The Cat Man of Aleppo cover art

The Cat Man of Aleppo

Preview

Free with 30-day trial
Prime logo New to Audible Prime Member exclusive:
2 credits with free trial
1 credit a month to use on any title to download and keep
Listen to anything from the Plus Catalogue—thousands of Audible Originals, podcasts and audiobooks
Download titles to your library and listen offline
₹199 per month after 30-day trial. Cancel anytime.

The Cat Man of Aleppo

Written by: Irene Latham, Karim Shamsi-Basha
Narrated by: Ramsey Faragallah
Free with 30-day trial

₹199 per month after 30-day trial. Cancel anytime.

Buy Now for ₹251.00

Buy Now for ₹251.00

Confirm Purchase
Pay using card ending in
By confirming your purchase, you agree to Audible's Conditions of Use and Amazon's Privacy Notice.
Cancel

About this listen

The Caldecott Honor-winning true story of Mohammad Alaa Aljaleel, who in the midst of the Syrian Civil War courageously offered safe haven to Aleppo's abandoned cats.

Aleppo's city center no longer echoes with the rich, exciting sounds of copper-pot pounding and traditional sword sharpening. His neighborhood is empty—except for the many cats left behind.

Alaa loves Aleppo, but when war comes his neighbors flee to safety, leaving their many pets behind. Alaa decides to stay—he can make a difference by driving an ambulance, carrying the sick and wounded to safety. One day he hears hungry cats calling out to him on his way home. They are lonely and scared, just like him. He feeds and pets them to let them know they are loved. The next day more cats come, and then even more! There are too many for Alaa to take care of on his own. Alaa has a big heart, but he will need help from others if he wants to keep all of his new friends safe.

©2020 Karim Shamsi-Basha and Irene Latham (P)2020 Listening Library
Cats Growing Up & Facts of Life Middle East Social Activists

Critic Reviews

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

What listeners say about The Cat Man of Aleppo

Average Customer Ratings

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.