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.