What do you think?
Rate this book
The Black Cat Who Only Wanted to be Loved: A Sad Cat Story with a Happy Ending
Black cats mean bad luck... or do they? Abandoned by his owner on the side of a road, little Pepper must go on a journey of self-discovery. Will the little black cat embrace his own identity, or will he change the color of his fur to find a family that will love him? You will love this touching and inspiring story about the power of friendship and the importance of acceptance and self-love.
89 pages, Paperback
Published March 24, 2021
About the author
Rosa Silva
11 books50 followersRosa Silva writes stories about identity, belonging, and the search for self-acceptance. Her books explore themes such as anxiety, self-esteem, social media, and authenticity, often blending humor, heart, and emotional insight.
She is the author of the novels Anxious Girl and Queen of the Algorithm, the children's book The Black Cat Who Only Wanted to Be Loved, and a popular cat poetry series for cat lovers.
Born and raised in Portugal, Rosa writes for readers who have ever felt caught between who they are and who they think they should be.
She is the author of the novels Anxious Girl and Queen of the Algorithm, the children's book The Black Cat Who Only Wanted to Be Loved, and a popular cat poetry series for cat lovers.
Born and raised in Portugal, Rosa writes for readers who have ever felt caught between who they are and who they think they should be.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
October 10, 2021
A gentle and kind tale of acceptance and love.
The title says it: the Black Cat who Only Wanted to be Loved. It’s a plight all cat people are familiar with, the stigma and superstition that goes along with black cats, making them harder to adopt out of shelters.
Silva’s story starts with a couple and a conflict: The wife loves her black cat Pepper, but the husband blames the cat for his run of bad luck. Heartlessly, the husband dumps little Pepper far away from his home. Pepper’s subsequent adventures in the new neighborhood keep the reader on their toes. Pepper overcomes fears, makes friends, and learns lessons, ones we would all be better off practicing ourselves.
The title says it: the Black Cat who Only Wanted to be Loved. It’s a plight all cat people are familiar with, the stigma and superstition that goes along with black cats, making them harder to adopt out of shelters.
Silva’s story starts with a couple and a conflict: The wife loves her black cat Pepper, but the husband blames the cat for his run of bad luck. Heartlessly, the husband dumps little Pepper far away from his home. Pepper’s subsequent adventures in the new neighborhood keep the reader on their toes. Pepper overcomes fears, makes friends, and learns lessons, ones we would all be better off practicing ourselves.
December 8, 2025
As someone who has a black cat of my own—whom I absolutely adore—this book touched me deeply. I’ve always loved animals, and it breaks my heart that there are still people in the world who mistreat them or believe in harmful superstitions. The Black Cat Who Only Wanted to Be Loved captures that reality with honesty, compassion, and hope.
From the beginning, Pepper’s story is both heartbreaking and incredibly moving. The scene where he is abandoned was difficult to read, precisely because it reflects what too many animals experience in real life. The author portrays Pepper’s confusion, fear, and longing so authentically that I felt every emotion right along with him.
But this book is also full of warmth. As Pepper navigates the forest and meets new friends—both animal and human—the story becomes a beautiful exploration of friendship, courage, and the desire to belong. I especially loved how the themes of acceptance and overcoming prejudice were woven naturally into the narrative. The message is powerful for young readers, but meaningful for adults too.
The writing is vivid and lyrical, especially in the forest scenes, and the characters are charming and memorable. Pepper himself is irresistible, but the supporting cast adds humor, wisdom, and heart. The book ultimately celebrates black cats in such a loving way, and I appreciate how strongly it advocates for them.
This story left me with tears in my eyes at times, but also with a full heart. It reminded me of why I adore my own black cat and why all animals deserve kindness and love.
A wonderful, compassionate, beautifully written book.
Highly recommended for readers of all ages.
June 25, 2021
The story opens with Pepper, a black kitty with green eyes, living in a home in the city and loved by a kind woman, Ellen. But her husband, who was told superstitious stories as a child, believes his current bad fortune was caused by having a black cat in the house. He takes his wife's pet out to a lonely road and shoves the poor animal out of the car. This part of the book is heartbreaking.
