The Cat Man of Aleppo

By: Irene Latham, Karim Shamsi-Basha, Yuko Shimizu (Illustrator)

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Hardcover | 1 June 2021

At a Glance

Hardcover
1 Pages

Dimensions(cm)
0.9 x 20.7 x 24

Hardcover

RRP $29.99

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Out of the ravages of war came hope. How an act of kindness inspired millions worldwide.

When war came to Syria, many fled the once-beautiful city of Aleppo and were forced to become refugees in far-flung places. But Mohammad Alaa Aljaleel decided to stay and work as an ambulance driver, helping the civilians that couldn't leave. He quickly realised that it wasn't just people who needed care, but also the hundreds of cats abandoned on the streets.

Using the little money he earned, he began feeding and looking after them. But there were too many for Alaa to care for on his own, so he asked the world for help. Soon, his call was answered.

Alaa's brave and heartening story is brought to triumphant life on these pages, which include a note from Alaa himself.

Alaa's cat sanctuary has expanded to work with local children traumatised by a lifetime of war. To find out more about his work, visit ernestosanctuary.org

About the Authors

Irene Latham has written many children's books, including Can I Touch Your Hair? co-written with Charles Waters (Rock the Boat, 2019). Irene lives in Birmingham, Alabama.

Karim Shamsi-Basha immigrated to the United States in 1984 from Damascus, Syria. His blogs as 'Arab in Alabama' for the Huffington Post. This is his children's debut.

About the Illustrator

Yuko Shimizu is an award-winning illustrator based in New York. She lives and works with a rescued Chihuahua named Bear.

Industry Reviews

'Shimizu's digitally coloured paintings, echoing Edo-era Japanese art, are masterfully emotive... This story could work effectively as a readalone or a readaloud, and it feels as much like folklore as narrative nonfiction with Alaa's connection to his feline friends appearing almost magical at times. Teachers will appreciate this gentle introduction to a devastating conflict, and audiences will find solace in the reminder of humanity in the direst times.'
The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

'Latham and Shamsi-Basha pick out the glimmers of light that make up Alaa's story, and Shimizu portrays their beauty.'
Publishers Weekly, starred review

'A beautifully told and illustrated story that offers a unique perspective on both war and humanity.'
Kirkus, starred review

'What a relief to see Middle Easterners depicted as recognizably modern people - through their clothing, technology, and so on - rather than religious caricatures or characters from Aladdin. A safe, sobering, and hopeful introduction to the crisis in Syria.'
Booklist, starred review

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