  | Full Text Reviews: Booklist - 08/01/2017 It might seem counterintuitive to paint bold, eye-catching patterns on ships aiming to pass safely through U-boat-infested waters, but as Barton and Ngai’s informative picture book demonstrates, that unconventional choice was a daring stroke of genius. During WWI, Britain’s warships were routinely targeted by German U-boats, and the Royal Navy was desperate for a way to avoid Germany’s attacks. Norman Wilkinson’s groundbreaking patterns—not quite camouflage, but painting the ships in a way that makes their movements hard to detect—fooled even the most experienced sailors, and the navy employed cadres of art students to design more dazzles. Ngai’s swirling, art nouveau–style illustrations replicate some of the bold shapes and designs on the so-called dazzle ships, and the soft colors and stylized figures nicely soften the wartime theme and focus attention to the vessels. Barton adds plenty of historical context, illuminating other naval defense schemes of the period, as well as the role of women in creating dazzle patterns. An author’s note, time line, and photos of the ships round out this inspiring story of creativity. - Copyright 2017 Booklist. School Library Journal - 08/01/2017 Gr 2–5—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 - Copyright 2017 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Loading...
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