Alycat and the Cattywampus Wednesday
Written by Alysson Foti Bourque
Illustrated by Chiara Civati
Ages 3-8 | 32 Pages
Publisher: Pelican Publishing | ISBN-13: 9781455626489
Publisher’s Synopsis: Alycat wakes up to seafood gumbo for breakfast, and even though her house is the first stop for the school bus, the bus is already full when she boards. Alycat’s whole day is turning topsy-turvy. What is happening? Young readers will tag along on Alycat’s adventures during her very “cattywampus” Wednesday and learn that a little help from some friends and a good attitude can make your day.
Available for purchase on Amazon, Bookshop, and Barnes and Noble.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Award-winning author Alysson Foti Bourque is a certified elementary education teacher and earned a law degree from the Southern University Law Center in 2007. After practicing law for six years, she traded writing trial briefs for writing children’s books. Alysson collaborates with non-profits to support philanthropic initiatives and enjoys speaking with children and teachers at schools and libraries, where she is accompanied by the life-size Alycat mascot.
For more information, visit the author's:
AUTHOR INTERVIEW
Life Is What It's Called - What inspired you to write Alycat and the Cattywampus Wednesday?
Alysson Foti Bourque - I was inspired to write Alycat and the Cattywampus Wednesday during the pandemic when the world seemed strange, odd, and a bit skewed. I knew that readers needed a resource to cope with an abnormal world, and this story is written to provide comfort and grace on any unusual or strange day for them.
Life Is What It's Called - What do you think readers would like most about this book?
Alysson Foti Bourque - I believe readers will gravitate towards the innuendos and wacky events that occur on each page and enjoy guessing how Alycat will react to each wild encounter. There are literary Easter Eggs hidden throughout, and I hope readers enjoy finding them!
Life Is What It's Called - What lessons can readers gain from reading Alycat and the Cattywampus Wednesday?
Alysson Foti Bourque - Readers can use this book as a tool to gain the confidence to conquer a day where things just aren’t going right. Alycat could get frazzled and upset by the changes and uncertainties throughout the book. But she relies on her friends and family for comfort and stability to get through the strange day. I hope readers will use this book as a tool to know that they can get through whatever life throws at them and find solace in knowing that sometimes things are out of our control, and we can’t plan.
Alysson Foti Bourque - I believe readers will gravitate towards the innuendos and wacky events that occur on each page and enjoy guessing how Alycat will react to each wild encounter. There are literary Easter Eggs hidden throughout, and I hope readers enjoy finding them!
Life Is What It's Called - What lessons can readers gain from reading Alycat and the Cattywampus Wednesday?
Alysson Foti Bourque - Readers can use this book as a tool to gain the confidence to conquer a day where things just aren’t going right. Alycat could get frazzled and upset by the changes and uncertainties throughout the book. But she relies on her friends and family for comfort and stability to get through the strange day. I hope readers will use this book as a tool to know that they can get through whatever life throws at them and find solace in knowing that sometimes things are out of our control, and we can’t plan.
Life Is What It's Called - Why do you feel it is important to utilize positive thinking with change?
Alysson Foti Bourque- It appears that everywhere you turn— the news, social media, friend conversations—the topic of discussion is always geared toward what’s wrong with society. We can change that narrative by employing positive affirmations and anticipating good in the world and teach our kids to be leaders of positive thinking. Our children hear our conversations and mimic what we, as adults, conversate about and believe. The world is always changing, that won’t change, but we can correct the way we deal with uncertain situations. By being a leader of positive thinking, we can encourage an upbeat attitude among others around us, keep morale high, increase productivity, and encourage growth with their energy, interests, and their actions.
Life Is What It's Called - What are some discussions that parents or teachers can have after reading your book at home or in the classroom?
Alysson Foti Bourque - No matter how backward Alycat’s day gets, friends and family are still there for her, and she can rely on them. Kids need their own security and people who are constants in their lives. Hopefully, parents can use this book in conversation to remind their children to turn to loved ones who have and will always be there for them when their day goes cattywampus.
Life Is What It's Called - Do you have any suggestions for other tools parents can use to help children cope with change?
Alysson Foti Bourque - Change can be difficult for children. Whether it is a change in weather or a change in schools, it can be overwhelming for a child to cope with. Parents can help alleviate the stress of change by doing the following:
Life Is What It's Called - How have your experiences helped you to write this book?
Alysson Foti Bourque - I wrote this book during the pandemic when I felt that the future was uncertain, and every day felt different than the last. Not knowing when the world would feel “normal” again, I began to wonder how kids must feel. They were suddenly pulled from school and their friends with no end in sight. I found so much comfort in relying on the fact that if I picked up the phone and called, my friends were still there to answer. And my family was still there—just at a distance. We went through each day, taking it one day at a time, and accepted that sometimes a day or year may be cattywampus. This experience led me to write Alycat and the Cattywampus Wednesday where Alycat is faced with a backward day and must take it one step at a time. She finds comfort in relying on friends and family and “rolls with the punches”.
Alysson Foti Bourque- It appears that everywhere you turn— the news, social media, friend conversations—the topic of discussion is always geared toward what’s wrong with society. We can change that narrative by employing positive affirmations and anticipating good in the world and teach our kids to be leaders of positive thinking. Our children hear our conversations and mimic what we, as adults, conversate about and believe. The world is always changing, that won’t change, but we can correct the way we deal with uncertain situations. By being a leader of positive thinking, we can encourage an upbeat attitude among others around us, keep morale high, increase productivity, and encourage growth with their energy, interests, and their actions.
Life Is What It's Called - What are some discussions that parents or teachers can have after reading your book at home or in the classroom?
