Interview with children’s author Christine Mott – lisahaselton.com
Children’s author Christine Mott is helping me kick off a new week. We’re chatting about her new children’s picture book, Free Bird: Flaco the Owl’s Dreams Take Flight.
Bio:
Christine Mott is an attorney and animal advocate with over fifteen years of experience leading legal and policy efforts to protect animals. She advises alternative protein companies, animal sanctuaries and other animal protection and sustainability-focused organizations. Christine is a former Chair of the Animal Law Committee of the NYC Bar Association and has served on the boards of various animal advocacy organizations. Christine received her J.D. from NYU Law and her B.A. from Smith College. Christine’s work has been featured in the New York Times and various media. A native New Yorker, Christine currently lives in California with her family. She is the author of Free Bird: Flaco the Owl’s Dreams Take Flight.
Please tell us about your current release.
Free Bird: Flaco the Owl’s Dreams Take Flight is an inspiring picture book based on a true story for children ages 4-8 chronicling the adventures of Flaco the owl as he escapes from a zoo to follow his dreams of flying free and enjoying freedom in the wilds of NYC.
Flaco, a brave and determined owl, dreams of breaking free from his cage at the zoo and soaring through the sky. One day, he seizes the opportunity to escape and finally experience the freedom he has always longed for. Follow Flaco as he navigates the bustling streets of New York City, learns to fly, and makes new friends along the way.
Through Flaco’s eyes, children will learn the importance of following their dreams and showing compassion for wild animals. This heartwarming tale is beautifully illustrated and will leave a lasting impression on readers of all ages. Join Flaco on his incredible adventure and be inspired to reach for the stars!
This book comes with a bonus educational section in the back for all the curious readers. Discover amazing facts about owls that will make early learning fun and help connect the story to the real world.
What inspired you to write this book?
I wrote Free Bird based on the true story of Flaco the Owl who famously escaped his cage at the Central Park Zoo and enjoyed the last year of his life in freedom. I wanted Flaco’s amazing story to live on and help children develop empathy for animals. Flaco’s life and legacy showed the world that in the ways that truly matter, people and animals are the same. We all feel, we dream, we suffer, we feel joy. Every child can relate to having a big dream, and feeling like it might be impossible to achieve that dream. This book encourages children to dream big, persevere and believe in themselves and in doing so identify with Flaco, and ultimately encourages children to consider the feelings of animals.
Flaco was a Eurasian Eagle Owl, the largest species of owl in the world with a 6-foot wingspan. He spent the first 12 years of his life in a small solitary enclosure. In nature, Eagle owls fly up to 20 miles per day with a territory size of 30 sq. miles. In captivity Flaco never even had the chance to fly. He couldn’t hunt, socialize with other owls or engage in any natural behaviors. That all changed one night when a hole mysteriously appeared in the mesh ceiling of Flaco’s cage. For an owl who had only known captivity his whole life, Flaco bravely embraced the opportunity to choose his own destiny. In doing so he reclaimed his identity as an owl. He taught himself to fly and hunt for food. He made a home in the trees of Central Park and boldly expanded his territory throughout the city. He proudly hooted in the night sky (hooting was something very rarely did at the zoo). After his escape the zoo made many attempts to recapture him, but Flaco outsmarted the traps, becoming the most famous owl in the world. Petitions emerged supporting Flaco’s bid for freedom and urging the zoo to call off their recapture attempts. The zoo finally relented and admirers cheered Flaco on as he learned to fly, find food and make a life for himself, enjoying the very best year of his life.
While kids will enjoy Flaco’s fun adventure and be inspired to follow their own dreams, I see Free Bird as an opportunity to cultivate compassion for animals, allowing children to sympathize with Flaco and other animals as individuals with feelings similar to our own.
What do you enjoy most about writing children’s books?
I’ve always enjoyed writing as a form of expression. As a mom of two young children, most of my reading list is currently made up of picture books so it was a natural progression to want to create my own children’s book that was entertaining while gently carrying an important message. My favorite part of writing children’s books is the opportunity to make kids see the world from another perspective.
What exciting project are you working on next?
I am working on more animal-centric children’s books…stay tuned!
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
The moment I held a hard copy of Free Bird in my hands, I officially felt like a “real writer” and that feeling was reconfirmed when my book won its first award (Free Bird is the winner of the 2025 Children’s Book International Competition by the American Writing Awards in the animals/pet category).
What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I like to embed little references to things of personal meaning that the average person may not think much of (but they will make family and close friends smile).
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I have loved animals as long as I can remember. When I was a child I wanted to be a veterinarian. I ended up choosing a career (animal law) to help animals in different ways.
Anything additional you want to share with the readers?
50% of the proceeds from the book will be donated to the Wild Bird Fund, a nonprofit organization that rehabilitates sick, injured and orphaned wildlife and releases them back to the wilds of New York City.
