The Cat Man of Aleppo book cover
Pre K - 3

The Cat Man of Aleppo

By Karim Shamsi-Basha and Irene Latham

Illustrator: Yuko Shimizu

The Caldecott Honor-winning true story of Mohammad Alaa Aljaleel, who in the midst of the Syrian Civil War courageously offered safe haven to Aleppo’s abandoned cats.
Aleppo’s city center no longer echoes with the rich, exciting sounds of copper-pot pounding and traditional sword sharpening. His neighborhood is empty–except for the many cats left behind.

Alaa loves Aleppo, but when war comes his neighbors flee to safety, leaving their many pets behind. Alaa decides to stay–he can make a difference by driving an ambulance, carrying the sick and wounded to safety. One day he hears hungry cats calling out to him on his way home. They are lonely and scared, just like him. He feeds and pets them to let them know they are loved. The next day more cats come, and then even more! There are too many for Alaa to take care of on his own. Alaa has a big heart, but he will need help from others if he wants to keep all of his new friends safe.

Educator Resources

  • Discussion Guide for Grades 1-3

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  • Discussion Guide for Grades 4 and up

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State Awards

Recommended reading lists from your state's teacher or librarian associations!
  • Missouri
    • Dogwood Book Award
  • Texas
    • Topaz Nonfiction Reading List
  • Alabama
    • Camellia Book Award
  • Ohio
    • Buckeye Children's and Teen Book Award
  • New York
    • 3 Apples Book Award

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