Andersen Press lands new children's fantasy novel from MacKenzie

Andersen Press has landed a brand new fantasy novel for children from Ross MacKenzie.

Charlie Sheppard, publishing director, acquired world rights for The Colour of Hope from Stephanie Thwaites at Curtis Brown. It will be published in May 2022 with an "extensive" events programme, including appearances at schools and festivals. 

The story follows a brave girl struggling to find her place in a world where her very appearance puts her in danger, and explores the themes of tolerance, belonging, loss and friendship.

The synopsis says: "The Dominion is cursed. Years ago, the Emperor and his Necromancer stole all the colour from the world. Now they keep it for themselves, enjoying its life-giving power while everyone else must exist in cold shades of grey. That is until a miracle baby is born — a little girl who lives in brilliant colour. But the child’s life is in danger from her first breath. Soon the Emperor’s murderous ripper dogs and black coats come hunting. A drifter mage, Sandy Burns, intervenes, hiding the wee miracle in the forest, raising her as his own. Rumour of ‘the rainbow child’ spreads, giving hope to those who had lost it ... but bringing danger and adventure to Sandy and his daughter."

Sheppard said: “Ross has a head brimming with ideas. It is an absolute privilege to work with someone so hugely imaginative and a pleasure to go with him on the adventures he creates.”

MacKenzie added: "It’s been a dream to work with Charlie and the Andersen Press team these past few years, and I’m thrilled we’re working on more books and finally unleashing The Colour of Hope. The idea of a child born in colour in a black and white world had been living in my head for quite some time, but I think the stresses and trials of the past 18 months really focussed the concept in my imagination.

"Many of the simple pleasures that I had taken for granted disappeared for a while, and those dark times made it that much easier to imagine a place where colour and joy could quite literally be drained away. This is a story about friendship and loss, betrayal and bravery. But at the core of it all is hope. Because there is always hope, isn’t there?”