if it has one, is easily digestible to speak to every child I know (and I know a lot of little kids), and universal enough to move even the toughest of adults (and I know a lot of big tough guys).
June 10, 2020
This review originally appeared on Mr. Alex's Bookshelf: https://mralexbookshelf.com/2020/06/0...
I had a hard time with this picture book; at first. I couldn’t get my head around it. Try as I may, I stumbled over and over its pages. And then I realized what was wrong. As an adult, I was meant to stumble. The book, in its brilliance, gives adults a candid look at how a child feels when she is completely ignored, set aside, and looked over– all in the guise of an innocent picture book. For children, it gives voice to their frustration. It teaches them to nevertheless, persist.
Margot dreams of space (the final frontier, for my die-hard Trekkers out there). She wants to talk about space with anyone who will listen. And nobody, listens. Her mother wants her to read books about princesses. Her friends and teachers ignore her. She even suffers from an apparent psychotic break (my characterization) and starts to talk in “Neil Armstrong” speak. And nobody even notices.
It is only after Margot scrawls her feelings on the wall of her room that her mother gets a clue. Finally, her mother begins to parent; and helps Margot find space to be herself.
For kids, the book is an excellent teaching tool in letting them know how important it is to communicate their feelings and thoughts. For parents, well, it reminds them that the word parent is also a verb. Adults reading the book will find that Fitzpatrick’s “adult-speak” may sometimes cut too close to home; and that’s okay. As long as there is self-awareness, there is growth.
Medina’s illustrations provide, especially in her carefully constructed facial expressions, all the feels: despair, anger, dismissiveness, loneliness, and finally contentment.
Will Margot get to space? We don’t know. But it sure is nice to see a girl, especially a brown one, persist in her quest to get there.
My thanks to the publisher for a review copy of this book. The opinions expressed herein are mine.
I had a hard time with this picture book; at first. I couldn’t get my head around it. Try as I may, I stumbled over and over its pages. And then I realized what was wrong. As an adult, I was meant to stumble. The book, in its brilliance, gives adults a candid look at how a child feels when she is completely ignored, set aside, and looked over– all in the guise of an innocent picture book. For children, it gives voice to their frustration. It teaches them to nevertheless, persist.
Margot dreams of space (the final frontier, for my die-hard Trekkers out there). She wants to talk about space with anyone who will listen. And nobody, listens. Her mother wants her to read books about princesses. Her friends and teachers ignore her. She even suffers from an apparent psychotic break (my characterization) and starts to talk in “Neil Armstrong” speak. And nobody even notices.
It is only after Margot scrawls her feelings on the wall of her room that her mother gets a clue. Finally, her mother begins to parent; and helps Margot find space to be herself.
For kids, the book is an excellent teaching tool in letting them know how important it is to communicate their feelings and thoughts. For parents, well, it reminds them that the word parent is also a verb. Adults reading the book will find that Fitzpatrick’s “adult-speak” may sometimes cut too close to home; and that’s okay. As long as there is self-awareness, there is growth.
Medina’s illustrations provide, especially in her carefully constructed facial expressions, all the feels: despair, anger, dismissiveness, loneliness, and finally contentment.
Will Margot get to space? We don’t know. But it sure is nice to see a girl, especially a brown one, persist in her quest to get there.
My thanks to the publisher for a review copy of this book. The opinions expressed herein are mine.
March 24, 2020
This is the story of Margot, a kid obsessed with space.
It has an element of magical realism when she becomes afflicted with a condition where she can't speak anything except the words used on the Apollo 11 space mission. I did like the actual quotes! There's the super-famous one, but there are lesser-known quotes as well (which shows us the extent of Margot's obsession).
However, I'm not sure I sympathized with Margot, especially during the wall-writing incident. I understand her frustration, but it came about because of her obsession. I'm not exactly sure what the take-away is for this book. It almost seems to be more for the parent and what to do if you have a childlike Margot. The solution is brought about by the parent.
I wish I liked this book more. I DID like to an extent, but I didn't love it as much as I hoped.
It has an element of magical realism when she becomes afflicted with a condition where she can't speak anything except the words used on the Apollo 11 space mission. I did like the actual quotes! There's the super-famous one, but there are lesser-known quotes as well (which shows us the extent of Margot's obsession).
However, I'm not sure I sympathized with Margot, especially during the wall-writing incident. I understand her frustration, but it came about because of her obsession. I'm not exactly sure what the take-away is for this book. It almost seems to be more for the parent and what to do if you have a childlike Margot. The solution is brought about by the parent.