The cat does not know what happened and is bewildered. There are no houses on this road and it appears to be a forest. Pepper encounters hazards that animals left on roadsides face, starting with someone in a car trying to run over him. To escape he runs far into the forest.
Sadly, animal abandonment as well as harsh treatment of black cats are all too frequent in the real world. The author depicts Pepper's responses to his situation, his longing for his person Ellen and his nightmares; I feel that these are realistic perceptions of what abandoned animals really do experience.
I enjoyed the smooth, precise way this book is written; the descriptions, especially of the forest and its light, are artful.
After making his way to a street inhabited by humans Pepper meets some new animal and human friends and has some entertaining adventures, hoping for another home while still longing for his old one. The story does have a happy ending, with life lessons along the way. Having always loved black kitties myself, I love that the book advocates for black cats.
The cat does not know what happened and is bewildered. There are no houses on this road and it appears to be a forest. Pepper encounters hazards that animals left on roadsides face, starting with someone in a car trying to run over him. To escape he runs far into the forest.
Sadly, animal abandonment as well as harsh treatment of black cats are all too frequent in the real world. The author depicts Pepper's responses to his situation, his longing for his person Ellen and his nightmares; I feel that these are realistic perceptions of what abandoned animals really do experience.
I enjoyed the smooth, precise way this book is written; the descriptions, especially of the forest and its light, are artful.
After making his way to a street inhabited by humans Pepper meets some new animal and human friends and has some entertaining adventures, hoping for another home while still longing for his old one. The story does have a happy ending, with life lessons along the way. Having always loved black kitties myself, I love that the book advocates for black cats.
May 13, 2021
I'm a fan of Rosa Silva's books. She knows cats (loves them) and has a knack for a story and humor. This book was wonderful. Everyone knows I'm the proud owner of two black cats so this one really hit home. It even had me in tears at one point. There have been many times of fear for my black cats when somehow one would get outside. Sadly, superstitions surrounding black cats are still around, even in this day and age.
Though this is classified as a children's book (middle grade), its message is an important one for everyone, big or small. This is the type of book I enjoyed reading as a child. Books about animals on adventures like The Incredible Journey or Black Beauty. The characters are funny and endearing. Themes of friendship, acceptance, and believing in yourself are all present and are revealed seamlessly in the story.
Balthazar the owl says, "You cannot control what others think of you. But what they think doesn't matter either. What others think says more about themselves and their prejudices than it does about you. What matters is what you think." Wise words to guide anyone.
For a first novel, this is excellent. I'm excited for the many people who will enjoy this book, young and old. Highly recommended.
Reviewed at https://www.truebookaddict.com/2021/0...
Though this is classified as a children's book (middle grade), its message is an important one for everyone, big or small. This is the type of book I enjoyed reading as a child. Books about animals on adventures like The Incredible Journey or Black Beauty. The characters are funny and endearing. Themes of friendship, acceptance, and believing in yourself are all present and are revealed seamlessly in the story.
Balthazar the owl says, "You cannot control what others think of you. But what they think doesn't matter either. What others think says more about themselves and their prejudices than it does about you. What matters is what you think." Wise words to guide anyone.
For a first novel, this is excellent. I'm excited for the many people who will enjoy this book, young and old. Highly recommended.
Reviewed at https://www.truebookaddict.com/2021/0...
May 4, 2021
This review was written by Harry, Debbie De Louise's black shorthair.
I must say this author is very talented. My hooman Debbie Shared this marvelous book with me, and it was obvious it was well written. While it's geared toward little kids from ages 8-12, I know Debbie enjoyed it very much, and I think even cats, especially those hardsome, dark-haired ones like me, would like it, too.
Let me tell you a bit of the story. The main character is Pepper. You can see him on the book cover. He lives with the Humphreys. The lady is sweet, but her husband is a creep. If he was a bug, I'd catch him and eat him. He thinks poor Pepper is causing him bad luck. When his kind wife is out, he takes Pepper away and pretends he got out. I was so upset hearing Debbie read that. However, things get better for Pepper because he finds a nice street called Flower Street and befriends two kitties. I won't tell you much more because you really should read this paw-some book yourself.
