Module 7: The Day-Glo Brothers
Book Summary:
This picture book tells the story of Bob and Joe Switzer,
brothers who were different in almost every way. Bob was a hard worker who
wanted to be a doctor and Joe was a dreamer who wanted to go into
show-business. At age 19, Bob has a work accident and has to spend months
recovering from a head injury in a darkened basement. At the same time Joe was
experimenting with making things glow in the dark for his magic act. Together
they built an ultraviolet lamp and noticed that some things in their father's
pharmacy glowed. They began making paints that would glow under ultraviolet
light, but these paints wouldn't work in the daylight. The brothers continued
experimenting which led them to mix hot alcohol with the fluorescent colors which
created colors that would glow even during the day. During World War II, many
uses were found for these Day-Glo paints and after the war, the paints became popular
for all manner of things in everyday life: for art, safety, and advertisements.
APA Reference of Book:
Barton, C. (2009). The
Day-Glo brothers. Watertown, MA: Charlesbridge.
Impressions:
What struck me immediately about this book was the art style
and illustrations. The artist used a retro-comic style illustration that
reminded me of the Power Puff Girl cartoon from when I was younger. I think
using this style really helped to emphasize to the reader the time the story
was set in and the reader can go back in time a little with the story. The
illustrator also uses color to great advantage in the story starting out
illustrating only in black and white and gradually introducing the
fluorescent/Day-Glo colors. This helps the reader really understand the
evolution of the Day-Glo colors from an experiment to a really useful item for
many different people in the world.
The author does a great job of interspersing biographical
elements within the story of how Day-Glo paints were created. Either element on
its own wouldn’t be nearly as interesting or compelling. The story of the
Day-Glo paint would be interesting but the information about the brothers makes
it compelling and something that more children are able to relate to. On the
other hand, the biographical parts would make a good story but the author is
able to sneak in a little science information to unsuspecting children at the
same time. Add to the mix the interesting illustrations and ever increasing art
palette and this book is a recipe for a great time and learning experience
all-in-one.
Professional Review:
The Switzer brothers were complete opposites. Older brother
Bob was hardworking and practical, while younger brother Joe was carefree and
full of creative, wacky ideas. However, when an unexpected injury forced Bob to
spend months recovering in a darkened basement, the two brothers happened upon
an illuminating adventure—the discovery of Day-Glo colors. These glowing paints
were used to send signals in World War II, help airplanes land safely at night
and are now found worldwide in art and advertisements (not to mention the
entire decade of 1980s fashion). Through extensive research, including Switzer
family interviews and Bob’s own handwritten account of events, debut author
Barton brings two unknown inventors into the brilliant light they deserve.
Persiani, in his picture-book debut as well, first limits the palette to
grayscale, then gradually increases the use of color as the brothers’
experiments progress. The final pages explode in Day-Glo radiance. Rendered in
1950s-cartoon style, with bold lines and stretched perspectives, these two
putty-limbed brothers shine even more brightly than the paints and dyes they
created. (author’s note, endnotes) (Picture book/biography. 4-8)
The
Day-Glo Brothers. (2010). [Review of the book The Day-Glo brothers by C. Barton]. Kirkus Reviews. Retrieved from: http://www.kirkusreviews.com
Library Uses:
Add to a suggested reading list of accidental scientists for
elementary readers.
Use for a story time and have the craft utilize Day-Glo
paint.
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