The Cat Man of Aleppo facts for kids
| Author |
|
|---|---|
| Illustrator | Yuko Shimizu |
| Awards | Caldecott Honor |
| ISBN | 9781984813787 |
The Cat Man of Aleppo is a 2020 picture book for children. It was written by Karim Shamsi-Basha and Irene Latham. The beautiful pictures were drawn by Yuko Shimizu.
This book tells the true story of Mohammad Alaa Aljaleel. He is an ambulance driver from the city of Aleppo, Syria. During the Syrian Civil War, he stayed to help people and animals.
The book won a special award called the 2021 Caldecott Honor. It also won the 2020 Middle East Book Award.
Contents
Who is the Cat Man of Aleppo?
Mohammad Alaa Aljaleel is known as "The Cat Man of Aleppo." He was an ambulance driver in his city. When the war started, many people left Aleppo. But Alaa chose to stay and help.
He drove his ambulance to rescue injured people. He also delivered food and water to those who could not leave. Alaa wanted to make sure everyone had help.
Helping Animals in Wartime
Alaa noticed many cats were left behind. Their owners had to leave the city quickly. These cats were hungry and scared. Alaa loved animals very much.
He started feeding the cats near his ambulance. Soon, more and more cats came to him. He used his own money to buy food for them. He made sure they had water too.
A Safe Place for Cats
As the war continued, Alaa's kindness grew. He created a special place for the cats. It was a safe shelter where they could live. People from all over the world heard about his work.
They sent donations to help him. This allowed him to care for even more animals. He also helped other animals like dogs and even a few chickens. His shelter became a symbol of hope.
About the Book
The Cat Man of Aleppo shares Alaa's amazing story. It shows how one person can make a big difference. Even during difficult times, kindness can shine through. The book teaches us about compassion.
It also shows the power of helping others. The story is inspiring for young readers. It highlights the importance of caring for animals. It also shows how people can help their communities.
Awards and Recognition
The book received the Caldecott Honor in 2021. This is a very important award for picture books. It means the book has outstanding illustrations. The pictures by Yuko Shimizu are truly special.
The book also won the Middle East Book Award in 2020. This award recognizes books that teach about the Middle East. It helps young people understand the region better.
