Book: Freckle Face From Outer Space
Q1. Please introduce yourself so that the readers will get to know you better.
My name is Margaret Montavon and I am so excited to be featured here today! I am an actor, producer, writer, and educator who believes in harnessing the transformative power of the arts to tell meaningful stories, spark crucial dialogues, incite curiosity, and inspire creativity and positive social change. I earned a BA in Theatre Performance from Marymount Manhattan College, a Master’s in Education from Northeastern University, and have worked as both a performer and a teacher all over New York City. Now, I am currently executive producing several forthcoming television series, as well as promoting my first published children’s book, Freckle Face From Outer Space!
Q2. What is your inspiration behind your book “Freckle Face From Outer Space”?
I was a new student at a new school in first grade, where a classmate nicknamed me “freckle face from outer space” because of my freckles. I’d never felt self-conscious about my appearance like that before, and it began my journey of overly scrutinizing myself. Years later, I thought- what if I take that story, turn it into something more joyful, and use my experience to talk to children about inclusivity amidst uniqueness? So… I did just that!
Q3. When did you realize you wanted to be an author of children’s book?
I was feeling hugely depressed while in the throes of COVID lockdown in May 2020. Something was tapping at the inside of my brain, so I sat down one day at my computer, and out came this book. I did it because I felt I had to, but it wasn’t until I really lingered with and tweaked the project that I realized how much joy it brought me, too.
Q4. Are you planning to release your next book soon?
I hope to release at least 9 more standalone books featuring the same characters found in Freckle Face From Outer Space. If all goes well, hopefully my next book will be released in spring/summer 2022!
Q5. For which age group are your books suitable?
This book is a great classroom read-aloud (and independent reading book) for children ages 5-8. The book’s vivid illustrations and lyric rhyme scheme make it an excellent book for reading to younger children as well.
Q6. What is your favorite Quote?
I have MANY quotes that I savor, but one that has really resonated with me in recent days is actually a line from a poem by Erin Hanson. I have it framed at my desk, and it reads: “There is freedom waiting for you on the breezes of the sky, And you ask, ‘What if I fall?’ Oh but my darling, what if you fly?”
Q7. What do you like the most about your country?
It’s certainly flawed, but having independence and accessibility to opportunities is something I try to never take for granted.
Q8. What suggestion do you want to give to parents of little readers regarding a reading habit?
Make it a family endeavor- if your child sees you taking the time to read (both with or without them), they’ll pick up on that and make it more of a priority. It also should be FUN, so approaching reading and sharing stories with a sense of wonder (instead of a chore-like mindset) is hugely helpful.
Q9. What does literary success look like to you?
For me, this project was never about making money- it was about getting a special passion project into the hands of young readers and loved ones, and that has been achieved. Seeing young readers hold and enjoy this book has brought joy to my life beyond compare, and if this book continues to succeed and more people can find something meaningful in this story, that, in my mind, is success.
Q10. Lastly, who is your inspiration in life and why?
I feel fortunate to have an incredible support system of my husband, family, and friends, all of whom inspire me daily with their love, kindness, and accomplishments. I think if we’ve learned anything over the last 18 months in this topsy-turvy world, it’s that time is precious and our loved ones are, too, so being able to witness their growing families, respective successes, and enjoyment of life in all of its facets is, to me, a huge inspiration in and of itself every single day.
Book Is Available On Amazon
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