Karim Shamsi-Basha

Longlisted for the Cogan Heroes Picture Book Award 2023 Winner of the Caldecott HonorWinner of the Middle East Book Award ‘A beautifully told and illustrated story that offers a unique perspective on both war and humanity.’ Kirkus, starred review Out of the ravages of war came hope. How an act of kindness inspired millions worldwide. When war came to Syria, many fled the once-beautiful city of Aleppo and were forced to become refugees in far-flung places. But Mohammad Alaa Aljaleel decided to stay and work as an ambulance driver, helping the civilians that couldn’t leave. He quickly realised that it wasn’t just people who needed care, but also the hundreds of cats abandoned on the streets. Using the little money he earned, he began feeding and looking after them. But there were too many for Alaa to care for on his own, so he asked the world for help to keep his new friends safe. Soon, his call was answered. Alaa’s brave and heart-warming story is brought to triumphant life on these pages, which include a note from Alaa himself. Alaa’s cat sanctuary has expanded to work with local children traumatised by a lifetime of war. To find out more about his work, visit ernestosanctuary.org

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.

Empower your Love into the Stuff of Legends. Transform your Relationship into the Talk of the Town. Inflame your Marriage into the Life ever After. How is your marriage? Is it barely hanging on amid the negative forces pulling it apart? Do your neighbors wink and say, give them a year? Are you heading towards the ugly end - divorce? Follow the advice here and your marriage will turn legendary. Best-Selling author Karim Shamsi-Basha shares his experience in both the married and divorced worlds. Two more facts give Karim, the divorced guy, the authority needed to write this book: Growing up with a father who read him love poetry instead of nursery rhymes, and his deep and profound love for his children. You will learn principals like these to transform your love life: Woo and appreciate each Other Bask in the Dating Romance Lose the Argument to Win Big Listen with your Ears and with your Heart Give More than you Take Be Friends with your Lover Live the Wonderful Life Reinvent the Kiss . . . and the rest Dream Big Together Unlock the Mystery of One And the notes from Karim's ex-wife? Hysterical. Ex-Wife here, and no, they're not funny at all. Your sense of humor was always warped. And please, don't tell me people are actually going to buy this book. I mean, why would anyone pay to read your dribble? Sure we had a lot in common. I liked to breathe. I once asked you what you liked about me, my amazing body or mygorgeous face. I'll never forget what you said, "Your sense of humor." Notfunny, Mister. Speaking of two-way streets, you never understood that "Yes" meant "No", and "No" meant "No", and "Maybe" meant "No." Skinny jeans? You should definitely stick with the baggy kind I used to get you. You don't have the butt for skinny jeans.