From the Publisher
Bound to be a hit with cats and kids alike, this picture book tells the harrowing story of a cat who was separated from his family when they fled from Iraq and the amazing way he found his way home again.” —People.com
“A meaningful message of love and loss, of empathy and outreach, and ultimately, at its core, of compassion, grace and kindness.” —The Sag Harbor Express
School Library Journal - Audio
10/01/2018
K-Gr 3—In August of 2015, an Iraqi family fled their home, traveling by car and on foot along with their cat, Kunkush. When the family reached Greece, Kunkush escaped from his carrier. They searched for him for hours, but finally had to continue on their journey. Volunteers found the feline a few days later and became determined to reunite him with his owners. Kuntz and Shrodes were both involved in the rescue and reunion effort. Shrodes reads the audiobook, which also features music and sound effects throughout. An author's note, words from the family themselves, and a PDF of a teacher resource guide are included. Readers will want the book in front of them as they listen, to see the photographs of Kunkush and his family. VERDICT This is a heartwarming tale of the power of the Internet to bring people together, and a reminder of the plight of refugees.—Elizabeth Elsbree, Krug Elementary School, Aurora, IL
School Library Journal
04/01/2017
K-Gr 3—An uplifting tale of love, compassion, and new beginnings. Written by two of the volunteers who reunited Kunkush the cat with his family, and with the full cooperation of the family, this account will pull at readers' heartstrings. During a summer night in 2015, not long after the death of her husband, Sura arranged for herself, her five children, and one hidden treasure to be smuggled out of Mosul, Iraq. This treasure was their beloved cat Kunkush, and Sura knew that they couldn't leave him behind—even if that meant keeping him hidden in a small carrier from three smugglers during car and bus rides and hours of hiking through mountains and forests. Unfortunately Kunkush's carrier broke, and after landing in Greece he escaped, devastating the family. Although it took four months, volunteers, the Internet, and a journey spanning thousands of miles, Kunkush and his family were eventually reunited. Cornelison superbly heightens the emotional impact of the story: weathered faces aboard the rubber boat, a doe-eyed Kunkush fending for himself. An author's note, a world map of Kunkush's journey, and photographs of Kunkush being reunited with his family are included. However, oddly, the family's last name is not mentioned, and the text is occasionally clunky. VERDICT A poignant title for large collections looking for refugee stories.—Joy Poynor, formerly at Rogers Public Library, AR