I wish I liked this book more. I DID like to an extent, but I didn't love it as much as I hoped.
November 21, 2019
Can you hear me now?
September 29, 2020
Reach for the stars, Margot!
December 9, 2019
This is a really sweet children's book, with lovely illustrations and a refreshing message. Everyone can remember their one "weird" childhood obsession, and what a difference it makes when someone in your otherwise scheduled life encourages you to follow it.
December 4, 2020
I loved this book! While it doesn't explicitly say, I am under the impression that Margot is on the Autism spectrum. The fact that she hyperfocuses on one thing despite efforts from those around her to get her on track is where I got this idea. I think the purpose of the story is to show a moment when someone finally understands that Margot is not being heard or validated. I think this book has a subtle message of showing that while what a child is doing may appear to be outlandish or obsessive, it may just be their way of communicating. And true to a child's nature, when they don't feel heard they may do something drastic.
November 24, 2019
I am reviewing the digital arc I got from NetGalley and Annick Press.
First, let's start with the positives.
Margot is a young POC with an interest in space exploration. The illustrations themselves are really charming. I like how the story addresses a child's need to be heard and for her interests to be validated and acknowledged.
However...
It seems strange that NOBODY seems to pay attention to her in the beginning. She is ignored and even ostracized for her interest in science. Furthermore, the title of the book does not necessarily match the content. I really thought this was going to be about a little girl who grows up to pursue space exploration and astronomy, not about a child who has to learn how to deal with her feelings and being heard. It's a small thing, but I think the book would benefit from a new title and possibly even think about how to address her classmates and teachers ignored her, too.
First, let's start with the positives.
Margot is a young POC with an interest in space exploration. The illustrations themselves are really charming. I like how the story addresses a child's need to be heard and for her interests to be validated and acknowledged.
However...
It seems strange that NOBODY seems to pay attention to her in the beginning. She is ignored and even ostracized for her interest in science. Furthermore, the title of the book does not necessarily match the content. I really thought this was going to be about a little girl who grows up to pursue space exploration and astronomy, not about a child who has to learn how to deal with her feelings and being heard. It's a small thing, but I think the book would benefit from a new title and possibly even think about how to address her classmates and teachers ignored her, too.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 29, 2020
While there is nothing inheritly wrong with being interested in something, there is something wrong if all you ever want to talk about is Neil Armstrong's landing on the moon.
Margot has no friends, because she only wants to talk about the landing on the moon, and outer space, and such, and that can get boring fast.
And the book doesn't solve the problem. She is still going to be shunned at school, the only difference is that her mother lets her be more organized in her obsession.
It is a puzzling book, but the pictures are nice.
THanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
Margot has no friends, because she only wants to talk about the landing on the moon, and outer space, and such, and that can get boring fast.
And the book doesn't solve the problem. She is still going to be shunned at school, the only difference is that her mother lets her be more organized in her obsession.
It is a puzzling book, but the pictures are nice.
THanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
April 7, 2020
This was such a beautiful book. My kids loved it and I’ve been reading it over and over again. A really wonderful book that speaks volumes about understanding and connection. I would definitely recommend.
June 26, 2021
This is such a lovely representation of great parenting.
I liked the way they showed a girl loving space so completely. And I thought it was good to see the way she handled feeling lonely because people didn’t love it with her.
I liked the way they showed a girl loving space so completely. And I thought it was good to see the way she handled feeling lonely because people didn’t love it with her.
July 15, 2021
Much more a socioemotional book than a book about outer space, but it's so good i'm not even a little mad. A powerful story to every little voice who just wants to share everything about their hyperfixations but is constantly overlooked.
September 15, 2021
This was a sweet book with a nice message, with beautiful illustrations to match.
December 10, 2021
The perfect book for a kid that just longs to be heard.
May 31, 2020
This was such a wonderful children's book! It follows the story of Margot, a young girl, who is obsessed with outer space. So much so that it's the only thing she can talk about, and as a result, she has a hard time making friends. A young girl who's very specific interests makes it difficult to fit in was all too relatable for me.
The story illustrates that individual interests are a good thing, and deserve positive outlets. It also contains an important message for parents: listen to your children and pay attention to what they enjoy, and help foster spaces for them to grow and thrive and succeed. A quirky interest may seem like a phase, but can also lead to so much more.
The illustrations were enjoyable, the dialogue was simple and easy to understand, and the diversity was wonderful to see in a children's book. Overall, I enjoyed this book, and think it would be great for many young readers.
