The Cat Man of Aleppo, written by Irene Latham and Karim Shamsi-Basha. Illustrated by Yuko Shimizu. Putnam, Penguin Random House. 2020. $23.99 ages 6 and up

"Alaa's work is important,
but he misses his loved ones.
Where are they now? Are they
safe?

He misses the way things
used to be before the war.
Aleppo's city center no longer
echoes with the rich, exciting
sounds of copper-pot pounding
and traditional sword sharpening.
His neighborhood is empty - "

The war that rages in Syria has caused millions to flee, and seek shelter in safer places. Many remain. Alaa is only one of them. He stays in his treasured Aleppo to continue driving an ambulance for the wounded. Every day he misses his family members and friends who have left. He does not know where they are, or if they are safe. While his neighborhood has changed beyond recognition, one of the things that remains the same are the cats. Too many to count, and to feed. But, Alaa does his best for those feline friends.

The cats are also victims of war. Left behind when families flee, they must fend for themselves at a time when there is little food or water for them. Alaa cannot let them starve; his heart won't allow it. Using his own money to care for them, their numbers grow. Luckily, Alaa has help from caring people around the world who contribute to his efforts to find a safe place for the cats to live. Each time he finds that safe place, the war causes him to move it. Today, it is located outside the city and now houses other rescued animals as well. What a story!

"Alaa loves his city of Aleppo. He hopes one day soon its
bazaars selling pistachios and jasmine soap will return, and
he can enjoy eating boiled corn and dried figs. Meanwhile,
he loves the sanctuary's courtyard filled with fat, sleepy-eyed
cats. There's no place he'd rather be."

Fascinating and brilliantly illustrated, this story of man who continues to spread love, hope, and wonder will inspire readers to do their best to make a difference in our world. The book begins with a note from Alaa, and ends with notes from each author and the illustrator. Humanity is at its heart, and shows readers that terrible circumstances can lead to great acts of love and compassion.
                                                                       

BRAVO!