The Notted Island by Katherine Child

Before 1861, the world was black and white. As Colour reached the end of his job, world weary he stopped to rest on Last Island: the last uncoloured place.

The people of the island are believed to be the reason for this and seek to better themselves, in the hope that Colour will recognise their efforts and bring colour to the island. To make matters worse, the islands Nott – a deity responsible for drawing the curtain of night – begins to make more and more mistakes. As the islanders grow restless, they send a letter threatening Nott. However, when the letter finds itself in the hands of Tisky, a young islander with pockets full of cake, she tasks herself with bringing unity back to Last Island.