Lost and Found Cat: The True Story of Kunkush's Incredible Journey Hardcover – Picture Book, January 31, 2017

I read this to my sons 4th grade class today and they seemed to really enjoy it. It is a great picture book for older kids. Most of the 4th grade reading is chapter books, so I wanted something mature but fun to look at. This was perfect. I was happy to share this story with the kids because it highlights the refugee crisis they might not know much about while making it personal by connecting with the kids love of a pet or animal. Great book for all kids and even adults. Very cute, inspirational, sad and happy. The book is an easy read, but does have some Arabic words, names and locations to master before reading aloud. Totally worth it.

It is not too early to let children understand what life is like for refugees. This TRUE story, with magnificent illustrations expresses the pain that families have when they need to leave their country and lose their beloved cat. At the end of the book are photos of the actual family and cat. I have purchased these books to give as gifts to children.

The "Lost and Found Cat" is a beautiful, and true story about a family who has to flee their home in the dangerous city of Mosul, Iraq. Leaving behind most of their belongings they refuse to leave behind their pet, Kunkush. The story depicts their journey as they are smuggled out of the country, into Turkey, across the Aegean Sea until they land on the shores of Greece. It is here that the family loses Kunkush. The rest of the story follows the efforts of ordinary people who cross paths with Kunkush and band together to reunite him with his family. The story is compelling, the illustrations are lush, both geographically and culturally correct. This is a heartwarming story in the midst of the many heartbreaking stories we hear on the news daily. While lovely for all ages it is particularly a sensitive introduction for children into the world of the refugee. The authors take a story, from far, far away, and make it relevant and appealing to families, children, cat lovers, world travelers, humanitarians, single moms. This story will captivate your heart.

I bought this book for my 5- and 2-year old. I don't want to hide facts from them about reality, but I want to do it in a gentle way. This book is perfect for this. It's real and it's not easy, but it approaches fear, danger, hiding, and immigrating with a sensitive way. The focus is on people helping each other and helping Kunkush make his way back to his family. It's a story of hope and it's a story that children can relate to. My kids love it and they pretend they have a cat named Kunkush. I would say the age range is more like 5 and above. It's a little too long and wordy for younger kids to understand, but parents could adapt the text. Conversely, kids older than 8 will enjoy this book. I'd say it's suitable for kids 5-10. The artwork is beautiful, the story is inspiring. Buy this book for your children!

Loved this story. So fun that it is true and includes pictures of Kunkush with his family.

This is a true story. This family had to tragically leave their homeland because of the aftermath of the Iraq war and the fact that ISIS had moved in and was wreaking havoc against the citizens of Iraq. We can only imagine how terrifying it would be to have to leave our home and most of our belongings, to go to another place where we know no one, have no job, and do not speak the language. This family was truly desperate to have to leave, and so brave to actually make the trip they did with all the associated peril. We in the West may not have ever had to contemplate such a thing, but many of us certainly know what it's like to lose a beloved pet, to believe the pet is gone for good, and then to miraculously one day have it turn back up. This is a wonderful true story with a happy ending - at least for Kunkush and his family. A great true adventure story for children.

This is the true story of a refugee family fleeing their country because of a war. Although the story mainly follows the cat, the story is very relatable for kids (a time when you felt scared, alone, got help from someone, etc). I have read this with my classroom of third graders and with my family. Everyone loved it! The kids keep asking to read it over again that I bought another 2 copies for the library! Everyone loves the real photos that are included on the last couple pages of the family and their cat, but (spoiler alert) the best part is the reunion in the end.

This is an exceptional book to read and introduce children to a very difficult reality in an age appropriate way. It fills the reader with hope in the face of heartbreaking realities in our world. It was very helpful to read this book with refugee children in class who have experienced a long and difficult journey. The illustrations are amazing as well.

Amazing story. Arrived on time. Good quality.

I love this book!

A beautiful story.

Fantastic book. My grandson loves it.

Great to introduce children to the human story of refugees. Found it upset and worried my 5 year old though so maybe take care with sensitive children.