The Colours of History

by Clive Gifford, illustrated by Marc-Etienne Peintre

Interest age: 9 to 11
Reading age: 9+

Published by QED Publishing, 2018

Historical
Non-fiction

About this book

Who would have thought a book about colour could be so interesting? Each brightly coloured page brings another shade of colour to life. Using pantone samples, this book teaches us about origins and uses for over 20 different colours to illustrate the history of colour. From red to green to purple, this is a book which covers everything.

It’s full of fascinating facts from start to finish. These include everything from how pink was originally considered a masculine colour and not suitable for girls to how "mummy brown" was actually made from real mummies.

This full-colour book focuses on a topic that is not often covered in children’s books. It offers a wide range of opportunities and new ideas for parents and schools, working across the curriculum through art, history and beyond. This book would be a great addition to any classroom, school library or home. It's also a perfect gift for any budding artists or art historians who want to learn more about colours!

About the author

Clive Gifford is an award-winning author of more than 200 books for children and young adults. His titles published by Ivy Kids include The Human Body in 30 Seconds, Brain Twisters, and Eye Benders, winner of the 2014 Royal Society Young People’s Book Prize.

About the illustrator

Marc-Etienne Peintre studied illustration at the Emile Cohl school in Lyon before moving to Paris, where he works as an illustrator of magazines and picture books, employing a playful and offbeat style that makes strong use of colour and texture.