We’re thrilled to have here today Freddy from Michelle Nott’s new Early Reader, Freddy, Hoppie and the Eyeglasses. Freddy is an eight year-old student.
It is a pleasure to have him with us today at Beyond the Books!
Thank you so much for this interview, Freddy. Now that the book has been written, do you feel you were fairly portrayed or would you like to set anything straight with your readers?
Michelle portrayed the troubles I was having very clearly. I just hope it didn’t look like I am poor in math, because I’m actually rather good at math.
Do you feel the author did a good job colorizing your personality? If not, how would you like to have been portrayed differently?
Yes. I actually really enjoy school, which is why I was hopping to get into class that day. But, I do get sad when my classmates laugh at me. Now that I have my glasses, though, I don’t do anything to make them laugh at me in a mean way anymore. I can see what’s going on now.
What do you believe is your strongest trait?
My imagination. When I didn’t know why everything was blurry, or why I couldn’t see the numbers on my ruler, or read the title of books at the library, I imagined Hoppie, a little frog that could help me.
Worse trait?
Stubborn. My eyesight problems had been going on much longer than you can tell from the book. I didn’t want to believe anything was wrong.
If you could choose someone in the television or movie industry to play your part if your book was made into a movie, who would that be (and you can’t say yourself!)?
Elias Harger would be a great choice!
Do you have a love interest in the book?
No! I’m only eight years old!
At what point of the book did you start getting nervous about the way it was going to turn out?
When I came home AGAIN with a terrible headache, I knew I had to tell my mom somehow.
If you could trade places with one of the other characters in the book, which character would you really not want to be and why?
I would not want to be my math partner who wouldn’t even put a star on my paper. He’s too negative.
How do you feel about the ending of the book without giving too much away?
I love it. I feel better about myself, and I know Hoppie is helping a lot of other children too.
What words of wisdom would you give your author if s/he decided to write another book with you in it?
I didn’t get to show off my baseball talent in this book or how well I draw. Maybe she could write about all that one day.
Thank you for this interview, Freddy. Will we be seeing more of you in the future?
I hope so!
ABOUT THE BOOK
Title: Freddy, Hoppie and the Eyeglasses
Genre: Early Reader, ages 6-9
Author: Michelle Nott
Website: www.authormichellenott.com
Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing
Purchase link: http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/freddy-hoppie.htm
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Freddy-Hoppie-Eyeglasses-Michelle-Nott/dp/1616337338
Freddy, Hoppie and the Eyeglasses is about a little boy and his imaginary frog named Hoppie. Whenever Freddy struggles, Hoppie helps out. Specifically, Freddy’s having problems at school that he doesn’t realize stem from his poor eyesight. Not sure how to tell Mom about his trouble, he explains that Hoppie is the one with headaches, etc. Of course, Mom understands that Hoppie is the tool that Freddy uses to express himself. So, she takes Freddy (and Hoppie) to see the eye doctor. When Freddy leaves with brand new eyeglasses, Hoppie stays to assist the eye doctor with the other young patients.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Before becoming an author, Michelle Nott enjoyed being a French teacher (pre-K to university levels) in the U.S., working for a French company in Paris and an art gallery in NYC. She has also edited and written articles for numerous on-line and print magazines in the American and European markets.
In 2004, Michelle moved to Belgium. When she noticed that her daughters’ book collection included more French titles than English ones, she decided to put her creative writing degree to use. Many of these early stories can be found on her blog Good Night, Sleep Tight where she also reflects on raising Third Culture Kids.
In 2015, Michelle and her family returned to the U.S. But with American and French citizenship, they travel to Europe regularly. Their favorite places include the French Alps, the Belgian countryside, and the Cornish coast in the UK. Her family’s life and adventures prove great inspirations for her stories.
Freddy, Hoppie and the Eyeglasses is Michelle’s first book for children. Her future children’s books are represented by Essie White at Storm Literary Agency. She is a member of SCBWI, Children’s Book Insider and Houston Writer’s Guild.
Connect with Michelle Nott on the Net!
@MimiLRN
Beyond the Books 