National Alycat Day is observed annually on February 23 and celebrates the power within each of us to create our own happiness through courage. Life doesn’t always go as planned—and that’s okay. When challenges arise, the message is simple: don’t give up. We all already have what we need inside ourselves to persevere.
Alycat reminds us that it’s okay to struggle sometimes and that strength doesn’t mean going it alone. True courage is being brave enough to ask for help from friends, family, and those around us. Most importantly, keep going. Your fears don’t know your strength.
Happiness isn’t something we search for—it’s something we build from within through courage, perseverance, creativity, and friendship.
A Free Badge, Poster, and Lesson Plan are available on The Alycat Series website.
History of National Alycat Day
The Alycat Series is a multi-award-winning children’s book series created by Alysson Foti Bourque that began in 2016 as a simple bedtime story she told her own children and grew into a beloved brand used by families, classrooms, and libraries around the world.
Centered on Alycat, a brave, curious kitten navigating everyday childhood experiences, the series focuses on social-emotional learning themes such as confidence, kindness, perseverance, friendship, and managing big feelings like the Monday Blues or the Sunday Scaries. Drawing from Bourque’s background as a former teacher and attorney, the books blend playful storytelling with meaningful life lessons, making them both fun and educational for young readers.
Over the years, the series has expanded to include numerous titles—such as Alycat and the Thursday Dessert Day, Alycat and the Monday Blues, Alycat and the Friendship Friday, Alycat and the Sleepover Saturday, Alycat and the Sunday Scaries, Alycat and the Copycat, Alycat and the Tournament Tuesday, Alycat and the Cattywampus Wednesday, and Alycat and the Christmas Cookie Swap—along with activity books and educational resources.
The Alycat Series has earned multiple national awards, appeared in major media outlets, celebrity gift bags, and Times Square billboards, and inspired extensions beyond books, including plush toys, school programming, and a live Musical, all while continuing its original mission: empowering children to believe in themselves, embrace challenges, and always love their courage and tenacity.
National Alycat Day is celebrated annually on February 23.
🐾 ALYCAT PLEDGE
I am an ALYCAT.
I will be brave.
I will keep trying.
I will be kind to myself and others.
I am an ALYCAT!
A.L.Y.C.A.T. — Always Love Your Courage And Tenacity
National Alycat Day timeline
Alysson Foti Bourque is born on August 12 in Lafayette, LA, and is now an entrepreneur/CEO, attorney, certified educator, Musical producer, author, publicist, and playwright. Alysson is also a twin.
The first book titled Alycat and the Thursday Dessert Day is published after nearly 500 rejections.
Alysson writes the 8th and 9th books in the series, Alycat and the Christmas Cookie Swap and Alycat and the Copycat.
The World Premiere of Alycat and the Christmas Cookie Swap: The Musical debuts on December 6 and 7. The Alycat Series also licenses luxury pajamas and an Alycat Soda!
February 23 is proclaimed National Alycat Day and the first celebration takes place.
Purpose of the Series
Alycat discovers that believing in herself, leaning on supportive friendships, and staying creative through challenges are what truly lead to confidence and perseverance.
One of the guiding principles behind National Alycat Day is the ALYCAT affirmation, a message that children are encouraged to remember and repeat:
A.L.Y.C.A.T. — Always Love Your Courage And Tenacity
This powerful acronym reinforces Alycat’s core lesson: bravery and perseverance matter. Whether trying something new, facing self-doubt, or learning from mistakes, Alycat reminds children that courage and tenacity are already within them.
As Alycat learns throughout the series: (Alycat quotes from books)
“Sometimes change is good.”
“Everybody has something special about them. You just have to try new things to figure out what it is.”
“Be original. Be creative. Be you.”
“We each have a purpose in our own special way.”
“We are better together.”
“Trying new things is exciting.”
Ways to Celebrate National Alycat Day
Families, schools, and libraries are encouraged to celebrate National Alycat Day with meaningful, creative activities, including:
1. Read an Alycat Book Together
Host a read-aloud and discuss how Alycat shows courage and keeps trying.
2. Create Your Own Alycat Art
Invite children to draw or craft their own Alycat, focusing on bravery and self-expression.
3. Courage & Tenacity Conversations
Ask children to share a time they were brave or didn’t give up, even when something felt hard.
4. Friendship Acts Challenge
Celebrate kindness by helping a friend, including someone new, or offering encouragement.
5. ALYCAT Affirmation Posters
Display the message “Always Love Your Courage And Tenacity” in classrooms and libraries.
🐾 Themes & Purpose
The Alycat books focus on:
- Social-emotional learning: Like handling the Sunday Scaries or coping with Monday Blues
- Friendship & kindness: Many plots show Alycat helping classmates or discovering why differences matter.
- Problem solving: Alycat uses creativity, bravery, and help from friends to work through challenges.
The stories are crafted to empower children, inspire confidence, and make learning feel fun.
Published Books in the Series
- Alycat and the Thursday Dessert Day (2016)
- Alycat and the Monday Blues (2017)
- Alycat and the Friendship Friday (2018)
- Alycat and the Tournament Tuesday (2020)
- Alycat and the Cattywampus Wednesday (2021)
- Alycat and the Sleepover Saturday (2022)
- Alycat and the Sunday Scaries (2023)
- Alycat and the Copycat (2025)
- Alycat and the Christmas Cookie Swap (2025)
National Alycat Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | February 23 | Monday |
| 2027 | February 23 | Tuesday |
| 2028 | February 23 | Wednesday |
| 2029 | February 23 | Friday |
| 2030 | February 23 | Saturday |
