Book Details:
Book Title: Alycat and the Monday Blues by Alysson Foti Bourque
Illustrations by: Chiara Civati
Category: Children's Fiction, 32 pages
Genre: Children's Picture Book
Publisher: Mascot Books
Release date: Sept 12, 2017
Tour dates: Sept 18 to Oct 6, 2017
Content Rating: G (appropriate for all audiences)
Book Description:
Alycat wakes up with the dreaded Monday Blues and is certain that nothing will go right. But when a mishap sends her astray, she discovers that helping a friend will help her discover her own hidden talent—curing her Monday Blues.
To read reviews, please visit Alysson Foti Bourque's page on iRead Book Tours.
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My Review:
Ok I have to just say I am a 40 something woman and I loved this adorable book. This is one book I really enjoyed not only reading to the kids but I personally enjoyed it. Not just the story either. The illustrations are are top notch. They are so colorful, bright, and eye catching. The pictures themselves pretty much tell the story without the words. The story itself is great. Not only is is a sweet story but it also teaches a lesson. I really like reading stories to the kids that have meaning more then just a cutesy story.
The story is about Alycat. Alycat wakes up on a Monday morning and just can't get it together. She just wants to go back to bed. Lord knows I have a lot of Mondays as I am sure we all do. Mom tells her she must go to school an that she must work out her problems.
One of her biggest worries for the day is the talent show is coming up the next day and she has no clue what her talent will be. Still worrying and thinking about what she would do for the show she ran across Spotty. Spotty was practicing his saxophone for the show, he played wonderfully but wanted some lyrics to go with his music. Together they decide Spotty would play the sax and Alycat would sing. Both friends get very excited and now can't wait for tomorrow.
Alysson Foti Bourque has done a wonderful job with this story and Chiara Civati has done a wonderful job with the illustrations. This book would make a great bedtime story or even a great story when your child is having a bad day.
Meet the Author:
Alysson Foti Bourque is the author of the Rhyme or ReasonTravel series, and the multi-award winning Alycat series. Alysson received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and a law degree from Southern University Law Center in Baton Rouge. She believes that there is an Alycat in all of us, encouraging our imaginations to guide us through new opportunities and adventures.
Connect with the author: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook
Interview with Alysson Foti Bourque
Which was the easiest character to write?
Which was the easiest character to write?
The easiest character to write was Bugsy. Bugsy represents my own son and I wanted this character to exemplify the delightful characteristics that he possesses. He is a reserved, empathetic, talented kid with a heart of gold.
Why the name “Bugsy”?
Why the name “Bugsy”?
When my son was born, we called him “Buddy” as a nickname. My daughter was only 22 months old when he was born and she pronounced it as “Bugsy”. So the name stuck.
What is Spotty’s role in the story?
What is Spotty’s role in the story?
Spotty, Alycat’s best friend, represents what friendship should look like. When I was a child, I had a cat named Spotty. He looked just like Spotty in the story. On a bad day, I would come home and tell Spotty all about my problems. He would listen, purr, and distract me from those dilemmas. So Spotty is written to be that friend that brings positivity, support, and compassion to your life.
In your book, you added a new character, Luna. How did you come up with this character?
In your book, you added a new character, Luna. How did you come up with this character?
The character, Luna, is inspired by a real-life cat that belongs to my author friend, Jennifer Niven. When Jennifer posted a picture on social media of her precious cat, Luna Lovefold, I initially thought that she looked a lot like Alycat with her ears folded down. At the same time, I was contemplating over the new character’s name and when Jennifer described Luna as utterly fearless, curious, quiet and quick—I knew Luna exemplified this character. So Luna it was! Check out her Harry Potter inspired bow in the book also!
Your new book contains a foreword written by New York Times best-selling author, Jennifer Niven. Tell us about that.
Your new book contains a foreword written by New York Times best-selling author, Jennifer Niven. Tell us about that.
Jennifer is a remarkable writer and extraordinary person who addresses important, yet heavy, topics in her beautifully-written books. Alycat and the Monday Blues has a common theme with Niven’s books of loving yourself and discovering what is special about YOU! In her foreword she discusses the significance of conquering tough situations or blue days with love— which help people of all ages to deal with difficult issues.
What’s the most courageous thing you’ve ever done?
What’s the most courageous thing you’ve ever done?
Taking the Louisiana Bar Exam and passing the first time.
Name a quirky thing you like to do.
Name a quirky thing you like to do.
I am superstitious so I have to get out of the bed on the same side every morning, sleep with closet/bathroom doors closed, line up everyone’s outfits for the next day, and unplug all minor appliances. And this is only my morning/night routine.
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Ends Oct 14
I really enjoyed this book and so do my Grand kids. Thank you for the review copy. Best wishes to you and your books!!
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