When you're done reading this story, you'll learn some important lessons and the reason black cats are the best.
I must say this author is very talented. My hooman Debbie Shared this marvelous book with me, and it was obvious it was well written. While it's geared toward little kids from ages 8-12, I know Debbie enjoyed it very much, and I think even cats, especially those hardsome, dark-haired ones like me, would like it, too.
Let me tell you a bit of the story. The main character is Pepper. You can see him on the book cover. He lives with the Humphreys. The lady is sweet, but her husband is a creep. If he was a bug, I'd catch him and eat him. He thinks poor Pepper is causing him bad luck. When his kind wife is out, he takes Pepper away and pretends he got out. I was so upset hearing Debbie read that. However, things get better for Pepper because he finds a nice street called Flower Street and befriends two kitties. I won't tell you much more because you really should read this paw-some book yourself.
When you're done reading this story, you'll learn some important lessons and the reason black cats are the best.
April 12, 2021
Disclosure: I received a copy of The Black Cat Who Only Wanted to be Loved: A Sad Cat Story with a Happy Ending in exchange for a fair review.
I have enjoyed all of Rosa Silva's books and this one is no exception. I am glad the title told me it would have a happy ending of I would have stopped reading it because I can't handle any mistreatment of animals. This is the story of a black cat named Pepper who loses his home because the awful husband of his owner blames him for all his bad luck. He meets neighborhood cats that befriend him and try to help him change colors. Obviously, that is not possible, but eventually he is accepted for who he is.
The review is short as I don't want to give away any plot secrets. The book is geared for tweens, but all ages of cat lovers will enjoy it. I love black cats and currently have two, with 4 more at The Rainbow Bridge waiting for me so Pepper stole my heart from the start.
I have enjoyed all of Rosa Silva's books and this one is no exception. I am glad the title told me it would have a happy ending of I would have stopped reading it because I can't handle any mistreatment of animals. This is the story of a black cat named Pepper who loses his home because the awful husband of his owner blames him for all his bad luck. He meets neighborhood cats that befriend him and try to help him change colors. Obviously, that is not possible, but eventually he is accepted for who he is.
The review is short as I don't want to give away any plot secrets. The book is geared for tweens, but all ages of cat lovers will enjoy it. I love black cats and currently have two, with 4 more at The Rainbow Bridge waiting for me so Pepper stole my heart from the start.
June 21, 2022
Black cats are not bad luck
Cute story about a black cat abandoned because someone thought he was bad luck. Pepper’s adventures trying to find a new home are humorous and heartwarming. Only negative was that the pov changed almost mid sentence. Otherwise a sweet feel good story that’s also a quick read.
Cute story about a black cat abandoned because someone thought he was bad luck. Pepper’s adventures trying to find a new home are humorous and heartwarming. Only negative was that the pov changed almost mid sentence. Otherwise a sweet feel good story that’s also a quick read.
September 10, 2023
This book is wild lol. It was so much darker than I was expecting, which was honestly entertaining because I went into this thinking it was just going to be a cutesy kid's book.
I'm glad I researched the author afterwards because now I have more books to read.
I'm glad I researched the author afterwards because now I have more books to read.
October 2, 2023
A tearjerker with a happy ending
What a great book! It started off sadly, and became hopeful as Pepper made friends. It had a great ending, though I do wonder what happened with the Humphreys.
What a great book! It started off sadly, and became hopeful as Pepper made friends. It had a great ending, though I do wonder what happened with the Humphreys.
June 23, 2025
A Lovely & Heartwarming read
Such a happy ending and I love how Pepper the black cat finds friends and a happy ever after. Such a nice way to honor black cats! Black cats are such sweet and loyal cats!
Such a happy ending and I love how Pepper the black cat finds friends and a happy ever after. Such a nice way to honor black cats! Black cats are such sweet and loyal cats!
February 28, 2026
I’m hoping Ellen left Mr. Humphrey & lived as happily ever after as Pepper 🐾🐈⬛
April 24, 2026
Fofo, emocionante, incentivo a ser você e gostar de si mesmo.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews