This fantastic collaboration between author David Coles and illustrator Margaux Samson-Abadie is better than anything I could have imagined. In fact when they say, ‘write the book you wish existed’, this is it, and I didn’t have to go through all of the hard work to make it.
For many years I have read books about colour, all
written for adults, and wondered why something like this didn’t exist for
children. They have endlessly curious minds, and I have no doubt that they
would find this topic truly fascinating.
At an extended 54 pages The Mystery of Colour and How we Solved it is
just that, a fascinating read from start to finish.
It begins, as expected with the first colours. The
pigments, created literally from the earth by the first humans. It then follows
through the rainbow from Blue, Red and Green to Orange, Purple and Yellow.
But this is not just a where and how kind of book. Each
page is full of historical facts, examples of colour in famous artworks and the
different uses of colour that you may have never thought about.
David has written about royal colours and sacred colours.
Colour blindness and the psychology of colours. He has even covered synesthesia,
the sound of colours. His writing is simplified in a way perfect for children
but at no point does he dumb it down or patronize the reader. It is the ideal balance
of conveying information while still leaving the door open for further
investigation of the subject.
The gorgeous illustrations by Margaux take this book
to a whole other level. Along with images that illustrate the facts, each
colour section begins with a double page spread that fills every inch of space
with glorious colour. The Asian inspired ‘red’ page is breathtaking, but I keep
coming back to the ‘green’ page again and again because it is so engaging.
Often nonfiction books are full of white space, boxes
of text and photographic images. I have always felt that illustrated nonfiction
works are much more engaging, and this book has easily proven my point.
The Mystery of Colour and How we Solved it is
so full of information that it is sure to remain on the bookshelf for years
being picked up again and again. It is a must for any reference collection and
should be included in every school library and classroom.
It is often said that our world is being drained of colour and turned into a faded version of the past. We need more books like this to help the next generation once again fall in love and understand the power of colour. Though if we can avoid a repeat of the Fluro trend of the 80’s that would be great.
Title: The Mystery of Colour and How we Solved it
Author: David Coles
Illustrator: Margaux Samson-Abadie
Publisher: Thames & Hudson
Publication Date: August 2026
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781760765422
For ages: 8+
Type: Picture book