Karim Shamsi-Basha

This book would probably be good for 2-3 graders because of the length of the text and depth of the topic.
This book follows a man named Alaa Aljaleel, who in the midst of the Syrian Civil War, provides safe haven for the cats of Aleppo. It's a heartwarming story of kindness and selflessness.
I would recommend this book be available as an option for students to read during free reading time or used as a read aloud for students to learn about another country and the power of love and kindness during hard times.… (mehr)

This book is a must read--especially in today's world of hate and discord. Seeing a book depict love and compassion (even towards animals) is gorgeous!

I didn't know about the Cat Man of Aleppo. But I love that he included a letter in the beginning of the book. It made the story and the message all the more authentic! I would love to see this book in dual languages.

The illustrations were not my favorite, though. Yet there was an authenticity with showing Aleppo in its beauty....and its pain.… (mehr)

The war in Syria has created one of the greatest refugee crises in recent memory. While many had to flee the devastation of war, their pets were not so lucky...they had to stay behind. Alaa, an ambulance driver in Aleppo, could not stand by and let them go uncared for. This story compassionately recounts his heart for his city and for the feline friends he met in the aftermath of war. Irene Latham, Karim Shamsi-Basha and Illustrator, Yuko Shimizu, share their heart for this inspirational story in the details they bring out. The pistachios and jasmine soap, the green za'atar and dried figs, juniper trees, ma'amoul, and barazek cookies. The cat man's love for his city has obviously been poured out in the writing and illustration of the book. It is obvious that for Alaa, if one part of his city is suffering, then so is the rest, and he must be a part of its restoration. Here is to happier days in Aleppo and the kindness of one gentle man.… (mehr)