Having such poor sight meant I was quite a late reader as a child and now I’m in my 60s it’s a real privilege to be sent so many children’s books for review because it helps me relive and regain my childhood. I’d like to thank Kirsten Knight at EK Books for sending me Pepper Masalah and the Flying Carpet by Rosanne Hawke, illustrated by Jasmine Berry, in return for an honest review.

As an aside, do browse the EK website as there are so many fantastic children’s books with all manner of resources for schools and parents available too.

Pepper Masalah and the Flying Carpet was published on 15th September by EK and is available for purchase here.

Pepper Masalah and the Flying Carpet

Pepper Masalah adventure series is based on a black cat called Pepper Masalah, a nine-year-old boy called Zamir and a flying carpet.

Pepper Masalah lives with Zamir and his family on an olive farm in Australia. Zamir’s grandmother is from the old country (Kashmir) and when coming to Australia she brought with her an ancient carpet.

A charming story about the importance of family and caring for those in need. Readers who loved the magic and playfulness of the bestselling Tashi series, will also love Pepper and her friend Zam.

With her usual flair, Rosanne Hawke blends culture, legend, and history throughout her stories, as Pepper and Zamir are whisked off together on adventures around the globe.

The concept has broad appeal: mystery, adventure, travel, exotica, and three very memorable characters: Pepper Masalah, Zamir and the Flying Carpet.

My Review of Pepper Masalah and the Flying Carpet

Pepper is a magical cat.

Pepper Masalah and the Flying Carpet is a delightful children’s story that crosses countries and cultures so that young readers can learn about and appreciate different languages, people and places. I thought the inclusion of the Arabic word list at the end of the book was brilliant and would be a great catalyst for further research with children compiling lists of similar words from different languages amongst their friends and class mates, giving status to children from different ethnic backgrounds. I think it’s really important that Zam is from a single parent family too so that children with similar backgrounds feel represented and seen. 

The plot of Pepper Masalah and the Flying Carpet is exciting for young readers, with a freak wind carrying Pepper and Zam on a magic carpet ride adventure that includes peril to entertain and delight. There’s a real sense of family and friendship with a gentle introduction to more challenging themes like poverty, child labour and the need to be wary of strangers, that educates without frightening children. 

Pepper is a strong and engaging character and I loved the Cat Fact Files which are not only interesting but would be an excellent template for children in educational settings to research, find out about and present other animals. This means that Pepper Masalah and the Flying Carpet has many more uses than simply being a cracking story.

The news articles about Zam and Pepper’s disappearance are great for children to use as a starting point for factual writing and perhaps to continue the story themselves, as Pepper Masalah and the Flying Carpet isn’t entirely resolved at the end, leaving huge potential for more adventures to come. 

I thought the illustrations really added to the adventure too.

Pepper Masalah and the Flying Carpet is a smashing children’s book and one I recommend.

About Rosanne Hawke

Rosanne Hawke is an Australian author from Penola, South Australia who has written over 25 books for young adults and children. She teaches tertiary level creative writing at Tabor Adelaide. She has a PhD in creative writing from the University of Adelaide.

For further information, visit Rosanne’s website, follow her on Twitter/X @rhawke53, and find Rosanne on Facebook and Instagram.