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Parents' Guide to

The Day-Glo Brothers

By Darienne Stewart, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 6+

Eye-popping biography of inventive brothers.

Book Chris Barton Biography 2009
The Day-Glo Brothers Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

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age 8+

Based on 1 parent review

Jojano
Jojano Parent of 8 and 10-year-old
August 21, 2011
age 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.
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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?

Our review:
Parents say (1 ):
Kids say (1 ):

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.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • 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?

Book Details

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