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Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.
Today, we're joining The Children's Book Review as we shine the book spotlight on a Picture Book that's turning everything on its head! From the title to the content, you'll be wondering which way is up, and how to get back down, but by book's end, Alycat is sure to have things sorted the right way round and learn a valuable lesson or two. So, let's get to the proper introductions, then take a closer look at The Art of Creating a Picture Book Series from the author's point of view! Ladies and gents, please welcome today's blog tour guest and title in the spotlight...
Alycat and the Cattywampus Wednesday
by
Alysson Foti Bourque
Illustrated by Chiara Civati
9781455626489
Pelican Publishing
About the book...
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.
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~~~ GUEST POST ~~~
The Art of Creating a Picture Book Series
by Alysson Foti Bourque
I didn’t always set out to be a children’s book author. Don’t get me wrong. I’ve always loved to write poetry and make up stories but any extra time I had was spent with my family, having two young kids. After teaching 1st grade for a year, I went off to law school and practiced as Assistant Attorney General for the State of Louisiana. After nearly eight years of practicing, I wanted something more out of a career. Something I was truly passionate about and that would leave a legacy. So, I took a temporary retirement to spend more time with my family and find a different path.
One evening, my children asked for more books for storytime as they had read every book on their overflowing bookshelf. I looked at the books on the shelf and the floor and simply told them I could write them a story for the next night. They jumped for joy and thought that it was a great idea. Because they believed in me, I dared to believe in myself. We tucked them and I took out a piece of paper and started to write. The story just unfolded as I channeled my childhood and my own children’s experiences.
The main character would be called Alycat. When I was in elementary school, I would daydream off into space and create stories and comics in my head. One of my teachers would snap her fingers at my daydreamed stare and say “Alycat, come back down to Earth”. The character, Alycat, represents all of us—the dreamers, the doers, and even the vulnerable. Everyone can relate to her at one point or another. She’s happy when she succeeds, sad when dessert runs out and can feel left out or misguided at times. But all in all, she realizes that no matter the circumstance, she can fix any issue with her imagination, creativity, and the support of their friends and family.
One book in 2016 has now turned into five books in a series, with a sixth on the way, and I hope readers continue to look to these books as resources for life skills. Writing a picture book series requires an author to completely immerse themselves into the world of their character. Each book must have the connectivity and emotions of the other books and each character must have their own distinct character trait. Here are the character traits of the Alycat friends:
Alycat – loves her friends, creative, wears her heart on her sleeve
Spotty – devoted friend, picker-upper when someone is down, witty
Bugsy – reserved, determined to succeed, never wants to miss out on fun
Mom – loving, warm, reserved
Dad – jack of all trades, simple, compassionate
Luna – outgoing, great at gymnastics, thoughtful
Phoebe – meek, crafty, always smiling,
Roux – excellent storyteller, loves to draw, great sportsmanship
Harvey – Athletic, good friend,
Kit – Reserved, shy, nurturing
Eleonor – considerate, supportive friend, respectful
Sam – leader, strong will, confident
Mrs. Purry – sentimental, compassionate, likes structure
Dr. Katz – brilliant, caring, determined
I hope that every reader can find themselves in one of the above characters. And that relating to a character in one of the Alycat stories somehow betters their lives.
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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.
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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
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Special thanks to Bianca at The Children's Book Review for the chance to bring this tour to you and to the author for the guest post. (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the author, the publisher, this tour, or those on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above. Be sure to check out the rest of the stops on the tour for more bookish fun!
TOUR SCHEDULE
Monday, May 9, 2022
A book review of
Alycat and the Cattywampus Wednesday
Tuesday, May 10, 2022
A book review of
Alycat and the Cattywampus Wednesday
Wednesday, May 11, 2022
A book review of
lycat and the Cattywampus Wednesday
Thursday, May 12, 2022
A book review of
Alycat and the Cattywampus Wednesday
Friday, May 13, 2022
A book giveaway of
Alycat and the Cattywampus Wednesday
Monday, May 16, 2022
An interview with
Author Alysson Foti Bourque
Tuesday, May 17, 2022
An article by author Author Alysson Foti Bourque
Wednesday, May 18, 2022
A book review of
Alycat and the Cattywampus Wednesday
Thursday, May 19, 2022
A book review of
Alycat and the Cattywampus Wednesday
Friday, May 20, 2022
A book review of
Alycat and the Cattywampus Wednesday
Saturday, May 21, 2022
A book review of
Alycat and the Cattywampus Wednesday
Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!
1 comment:
Thank you for the kind words about Alycat! I appreciate you reading it!
Alysson
alycatseries.com
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