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The Cat Man of Aleppo

Winner of the Caldecott Honor Award
4.25 goodreads logo

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( 1,885 ratings, 472 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Cat Man of Aleppo by Karim Shamsi-Basha and Irene Latham is an inspiring children's book that tells the true story of Mohammad Alaa Aljaleel, a man who stayed in war-torn Aleppo to care for abandoned cats. As the city suffers, Alaa's compassion and dedication bring hope and warmth to both animals and the residents, illustrating the power of kindness and community amidst adversity.
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Format: Hardback
$3299
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you appreciate touching stories of compassion and resilience. Set against the backdrop of war-torn Syria, it highlights the heartwarming dedication of someone who cares for the city's abandoned cats, reflecting themes of kindness and hope in a challenging world.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

The hope-filled true story of the man who refused to leave Syria's cats behind

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

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description
"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"

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Cat Man of Aleppo receives high praise for its heartwarming and beautifully illustrated depiction of Alaa's story amidst the Syrian conflict. Reviewers commend its art style, emotional depth, and the uplifting portrayal of humanity and kindness during war. It's noted for its modern representation of Middle Easterners, making the tale both educational and inspiring for young readers.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781786077509

Publisher: Oneworld Publications

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 08 July 2021

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Rock the Boat

Contributors:

  • Illustrated by Yuko Shimizu

Audience: Children

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 8.0mm

Width: 198.0mm

Height: 234.0mm

Weight: 300g

Pages: 40

About the Author

Irene has written many children’s books, including Can I Touch Your Hair? co-written with Charles Waters (Rock the Boat, 2019), Leaving Gee’s Bend (2011 ALA Children’s Book of the Year) and Meet Miss Fancy. Irene lives in Birmingham, Alabama. Karim immigrated to the United States in 1984 from Damascus, Syria. His blog, Arab in Alabama, is on the Huffington Post. He has written and photographed extensively for print and online including People, Time and Southern Living. This is his children’s debut.

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