Street Puppy, Masjid Cat (A Friendship Picture Book for Kids)

by Moniza Hossain, Wastana Haikal (Illustrator)

Overview

A pampered house cat and a stray dog form an unlikely friendship in this sweet story about kindness.

A pampered house cat lives in a mosque. A lonely stray dog lives on the street. The cat has too much to eat, but the dog has to beg just for a bite.

Their paths should never cross. But when the imam recites the adhan at prayer time, they both go rushing toward the mosque. Their unlikely friendship will teach kids about the importance of showing kindness to everyone.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781499817577
Publisher:	little bee books
Publication date:	10/07/2025
Sold by:	SIMON & SCHUSTER
Format:	eBook
Pages:	32
Age Range:	3 - 7 Years

About the Author

Moniza Hossain (Author)
Moniza Hossain is a Singaporean author of Bengali descent who writes children's books inspired by her South Asian heritage. She has a masters in English literature. When she's not busy writing, she teaches English literature and paints dragons.

Wastana Haikal (Illustrator)
Wastana Haikal (he/him) is a visual artist based in Bandung, Indonesia. After graduating in Visual Communication Design from the Bandung Institute of Technology, he decided to become full-time illustrator. He loves to tell a story, and he is always creating story-driven works from fantasy-themed to slices of life with vibrant and eclectic elements. He inspired by music, movies, Indonesian culture, fashion, and most of all from his surroundings: nature, personal experience, travelling, people on the street, animals, how people interact, and the list goes on. Life inspires him.

Editorial Reviews

A charming, tenderhearted tale with lovable characters and a message of care.

Kirkus Reviews

2025-05-30
A sweetly spoiled cat and a pup living on the streets form an unlikely bond through the neighborhood mosque’s call to prayer.

These two animals’ lives couldn’t be more different. The tuxedo cat snoozes cozily inside the masjid (mosque), while the tricolor pooch sleeps outdoors. While the cat is coddled with treats and affection, the downtrodden dog unsuccessfully begs for scraps. One day at dusk, their paths cross when the Islamic call to prayer rings out, drawing their attention and bringing the puppy to the mosque. The imam notices the cat’s icy reception and admonishes the feline: “All animals need kindness and care.” Sharing a meal and playing together, the cat and the puppy become fast friends and fall asleep together, safe and sound. Hossain’s story emphasizes the importance of treating even those different from us with compassion—an important lesson further extended in an author’s note with details about Muslims’ duty to show mercy to all creatures, which will resonate with animal lovers young and old. Her pleasant rhymes engage with a lyrical cadence, making for a great read-aloud. Haikal’s vibrant, energetic artwork, illustrated in sunset tones, features irresistibly adorable animals; human characters are diverse. The backmatter also includes a helpful glossary.

A charming, tenderhearted tale with lovable characters and a message of care.(Picture book. 3-8)

Kirkus Reviews