Nutmeg by David Lucas is the story of a little girl who lives in a very dreary, grey world where all they ever eat is cardboard, string and sawdust.  It is all very dull and their home is filled with piles of junk.  Until Nutmeg decides that she is going to do the unheard of and go for a walk.  On her walk, she finds a bottle floating in the grey water.  Out bursts a bright blue genie surrounded by bursts of yellow, red and orange.  He gives her three wishes and Nutmeg wishes for something different to eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  So the genie gives her a magic spoon.  That evening, the spoon cooked supper all by itself.  A colorful supper of puddings, gelatins, pies, fruit, meat and more.  Then in the middle of the night, the spoon stirs up more changes and Nutmeg’s life will never be grey and dull again. 
Lucas has created a story that demonstrates the color and change that a little imagination and change from the norm can bring into your life.  His writing is simple and easy to read, but very evocative of the mood of the story.  His writing at the grey beginning repeats and grinds the way it has always been.  Then the writing is almost wild as the genie appears.  And finally as the story glides to a finish, the sentences are longer and the writing glides along as well.  Add to this his illustrations that do the same thing, starting with greys and browns, changing to bright vivid primaries and finally ending with peaches, pinks, and hazy blues. 
Share this one with children.  They will immediately understand that it is about imagination and magic.  It is a great read that offers few answers but is certainly worth the journey.