Lost and Found Cat: The True Story of Kunkush's Incredible Journey

An Iraqi family flees Mosul with their beloved white cat Kunkush, traveling through multiple countries toward safety in Europe. Their journey involves dangerous boat crossings and long treks on foot. During their travels, Kunkush becomes separated from the family in Greece. Aid workers and volunteers from multiple countries launch efforts to help reunite the cat with his family. The book documents real events through photographs and illustrations, presenting the refugee experience through the unique lens of a lost pet story. Amy Shrodes and Doug Kuntz, who were involved in the actual events, provide first-hand perspective on the search. This true story illuminates themes of hope, compassion, and the universal bonds between humans and animals, while making a complex humanitarian crisis accessible to young readers.

Readers describe this as a moving true refugee story told through the lens of a beloved family cat. Parents and teachers report it helps children understand refugee experiences in an accessible, age-appropriate way. Liked: - Photos that document the actual events and people - Clear explanations of refugee challenges for young readers - Positive ending that provides hope - Detailed illustrations that capture emotions - Notes and background information at the end Disliked: - Some found the narrative pacing slow in middle sections - A few noted the book would benefit from more cultural context Ratings: Goodreads: 4.16/5 (683 ratings) Amazon: 4.8/5 (168 ratings) Representative review: "This book handles a difficult subject with sensitivity and grace. The cat's story provides the perfect entry point for kids to learn about and empathize with refugee families." - Elementary school librarian on Goodreads The book has won multiple children's book awards and is used in elementary school units on immigration and current events.

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🌟 The story follows an Iraqi family fleeing Mosul with their beloved white cat, documenting a real journey across Europe during the 2015 refugee crisis. 🐱 Kunkush, the cat, traveled over 2,000 miles with his family before getting lost in Greece and being reunited months later through an international rescue effort. 🤝 Author Amy Shrodes was one of the volunteers who helped care for Kunkush in Greece and helped coordinate the social media campaign that eventually reunited him with his family. 📸 Co-author Doug Kuntz is a photojournalist who documented the refugee crisis and took many of the original photographs that appear in the book. 🌍 The book has been translated into multiple languages and is used in schools to help children understand the refugee experience through the accessible lens of a lost pet story.