Book Details
Written by
Illustrated by
Genre
More details
See more book reviews

The Day-Glo Brothers (by Chris Barton)

common sense media says

Eye-popping biography of inventive brothers.

parents & educators say
See 2 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know there is nothing of concern in this fascinating story of the invention of new colors. There is brief discussion of how Day-Glo was used in World War II, but the focus is very positive (guiding planes to landings, sending signals, etc.).

Educational value: Does an admirable job explaining how the men invented Day-Glo, and the back pages offer a fuller explanation of both regular and daylight fluorescence.
Positive messages: This is a fun look at the process of invention: Experimentation and curiosity play a big part in the Switzers’ story. This also shows how two very different people -- Bob worked during the day and was very goal-oriented; Joe worked at night and was much less rigid -- were able to combine their talents to work together.
Positive role models: The Switzer brothers come through as creative men who worked through adversity (Bob’s accident, the Great Depression), setting aside their early dreams to follow new opportunity -- and, in the end, fulfilling those early dreams after all.
Violence & scariness: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on The Day-Glo Brothers

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • Families can talk about the different ways Day-Glo colors are used. Where have you seen them used? What would you do with Day-Glo colors?
  • The Switzers invented new colors that had never been seen before. Can you think of colors you’d want to invent?
  • Some of the brothers’ biggest breakthroughs occurred accidentally. Have you ever made an accidental discovery?
  • Joe and Bob had very different approaches to their work. Joe worked at night with a free-association approach; Bob worked during the day and pursued set goals. Which style appeals more to you?

What's the story?

What's the story?
The Switzer brothers didn’t set out to be inventors. Joe wanted to be a magician and Bob dreamed of being a doctor. But a debilitating accident, a dose of curiosity, and a streak of creativity led to their development of Day-Glo paint -- bold colors that glow even in daylight. At first, their fluorescent paint only worked in ultraviolet light. It was several more years before they developed Fire Orange -- paint that glowed in both daylight and ultraviolet light. Their invention was quickly put to use for rescue and safety operations in World War II, and it then became part of American life, from artwork to dump trucks to detergent boxes. This biography shows how two very different men together invented a brand new color.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

First-time author Chris Barton blends well-informed biography, history, and science into a delightful story that will delight curious kids, young artists, and budding scientists. Kids will appreciate getting to know the inventors as young boys and giggle at the lighthearted moments -- like the vaguely fluorescent cake their mom accidentally made. Kids who are thirsty for more will appreciate the notes on how fluorescence works. And the author’s note, about how he explored the Switzers’ story, is almost as engaging as the book itself.

Tony Persiani’s illustrations, evoking the ‘50s and ‘60s, open the book in shades of gray and erupt in a riot of glowing color as the Switzers’ creation catches on.

Funky, mid-century-style cartoon illustrations depict a mostly black-and-white world until the Switzers begin to play with fluorescent colors.

Book themes & details

Book Details
Author: Chris Barton
Illustrator: Tony Persiani
Publisher: Charlesbridge Publishing
Publication date: July 1, 2009
Number of pages: 44
Hardcover price: $18.95
Read Aloud: 6
Read Alone: 8
This review was written by Darienne Hosley Stewart
 
 

Review It

 

Review The Day-Glo Brothers

Hang on! You need to be a member to post your review.
A safe community is important to us. Please observe our guidelines.
 

Most useful reviews by all members

DragonFlyer
kid, 10 years old
5
 
Educational
I think it is a good book because it tells people interesting things. It gives interesting facts about fluorescent colors, and light.
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (3) | had useful details (5) | read my mind (4)
Jojano
parent of 8 and 10 year old
8
 
Positive message & colorful illustrations, but didn't hold attention of my children
I got this book from the library by recommendation from this website. I'd give it 3-4 stars. My 10 year old really liked this book and found it interesting. My 8 year old, however, thought it was "just fine." She didn't love it; not sure that she was interested enough to even read all of the words. I did read all of the words but I understand her opinion. I liked how the story tells of the brothers having to try and try again to achieve their goal. A quote from the book by one of the brothers: "If just one experiment out of a thousand succeeds, then you're ahead of the game." That is, indeed, a positive message that our children could benefit from learning. I also really liked the simple yet colorful pictures.
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (2) | had useful details (2) | read my mind (3)

More reviews ...

An independent voice for families
Age-appropriate reviews
Advice on the big issues
 

vote now

Will you read The Day-Glo Brothers?

Won't miss it
On the fence
No way

Already read it? What do you think?

I recommend it
It's a pass
 

Great alternatives handpicked by our editors

More innovative biographies
For kids who love biographies and sibling stories
Browse more books
External sites
About our rating system
ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
OFF: Not age appropriate for kids this age
Our child development rating guidelines