In August 2015, Sura and her five children, along with their cat Kunkush, fled Iraq with the help of a smuggler. Later, they traveled through forests and over mountains to Istanbul, Turkey, and then across the Aegean Sea to Greece in an overloaded, flimsy rubber boat.
When the boat reached shore, Kunkush escaped from his carrier and was lost. The family and volunteers searched for him, but couldn’t find him. Sura and her children had no choice but to leave him behind as they continued their journey to freedom.
Incredibly, with the help of volunteers and social media, four months later and after traveling thousands of miles, Kunkush was reunited with his family in Norway.
Lost and Found Cat shares the plight of refugees with young children in an age-sensitive manner, highlighting acts of mercy and compassion. Sue Cornelison’s vivid illustrations serve as a counterpoint to the seriousness of the refugees’ predicament and the sadness, fear, and exhaustion etched on their faces. Ages 4 and up. (Crown Books)
About the Author
Sonya VanderVeen Feddema is a freelance writer and a member of Covenant CRC in St. Catharines, Ontario.
