Lost and Found Cat

The True Story of Kunkush's Incredible Journey

Illustrated by Sue Cornelison
Look inside
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.

“Bound to be a hit with cats and kids alike.” —People.com
  • NOMINEE | 2019
    Washington Children's Choice Picture Book Award
  • SELECTION | 2018
    CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young Readers
  • SELECTION | 2018
    Cooperative Children's Book Center Choices
  • SELECTION | 2017
    Chicago Public Library's Best of the Best Books
“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
SUE CORNELISON graduated with a BFA from Drake University and continued her studies at the International School of Studio Arts in Florence, Italy. A full-time illustrator for well over a decade, she illustrated Justice Is . . . by Preet Bharara, My Little Golden Book About Martin Luther King Jr., and Julie Andrews: A Little Golden Book Biography. View titles by Sue Cornelison

Lost and Found Cat - Read Aloud Picture Book | Brightly Storytime

About

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.

“Bound to be a hit with cats and kids alike.” —People.com

Awards

  • NOMINEE | 2019
    Washington Children's Choice Picture Book Award
  • SELECTION | 2018
    CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young Readers
  • SELECTION | 2018
    Cooperative Children's Book Center Choices
  • SELECTION | 2017
    Chicago Public Library's Best of the Best Books

Praise

“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

Author

SUE CORNELISON graduated with a BFA from Drake University and continued her studies at the International School of Studio Arts in Florence, Italy. A full-time illustrator for well over a decade, she illustrated Justice Is . . . by Preet Bharara, My Little Golden Book About Martin Luther King Jr., and Julie Andrews: A Little Golden Book Biography. View titles by Sue Cornelison

Media

Lost and Found Cat - Read Aloud Picture Book | Brightly Storytime

Videos from the 2024 First-Year Experience® Conference are now available

We’re pleased to share videos from the 2024 First-Year Experience® Conference. Whether you weren’t able to join us at the conference or would simply like to hear the talks again, please take a moment to view the clips below.   Penguin Random House Author Breakfast Monday, February 19th, 7:15 – 8:45 am PST This event

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