★ 03/02/2020
In this picture book biography of an unexpected war hero, Mohammad Alaa Aljaleel—Alaa—is first seen in the old covered market of Aleppo, his native city. When war comes to Syria, many inhabitants leave, but Alaa stays to help: as an ambulance driver, “he swerves through the rubbled streets and carries the wounded to safety.” Intricate digitally colored ink drawings by Shimizu (Barbed Wire Baseball) portray scenes of desolation in this story by Latham (This Poem Is a Nest) and Shamsi-Basha, a Syrian-born writer and photographer. With meticulous care, Shimizu draws the destroyed buildings, the empty streets, and the cats that fleeing Syrians have left behind. In one striking spread, a huge olive tree towers over Alaa, two cats eyeing him from its branches. He starts bringing the strays food and water. “Together we can save them all,” he tells his neighbors. Donors who hear about his efforts help him fund a sanctuary (“Alaa is able to rescue other animals, too”), a playground for children, and a well. “All he did was love the cats, and that love multiplied and multiplied again.” Latham and Shamsi-Basha pick out the glimmers of light that make up Alaa’s story, and Shimizu portrays their beauty. Author’s notes give more information—including where to donate. Ages 4–8. Authors’ agents: Rosemary Stimola, Stimola Literary Studio (for Latham); Rena Rossner, Deborah Harris Agency (for Shamsi-Basha). (Apr.)
Praise for The Cat Man of Aleppo:
Caldecott Honor
Winner of the 2020 Middle East Book Award
A 2022-2023 Camellia Children’s Choice Book Award Nominee (AL)
A 2022 Texas Topaz Reading List Pick
A 2022 ALSC Notable Children’s Recording
A 2021-2022 Three Apple Book Award Nominee (NY)
A 2021 Bank Street Best Children’s Book of the Year
A 2021 ALA Notable Children’s Book
A 2021 Buckeye Children's & Teen Book Award Nominee (OH)
A 2021-2022 Dogwood Book Award Nominee (MO)
A 2020 BCCB Blue Ribbon Book
★ “Based on a true story, this picture book is distinctive for its engaging narrative and impeccable illustrations . . . A beautifully told and illustrated story that offers a unique perspective on both war and humanity.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
★ “With meticulous care, Shimizu draws the destroyed buildings, the empty streets, and the cats that fleeing Syrians have left behind . . . Latham and Shamsi-Basha pick out the glimmers of light that make up Alaa’s story, and Shimizu portrays their beauty.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review
★ “The story of the Cat Man of Aleppo is remarkable…Shimizu’s lifelike illustrations capture the joy and beauty prior to the war, juxtaposing it with the horror and grief that followed . . . A safe, sobering, and hopeful introduction to the crisis in Syria.” —Booklist, starred review
★ “Based on the true story of Mohammad Alaa Aljaleel, this story portrays a beautiful and loving community rocked by violence… Shimizu’s digitally colored paintings, echoing Edo-era Japanese art, are masterfully emotive…audiences will find solace in the reminder of humanity in the direst times.” —The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books, starred review
★ “Alaa's story is one of faith in humanity, the power of compassion and the benefits of altruism.” —Shelf Awareness, starred review
04/01/2020
K-Gr 3—The power of one person's kindness and commitment to others is a potent message. Mohammad Alaa Aljaleel's life is "a story about cats and war and people. But most of all, it is a story about love." In this book based on an actual person and real events, Shamsi-Basha and Latham tell the tale of an ambulance driver who chose to stay in his hometown of Aleppo, Syria, even after war broke out. He begins to come across hungry, lonely cats as he drives his ambulance. With what little money he has, he buys scraps of meat to feed the animals; he extends his efforts to other animals and children as well. With international support, Mohammad creates a sanctuary from war's devastation for animals and children. The straightforward telling is accompanied by graphically strong illustrations. The art depicts war-torn streets, bombed buildings, and great sadness but also playful cats and smiling children who have been helped by Mohammad. Notes from both authors and the illustrator provide a glimpse into the book's inspiration and the research that went into the art. VERDICT A useful addition to school and public libraries to inform and to spark discussion about war, individual potential, and kindness to animals.—Maria B. Salvadore, formerly at District of Columbia Public Library
★ 2020-01-12
When the war comes to Syria, many flee, but Alaa stays in his beloved city, Aleppo, where he continues to work as an ambulance driver and helps the wounded to safety.
Day after day, he misses his family and friends who have left, wondering where they are and how they are doing. His neighborhood empties—except for cats! However, these cats are affected by the conflict too; they're left behind with shelters destroyed and food and water stringently limited. Alaa, who has a big heart, starts taking care of them using the little money he has. The love between man and cats multiplies, and many people from around the world step up to help. Soon, the cats of Aleppo get a pleasant shelter set in a courtyard. However, Alaa does not stop there and goes on to help other animals and more people, spreading joy, love, and hope. Based on a true story, this picture book is distinctive for its engaging narrative and impeccable illustrations. It is also enriched with notes from Alaa himself (the real one) as well as the authors and illustrator. The often-dramatic images offer a glimpse of the city prior to the conflict and a window on the real people who experience war and try to survive and help others around them.
A beautifully told and illustrated story that offers a unique perspective on both war and humanity. (Picture book. 6-9)
Ramsey Faragallah narrates the touching story of Mohammad Alaa Aljaleel, a man who is dedicated to rescuing his city’s abandoned cats amid Syria’s civil war. A classic Arabic musical arrangement sets the mood for a story about kindheartedness born out of suffering. Listeners are then transported to both past and present Aleppo. The sounds of lively marketplaces mix with the harrowing sounds of a city under siege. Bombastic music swells underneath Faragallah’s deep voice, creating tension and solemnity. Endnotes from both authors and the illustrator provide insights into the creators’ intentionality and care with Aljaleel’s story. This uplifting listen can serve as an avenue for young listeners to “find the helpers” amid an international tragedy. E.A.N. © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine
Ramsey Faragallah narrates the touching story of Mohammad Alaa Aljaleel, a man who is dedicated to rescuing his city’s abandoned cats amid Syria’s civil war. A classic Arabic musical arrangement sets the mood for a story about kindheartedness born out of suffering. Listeners are then transported to both past and present Aleppo. The sounds of lively marketplaces mix with the harrowing sounds of a city under siege. Bombastic music swells underneath Faragallah’s deep voice, creating tension and solemnity. Endnotes from both authors and the illustrator provide insights into the creators’ intentionality and care with Aljaleel’s story. This uplifting listen can serve as an avenue for young listeners to “find the helpers” amid an international tragedy. E.A.N. © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine
