Lost and Found Cat: The True Story of Kunkush’s Incredible Journey
Written by Doug Kuntz
and Amy Shrodes
Illustrated by Sue Cornelison
Published by Crown Books for Young Readers
This heartwarming true story of one lost cat’s journey to be reunited with his refugee family gently introduces children to a difficult topic and shows how ordinary people can help with compassion and hope.
When an Iraqi family is forced to flee their home, they can’t bear to leave their beloved cat, Kunkush, behind. So they carry him with them from Iraq to Greece, keeping their secret passenger hidden away.
But during the crowded boat crossing to Greece, his carrier breaks and the frightened cat runs from the chaos, disappearing. After an unsuccessful search, his family has to continue their journey, leaving brokenhearted.
A few days later, aid workers in Greece find the lost cat. Knowing how much his family has sacrificed already, they are desperate to reunite them. A worldwide community comes together to spread the word on the Internet and in the news media, and after several months the impossible happens—Kunkush’s family is found, and they finally get their happy ending in their new home.
This remarkable true story is told by the real people involved, with the full cooperation of Kunkush’s family.
Primary ISBN: 9781524715472
Publication Date: January 2017
Available As: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook
Picture Book, Age 04 or older
Community Represented: Iraqi/Iraqi American
Themes: Animals, Coming of Age, Cross-Group Friendship, Own Voices/Lived Experience, Refugee Journey, Refugee: War/Conflict, Religious Background: Muslim, Welcoming by Community
Setting: Iraq, Greece, Norway
Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Refugee, On Journey
Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience
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