Award-Winning Books

Every true Texan knows that the best chili—in fact, the only real chili—can be found only in the Lone Star State. A Bowl of Red makes the taste buds tingle and the heart sing. It is a bowl of tradition, passed down through families and generations, that American humorist Will Rogers once called a “bowl of blessedness.”             This colorful picture book for young readers traces the origins and development of the official state dish of Texas. Did you know that a Texas Ranger was the first person to can chili and sell it outside the state? Can you believe that people in Ohio serve their chili mixed with chocolate! With such fun facts throughout and an authentic Texas chili recipe from Lady Bird Johnson’s White House days, children and adults will turn the pages and find themselves hankering for a bite. Whether you like yours spooned over a baked potato, served with corn chips, or eaten straight from a bowl, it’s chili time, y’all!

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!   The themes of the books in the Alycat Series all reflect a reliance on friendships, imagination, and creativity towards problem solving. The character traits of Alycat and her friends inspire and encourage young readers to find their own special gifts. People are talking . . . “When things aren’t purr-fect, what do you do to add a paws-itive spin to your day? Kids will fall in love with this topsy-turvy story of Alycat’s dreamy day going a bit cattywampus!” —Dion Leonard, New York Times bestselling author  “Change can be scary and difficult to cope with, but Alycat and the Cattywampus Wednesday helps readers to understand that positive thinking and the right mindset can help make new or uncertain circumstances feel exciting and fun instead. This entertaining and gentle story illustrates important strategies for coping with change, such as reaching out to friends and thinking creatively.” —The Children’s Book Review  The Alycat Series features five titles: Alycat and the Thursday Dessert Day, Alycat and the Monday Blues, Alycat and the Friendship Friday, Alycat and the Tournament Tuesday, and Alycat and the Cattywampus Wednesday. The books in this series have won more than 17 awards, including the NYC Big Book Award, the Mom’s Choice Awards, and the Next Generation Indie Book Awards; have been featured in Kirkus Reviews and Publishers Weekly; and have appeared in the Oscars celebrity swag bag and the Grammy Awards gift bag. Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, featured Bourque and her life-size mascot, Alycat, on her popular YouTube channel Little Red News.