Dazzle Ships: World War I and the Art of Confusion
By:
Illustrator: Victo Ngai
This dazzling nonfiction picture book explores art, desperation, and one man's incredible idea for saving ships from German torpedoes in World War I. Author's note. Illustrator's note. Time line, with photographs. Suggestions for further reading. Link to author's complete bibliography. Full-color illustrations created using mixed analog and digital media.
ISBN: 9781512410143
JLG Release: Oct 2017
Sensitive Areas:
None
Topics:
Warships
, Great Britain
, Camouflage
, World War I (1914–1918)
, Art and World War I (1914–1918)
, British Royal Navy
, German U-boats
, Women during World War I
Awards & Honors
2019 North Carolina Children's Book Award Final Nominee
ALSC Notable Children’s Books 2018, Older
2018 NCTE Orbis Pictus Award Honor
CCBC Choices 2018 Choice: Historical People, Places, and Events
Chicago Public Library Best Books of 2017, Informational Books for Younger Readers
New York Public Library Best Books for Kids 2017
Praise & Reviews
Starred or favorable reviews have been received from these periodicals:
Booklist, Kirkus Reviews, Publishers Weekly*, School Library Journal*
School Library Journal
[STARRED REVIEW]
During World War I, the British were in danger of starving because so many German U-boats were sinking American and British supply ships. Eventually, Norman Wilkinson, a Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve lieutenant-commander, had the idea to paint boats in such a manner as to confuse the German submarine captains, and the co [STARRED REVIEW]
During World War I, the British were in danger of starving because so many German U-boats were sinking American and British supply ships. Eventually, Norman Wilkinson, a Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve lieutenant-commander, had the idea to paint boats in such a manner as to confuse the German submarine captains, and the concept of “dazzle ships” was born. Barton chronicles the creation and implementation of the strategy, including the team of women artists who designed the patterns and the laborers who painted the ships. Readers learn that the wild, striped designs fooled the U-boat captains into thinking the Allies’ ships were headed in opposite directions, thus leading to confusion and failed offenses for the Germans. The well-written, intriguing text is complemented by Ngai’s vibrant and surreal illustrations that skillfully recreate the glittering water and the striking camouflaged vessels. Students will appreciate the information, while taking in the amazing artwork. More material is provided by author’s and illustrator’s notes at the end. In addition to the back matter, photographs of Wilkinson and one of the dazzle ships are also included. VERDICT With the commemoration of the centenary of World War I, this book is a fascinating selection that will captivate readers, especially war story enthusiasts.—Margaret Nunes, Gwinnett County Public Library, GA
During World War I, the British were in danger of starving because so many German U-boats were sinking American and British supply ships. Eventually, Norman Wilkinson, a Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve lieutenant-commander, had the idea to paint boats in such a manner as to confuse the German submarine captains, and the co [STARRED REVIEW]
During World War I, the British were in danger of starving because so many German U-boats were sinking American and British supply ships. Eventually, Norman Wilkinson, a Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve lieutenant-commander, had the idea to paint boats in such a manner as to confuse the German submarine captains, and the concept of “dazzle ships” was born. Barton chronicles the creation and implementation of the strategy, including the team of women artists who designed the patterns and the laborers who painted the ships. Readers learn that the wild, striped designs fooled the U-boat captains into thinking the Allies’ ships were headed in opposite directions, thus leading to confusion and failed offenses for the Germans. The well-written, intriguing text is complemented by Ngai’s vibrant and surreal illustrations that skillfully recreate the glittering water and the striking camouflaged vessels. Students will appreciate the information, while taking in the amazing artwork. More material is provided by author’s and illustrator’s notes at the end. In addition to the back matter, photographs of Wilkinson and one of the dazzle ships are also included. VERDICT With the commemoration of the centenary of World War I, this book is a fascinating selection that will captivate readers, especially war story enthusiasts.—Margaret Nunes, Gwinnett County Public Library, GA
Book Details
ISBN
9781512410143
First Release
October 2017
Genre
Nonfic
Dewey Classification
623.7/7
Trim Size
9 1/4" x 11"
Page Count
36
Accelerated Reader
Level 6.1; Points: 0.5;
Scholastic Reading Counts
Level 7.4; Points: 3;
Lexile
Level 990L
Format
Print Book
Edition
Library edition
Publisher
Millbrook
Potentially Sensitive Areas
None
Topics
Warships, Great Britain, Camouflage, World War I (1914–1918), Art and World War I (1914–1918), British Royal Navy, German U-boats, Women during World War I,
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