The Mystery of the Colour Thief

Description

Shortlisted for the Waterstones Children's Book Prize 2019. Longlisted for the Branford Boase Award, 2019. First the accident, then the nightmares. The shadowy thief steals all the colours from Izzy's world leaving her feeling empty and hopeless. Will her new neighbour and a nest full of cygnets save Izzy and solve the mystery of the colour thief? A heartwarming story about families, friendships, school, nature, hope and self-confidence. After a frightening car accident, Izzy's mum is in a coma. Her family is in pieces. Her best friend at school has dumped her. And her nightmares are haunted by a shadowy man stealing all the colours from her world. She's trying so hard to be brave, but Izzy thinks everything is her fault. Then she meets her new neighbour, Toby, paralyzed after a skateboarding accident, and together they find a nest of cygnets who need rescuing. Particularly the odd one out, called Spike. Will saving Spike save Izzy? Will she and Toby solve the mystery of the colour thief and bring hope and happiness back to Izzy's life? Written with insight, compassion and empathy - an authentic story about real life and how to survive it.

Ewa Jozefkowicz grew up in Ealing, and studied English Literature at UCL. Her debut novel The Mystery of the Colour Thief, published by Zephyr in 2018, was shortlisted for the Waterstones Children's Book Prize. Her second book Girl 38: Finding a Friend blends contemporary times with WWII Poland. Ewa lives in north London, with her husband and twin daughters, Magda and Julia.

Ewa Jozefkowicz tackles big themes with sincerity and a keen insight into the pre-teen mindset * Financial Times * A really impressive nuanced debut looking at how to cope with and survive life -- Fiona Noble, The Bookseller Paints a convincing picture of a harrowing time in a young life [while] offering ample humour, hope and optimism * Book of the Month, BookTrust * This book positively deals with difficult issues... It's perfect for teachers to promote discussions about what it is to feel happy, how we cope when faced with difficult situations and what we can do to support each other to feel well again' -- Nikki Gamble, Just Imagine This extremely readable novel lays bare the emotions of friendship and family, as well as exploring the impact of nature on our urban lives, and the ways in which we can find hope and confidence in ourselves -- Minerva Reads A very thought provoking book; deeply moving with a very tragic story which could happen to anybody in real-life... This is a fantastic story inspired by life' * Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books * Moving and emotionally highly charged, this is a haunting story that will stay with you long after the last page is read * Parents in Touch * A really moving story inspired by real experiences and it may see you reaching for the tissues. Powerful feelings are handled in a compassionate way, characters are authentically nuanced and the plot is compelling * Books for Topics * [The narrative is] adroitly handled; and the impressive aspect of the story is the depiction of Izzy's disordered state of mind * Books for Keeps. * A powerful story recording the ripple effect of a tragic accident and the healing process. It is about the rebuilding of self-esteem and the blossoming of new friendships and most importantly the return of hope * The School Librarian. * Helping a friend rescue an ailing cygnet offers redemption in a poignant, beautifully poised tale * Financial Times, Books of the Year * A heartwarming story about families, friendships, school, nature, hope and self-confidence * Huffington Post *