Thank you to the publisher, Annick Press, for providing me with a digital copy via NetGalley.
The story illustrates that individual interests are a good thing, and deserve positive outlets. It also contains an important message for parents: listen to your children and pay attention to what they enjoy, and help foster spaces for them to grow and thrive and succeed. A quirky interest may seem like a phase, but can also lead to so much more.
The illustrations were enjoyable, the dialogue was simple and easy to understand, and the diversity was wonderful to see in a children's book. Overall, I enjoyed this book, and think it would be great for many young readers.
Thank you to the publisher, Annick Press, for providing me with a digital copy via NetGalley.
January 16, 2021
“Every day and most nights, Margot read and reread her favorite books. They were all about space travel.”
Margot has a passion for space travel. It’s the only thing she ever reads about. Anytime she learns a new fact, “she would share it with everyone she met.” But adults and kids alike don’t really listen to Margot and don’t seem to care about her passion. When Margot goes to sleep wishing she never had to talk about anything but space, she wakes up the next morning with an unusual problem. “... every time she opened her mouth all that came out were transmissions from Neil Armstrong’s 1969 mission to the moon!” But still, no one seems to notice her problem because no one is listening. Finally, she gets so frustrated that she writes all her feelings out ... on the wall. Will her mother be mad at her?
The message: kids’ passions need to be noticed, appreciated and encouraged and above all, listened to.
Margot has a passion for space travel. It’s the only thing she ever reads about. Anytime she learns a new fact, “she would share it with everyone she met.” But adults and kids alike don’t really listen to Margot and don’t seem to care about her passion. When Margot goes to sleep wishing she never had to talk about anything but space, she wakes up the next morning with an unusual problem. “... every time she opened her mouth all that came out were transmissions from Neil Armstrong’s 1969 mission to the moon!” But still, no one seems to notice her problem because no one is listening. Finally, she gets so frustrated that she writes all her feelings out ... on the wall. Will her mother be mad at her?
The message: kids’ passions need to be noticed, appreciated and encouraged and above all, listened to.
August 21, 2020
I received a copy of Margot and the Moon Landing from Annick Press in exchange for an honest review.
I love books about science, about girls and their dreams, and books about the importance of speaking up and being heard. Margot and the Moon Landing does all of these things. Margot loves space - all she wants to do it read about space and to share all these amazing things she learned with the people around her. But no one is really listening and soon she feels like she might as well be an astronaut, miles away, with no one else around. She takes it out on her bedroom wall and this very act is what finally allows her mom to see that perhaps she was hearing, but not listening.
A great story about the importance of listening to others and also of speaking out even when it feels like no one is listening. Thank you Annick Press for the book!
I love books about science, about girls and their dreams, and books about the importance of speaking up and being heard. Margot and the Moon Landing does all of these things. Margot loves space - all she wants to do it read about space and to share all these amazing things she learned with the people around her. But no one is really listening and soon she feels like she might as well be an astronaut, miles away, with no one else around. She takes it out on her bedroom wall and this very act is what finally allows her mom to see that perhaps she was hearing, but not listening.
A great story about the importance of listening to others and also of speaking out even when it feels like no one is listening. Thank you Annick Press for the book!
December 6, 2019
Poor Margot doesn't feel like she belongs. While her friends want to play kickball and read about about animals or princess all she wants to do is talk about space travel. Only when she's alone her room can she really be herself and read about the moon landing until she falls asleep. One day Margot's frustrations at not being heard or seen for who she is boil over and she scribbles out her feeling all over walls. Instead of being mad though, Margot's mom realizes that Margot needs to be able to express herself and let her use her room to do just that. This is a lovely book about finding ways to express your frustration and anger and also being yourself.
October 7, 2020
Margot loves space. She uses all her time to learn more facts, and is so excited to share her knowledge. She feels left out and unheard when her mom, teacher, and friends seem uninterested. She finally has enough and let's her emotions out. If you read this just for the story aspect, it is great. This story has an important message for both kids and adults. Kids need help to feel understood and like they aren't alone. Adults need to stop being distracted constantly and be present in the child's life. This book is fantastic and I recommend it for everyone.
January 27, 2025
All that Margot wanted to read about was space, astronauts, the moon landing, and the stars. Nobody was interested in what she had to share about what she learned, at home or at school. One morning all that would come out of her mouth was Neil Armstrong’s speech and she had to get out her frustration. Great illustrations for this story about being seen and understood.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews