Publishers Weekly - 27.01.2020

PICTURE BOOKS
Alycat and the
Tournament Tuesday
Alysson Foti Bourque, illus. by
Chiara Civati | Mascot
32 pages, hardcover, $14.95,
ISBN 978-1-64543-108-4
In Bourque’s charming
fourth picture book fea-
turing anthropomorphic cat
Alycat (after Alycat and the
Friendship Friday), Bugsy,
Alycat’s brother, learns a
lesson about relying on
himself rather than on luck. As the feline family is leaving for
Bugsy’s golf tournament, he realizes he forgot his lucky golf
ball, one with a star on it. His sister nearly stepped on it earlier,
but she’s nice enough to run back into the house and get it for
him. It isn’t until they reach the tournament green that Alycat
realizes she brought the wrong ball. Hoping to teach Bugsy
that he can succeed with or without the real lucky ball, she
quickly draws a star on the new ball and hands it over.
Naturally, he plays well even after he discovers the deception.
Civati’s clear, evocative digital illustrations underscore a
lovingly written but slightly too earnest story. Poor Bugsy
seems a bit harried; his parents repeatedly remind him that his
skill comes from hard work and practice, and Alycat scolds him
for leaving his ball where it could trip her. However, when
Alycat manipulates her brother (with the best of intentions)
and lies to him, she faces no repercussions—not even a stern
look from their parents. Bugsy’s distress when he learns about
the swap is waved away, as is
a friend’s suggestion that
Alycat simply fess up about
having made a mistake.
The story is about Bugsy and
his accomplishments, but it’s
told from Alycat’s perspective,
which makes it a little harder to
give Bugsy full credit for
playing well and overcoming
his anxiety, and underscores
the absence of any conse-
quences for Alycat’s poor
behavior. However, returning
Alycat fans will be happy to see
more of their favorite heroine
and her visually diverse cast of
feline family and friends. The
book is also a beginner’s intro-
duction to the sport of golf,
with a helpful glossary in the
back. Cat fans will be won over
by the whimsical artwork and
Bugsy’s triumph.

Production grades
Cover: A
Design & typography: A-
Illustrations: A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A

This sweet and

beautifully illustrated

story will captivate

young cat fanciers

and parents who

want to teach their

children about

self-reliance.

Great for fans of

Stan and Jan

Berenstain, Janette

Sebring Lowrey.

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