#blogbookaday: Dazzle Ships: World War I and the Art of Confusion

Summary:  “This nonfiction picture book explores art, desperation, and one man’s incredible idea for saving ships from German torpedoes in World War I. Dazzle camouflage transformed ordinary British and American ships into eye-popping masterpieces.” (Taken from Goodreads)

Review: I had never heard about these ships during World War I, ships that had bold designs painted on them to camouflage them and prevent them from being torpedoed by German U-boats. I really enjoyed how Chris was able to bring a fairly difficult topic with lots of information into a picture book accessible to young children. I also loved the illustrations and how they felt East Asian in the way the waves moved on the page and felt art deco in the style and colors chosen. This is a great story to share with middle grade students when talking about World War I and the stories you don’t always get to hear in textbooks.

Personal Reaction: I personally loved learning how many women were a part of this movement during a time that women were mainly housewives and stay-at-home moms. I really liked the format of this book, very basic explanation about what dazzle ships were and how they were created. More importantly, I really liked the fact that even though there is no research as to how effective this process was, the author points out the importance of thinking outside the box.

Title: Dazzle Ships: World War I and the Art of Confusion
Author: Chris Barton
Illustrator: Victo Ngai
Publisher: Millbrook Press
Publication Date: September 1, 2017

This is a new idea I’m trying on my blog this year that was inspired by @donalynbooks and @heisereads – to provide a brief review of a picture book every day of 2018. You’ll get a brief summary of the story, a review of the content, illustrations and theme, my personal reaction to the book and all the pertinent publication information! Enjoy!