THE CAT MAN OF ALEPPO

ISBN: 978-1984813787

G.P. Putnam's Sons/Penguin
With Karim Shamsi-Basha
illustrations by Yuko Shimizu



Get your First Edition, signed by Irene and Karim, by mail, from Alabama Booksmith.

Listen to Irene, Karim and Yuko discuss the book with Matthew Winner on The Children's Book Podcast.

Printable coloring sheets
by Yuko Shimizu

Caldecott coverage:

Village Voice

Alabama News Center

Mr. Schu Reads

Al Jazeera

WVTM Channel 13

Bham Now

AL.com

2023 update about the Cat Man of Aleppo

Good Books Everyone Reads 2022
Taipei Public Library (Taiwan)

ALSC Notable Children's Recording

Reader's Digest 100 Best Children's Books Ever Written

2021 Caldecott Honor Book

Bank Street Best Children's Book 2021

2021 Notable Books for a Global Society

WINNER 2020 Middle East Book Award
(Middle East Outreach Council)

"This story could work effectively as a readalone or a readaloud, and it feels as much like folklore as narrative nonfiction." - BCCB
STARRED REVIEW

"The message of resilience and generosity will resonate with all ages." - New York Post

"The power of one person's kindness and commitment to others is a potent message." - School Library Journal

"Alaa's story is one of faith in humanity, the power of compassion and the benefits of altruism... At the book's conclusion, readers are sure to be eager to help, their own hearts bursting with happiness, making Alaa's love multiply even further still." - Shelf Awareness
STARRED REVIEW

"A safe, sobering, and hopeful introduction to the crisis in Syria." - Booklist
STARRED REVIEW

"A beautifully told and illustrated story that offers a unique perspective on both war and humanity." - Kirkus
STARRED REVIEW

Latham and Shamsi-Basha pick out the glimmers of light that make up Alaa's story, and Shimizu portrays their beauty. - Publisher's Weekly
STARRED REVIEW

2020 Evanston Public Library's 101 Great Books for Kids

Translated editions available in France, Japan, Korea, Spain, Thailand, Turkey, and UK.

BCCB Blue Ribbon 2020 List

Society of Illustrators Silver Medal for Book Illustration

Chicago Public Library Best Informational Book for Young Readers

Your Money Geek 25 Best Children's Books

Nerdy Book Club Top Nonfiction Picture Book of 2020

Missouri Dogwood Book Award K-2

A "Kindness Now" Book


Author trivia video featuring a question about
The Cat Man of Aleppo