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.

A.C. FITZPATRICK is a writer, editor, and former bookseller living in Toronto, Ontario who has written for Rookie, Rolling Stone, and The New Yorker. She has never been to outer space but thinks it would be pretty cool. 

A.C. Fitzpatrick's profile page

ERIKA MEDINA is a Mexican illustrator and book publicist living and working in Vancouver, British Columbia. She is interested in storytelling, myths and legends, and scary stories. Erika is the illustrator of several picture books, including Margot and the Moon Landing, 48 Grasshopper Estates, and Adela's Mariachi Band (August 2024).

Erika Medina's profile page

• Commended, Best Bets List, Honourable Mention, OLA
• Joint winner, Best Books for Kids & Teens, Canadian Children's Book Centre

“There are several valuable themes in this book, including listening, communication and forgiveness . . . Margot and the Moon Landing is very well written and effectively conveys a variety of emotions throughout the story. Medina’s illustrations are beautiful and would be engaging for children.”

CM Reviews, *starred review, 04/03/20

“A charming picture book about both a child and her obsessions and frustration, anger, and repair.”

Kirkus Reviews, 03/02/20

“A nice addition promoting individuality and the importance of being heard and staying true to yourself.”

School Library Journal, 04/20

“A great book to help children understand and express their feelings.”

Youth Services Book Review, 12/31/19

“This is a great book for children who like to dream big or love outer space. The soft, inviting illustrations expressively depict Margot’s emotions and imagination, and it’s wonderful to see a brown-skinned girl at the center of this STEM-based story.”

Booklist, 03/15/20