Alysson Foti Bourque - No matter how backward Alycat’s day gets, friends and family are still there for her, and she can rely on them. Kids need their own security and people who are constants in their lives. Hopefully, parents can use this book in conversation to remind their children to turn to loved ones who have and will always be there for them when their day goes cattywampus.
Life Is What It's Called - Do you have any suggestions for other tools parents can use to help children cope with change?
Alysson Foti Bourque - Change can be difficult for children. Whether it is a change in weather or a change in schools, it can be overwhelming for a child to cope with. Parents can help alleviate the stress of change by doing the following:
- Create a diversion. Take their mind off the situation by redirecting their attention to happy thoughts or an activity that they love.
- If the change involves a new setting, visit the place together several times before the start of the change. If it’s a new school, schedule play dates with other children who are in the same class. Or tour the school several times to create a sense of belonging and homeliness.
- Have the child write a letter or draw a picture of what he/she is feeling. After several months, have the child draw or write a letter again of how they feel to see how time heals all. Keep these entries for the future to reinforce that “this too shall pass”.
Life Is What It's Called - How have your experiences helped you to write this book?
Alysson Foti Bourque - I wrote this book during the pandemic when I felt that the future was uncertain, and every day felt different than the last. Not knowing when the world would feel “normal” again, I began to wonder how kids must feel. They were suddenly pulled from school and their friends with no end in sight. I found so much comfort in relying on the fact that if I picked up the phone and called, my friends were still there to answer. And my family was still there—just at a distance. We went through each day, taking it one day at a time, and accepted that sometimes a day or year may be cattywampus. This experience led me to write Alycat and the Cattywampus Wednesday where Alycat is faced with a backward day and must take it one step at a time. She finds comfort in relying on friends and family and “rolls with the punches”.
Life Is What It's Called - Would you like to tell us about some of the other books you have written?
Alysson Foti Bourque - The Alycat Series features five titles: Alycat and the Thursday Dessert Day (2016), Alycat and the Monday Blues (2017), Alycat and the Friendship Friday (2018), Alycat and the Tournament Tuesday (2020), and Alycat and the Cattywampus Wednesday (2022). The series has won over 17 awards, has original songs on iTunes and YouTube, and has been featured in the Official Grammy’s Swag Bag and Oscar’s Gift Bag.
Having a background in elementary education, I know the importance of connecting the reader with the story emotionally and physically. By adding a craft or activity at the end, readers can continue the journey with the character after finishing the book and foster a greater love for reading. In Alycat and the Thursday Dessert Day, there is a recipe to make Alycat’s Popcorn Popsicles in the back of the book since she made this dessert in the story. Alycat and the Monday Blues has a song with lyrics that the reader can sing as Alycat did in the story’s talent show. Alycat and the Tournament Tuesday has a glossary of golf words to entice readers to pick a club and try something new. Alycat and the Friendship Friday has instructions to make Friendship Friday Bracelets as Alycat did to solve her friendship problem. And the new book has tips for dealing with a cattywampus day. By connecting crafts and activities to their reading, it increases reading comprehension and a love for literature.
I believe books are a powerful tool and resource for our young generation, and The Alycat Series aims to bring more positive, self-motivating stories into children’s lives. This series reflects on themes of friendship, imagination, creativity, and problem-solving and I hope Alycat and her friends will encourage young readers to find their special gifts, shine brightly, and support their peers around them.
GIVEAWAY
Enter for a chance to win a copy of Alycat and the Cattywampus Wednesday and a plush Alycat!
One (1) winner receives:
One (1) winner receives:
Alycat and the Cattywampus Wednesday: Book Giveaway
Alysson Foti Bourque - The Alycat Series features five titles: Alycat and the Thursday Dessert Day (2016), Alycat and the Monday Blues (2017), Alycat and the Friendship Friday (2018), Alycat and the Tournament Tuesday (2020), and Alycat and the Cattywampus Wednesday (2022). The series has won over 17 awards, has original songs on iTunes and YouTube, and has been featured in the Official Grammy’s Swag Bag and Oscar’s Gift Bag.
Having a background in elementary education, I know the importance of connecting the reader with the story emotionally and physically. By adding a craft or activity at the end, readers can continue the journey with the character after finishing the book and foster a greater love for reading. In Alycat and the Thursday Dessert Day, there is a recipe to make Alycat’s Popcorn Popsicles in the back of the book since she made this dessert in the story. Alycat and the Monday Blues has a song with lyrics that the reader can sing as Alycat did in the story’s talent show. Alycat and the Tournament Tuesday has a glossary of golf words to entice readers to pick a club and try something new. Alycat and the Friendship Friday has instructions to make Friendship Friday Bracelets as Alycat did to solve her friendship problem. And the new book has tips for dealing with a cattywampus day. By connecting crafts and activities to their reading, it increases reading comprehension and a love for literature.
I believe books are a powerful tool and resource for our young generation, and The Alycat Series aims to bring more positive, self-motivating stories into children’s lives. This series reflects on themes of friendship, imagination, creativity, and problem-solving and I hope Alycat and her friends will encourage young readers to find their special gifts, shine brightly, and support their peers around them.
GIVEAWAY
Enter for a chance to win a copy of Alycat and the Cattywampus Wednesday and a plush Alycat!
One (1) winner receives:
- A copy of Alycat and the Cattywampus Wednesday by Alysson Foti Bourque
- A plush Alycat
One (1) winner receives:
- A copy of Alycat and the Cattywampus Wednesday by Alysson Foti Bourque
Alycat and the Cattywampus Wednesday: Book Giveaway
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