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
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