About the book

Why is blood red? Why are carrots orange? Who invented the lightbulb? Why is the world 'going green'? Is the sky really blue? And what is ultraviolet light?

You'll discover the answers to these questions - and many more - in this incredible collection of scientific facts about colour. We'll talk about light (the most important thing) and waves (not the kind you see at the beach - though you will learn why the sea looks blue!). You'll find out how some animals are able to glow in the dark and how others change their colours to hide from predators.

Keep reading to discover why leaves change colour in the autumn, why your veins look blue but your blood is red, and how the language we use shapes the colours we see . . .

And you'll even be taught by a real astronomer, Dr Sheila Kanani, exactly how to make a rainbow - in space.

ISBN: ‎9780241519738

What did the judges think?

Judge and head teacher David Rigmand said: "This book was in high demand amongst the students across Wallace Primary School. The way the author journeys through the colours of the rainbow is so engaging, and it's packed with amusing facts - who knew a hippo's sweat is red, or blue eyes are actually an optical illusion?”

About the author and illustrator

Dr Sheila Kanani is a planetary physicist, science presenter, secondary school physics teacher, space comedian and published author, with a background in astrophysics and astronomy research from UK universities. She regularly acts as a science ambassador, visiting schools and speaking at events. Sheila is currently the Education, Outreach and Diversity officer for the Royal Astronomical Society. Sheila enjoys walking on her local beach with her family of boys, playing sports, gazing at the stars, reading and eating (preferably reading whilst eating!). Her favourite planet is Saturn.

Liz Kay is an illustrator who, when not busy doodling, is usually found hiking and biking around the Yorkshire countryside and playing tennis for her local club. Liz has worked on a variety of commissions across illustrated maps, hand lettering and calligraphy, greetings cards, infographics, children’s books, newspapers and magazines, animation, murals, personalised illustrations and wedding stationery.

Dr Sheila Kanani
Dr Sheila Kanani
Liz Kay
Liz Kay