Book Review of Alycat and the Copycat
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The Children’s Book Review
What to Expect: STEM, Social-Emotional Learning, Collaboration, and Problem-solving
Alysson Foti Bourque’s latest addition to the Alycat series, Alycat and the Copycat, explores friendship, misunderstanding, and the complexities of perceived imitation.
The story, set against a school science fair backdrop, follows Alycat as she grapples with mounting frustration when her classmate Lucy seems to be copying her every move, from wearing the same shirt to creating an identical science project. This relatable scenario, one that many of us have experienced in our own lives, serves as a perfect springboard for discussing the sensitive topic of copying with young readers.
The narrative takes an unexpected turn when Alycat faces a sudden challenge with her project. This plot twist beautifully illustrates how initial perceptions can be misleading and how seemingly difficult situations can lead to surprising and positive outcomes. Bourque uses this moment to highlight the importance of keeping an open mind and not jumping to conclusions, especially when judging others’ intentions, cleverly demonstrating how quick judgments can lead to misunderstandings and how what appears to be deliberate imitation may have innocent explanations.
Bourque’s storytelling shines as she delves into the nuances of Alycat’s emotions, skillfully portraying the internal struggle between annoyance and empathy. She weaves important lessons about assumptions, kindness, and the value of giving others the benefit of the doubt into an engaging narrative. The science fair setting is not just a backdrop but a metaphor for how collaboration and sharing ideas can lead to better results. This sophisticated message will resonate with young readers and adults alike. The clever use of cat-themed puns adds a layer of humor that lightens the mood with wordplays that not only entertain but also serve as a subtle tool for language development.
Chiara Civati’s illustrations are everything we’ve come to expect from her work. They bring Bourque’s characters to life with vibrant colors and expressive details, effectively conveying the emotional journey of the characters. The full-page magical volcano explosion is a particular highlight, capturing the excitement and wonder of scientific experimentation and adding to the book’s appeal.
An added bonus is the inclusion of instructions for creating a volcano experiment at home, allowing young readers to extend their engagement with the story through hands-on learning. This feature cleverly bridges the gap between fiction and real-world application, encouraging curiosity and scientific exploration.
Alycat and the Copycat is more than just a story about a science fair; it’s a thoughtful examination of friendship, originality, and the importance of not jumping to conclusions. Bourque has crafted a tale that entertains while imparting valuable social and emotional lessons about dealing with perceived copycats and the rewards of keeping an open mind. This book is a worthy addition to any child’s bookshelf, offering essential insights into social dynamics that will serve young readers well beyond the classroom. Its potential for sparking meaningful discussions about social and emotional topics makes it a valuable resource for educators and parents alike.
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About the Author
Award-winning author, Alysson Foti Bourque, began her career as a teacher after graduating from the University of Louisiana Lafayette with a degree in Elementary Education. She earned a Juris Doctor law degree from the Southern University Law Center in 2007 and was honored to serve her state as Asst. Attorney General for 8 years. In 2016, Alysson began writing children’s books, including the Alycat Series and the Rhyme or Reason Travel Series. Alysson founded Expound Publicity to help authors market their books and was a news contributor for tv segments KidLit Picks and BookEnds.
For more information, check out alycatseries.com.
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