Brothers Joe and Bob Switzer are quite different. Bob is the studious brother who wants to be a doctor, while Joe is a dreamer who loves magic. Tog...
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Dec 09, 2011
Davina
rated it: 
1. Junior Book-Biography
2. Two brothers, with unlike interests, find themselves connecting to create an awesome product. While joining the thoughts that make them different, they made Day-Glo, the colors that glow at night and in the day!
3a. The science aspect of the book
3b. This book is timeless. I like how the book doesn’t feel like a biography when reading. It’s a really good story and many kids will enjoy it. The science in the book has many great ties for the c More...
2. Two brothers, with unlike interests, find themselves connecting to create an awesome product. While joining the thoughts that make them different, they made Day-Glo, the colors that glow at night and in the day!
3a. The science aspect of the book
3b. This book is timeless. I like how the book doesn’t feel like a biography when reading. It’s a really good story and many kids will enjoy it. The science in the book has many great ties for the c More...
Oct 25, 2009
Debbie (Readerbuzz)
rated it:
The Day-Glo Brothers: The True Story of Bob and Joe Switzer's Bright Ideas and Brand-New Colors by Chris Barton
So how would you illustrate a book about the two brothers who invented day-glo paint? But of course. And, boy, are day-glo colors effective in the telling of this story and its illustration.
Bob and Joe Switzer never set out to be inventors. Joe wanted to be a magician. Bob wanted to be a doctor. They did not realize their dreams, but a greater future lay ahead of More...
So how would you illustrate a book about the two brothers who invented day-glo paint? But of course. And, boy, are day-glo colors effective in the telling of this story and its illustration.
Bob and Joe Switzer never set out to be inventors. Joe wanted to be a magician. Bob wanted to be a doctor. They did not realize their dreams, but a greater future lay ahead of More...
Jul 23, 2009
Tasha
rated it:
I am always on the look-out for books that offer a great story combined with nonfiction. This book definitely has that. Even better, it offers a tangible example of invention that children can relate to and understand. Joe and Bob were not similar brothers. Bob enjoyed working and planning while Joe preferred magic tricks and problem-solving. The two made the perfect inventing pair. After Bob suffered an accident and was limited to living in the family’s basement, Joe joined him there to p
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Jun 08, 2009
Elizabeth
rated it:
I think a lot of kids grow up thinking that great discoveries are intentional. People intended to walk on the moon. Edison intended to create a light bulb. Some bloke intended to find a way to can Spam. That’s why there’s a whole genre of non-fiction picture books out there dedicated to accidental discoveries. People like to tell kids that sometimes greatness is a mistake, not planned or earned. But I think there’s a third way of looking at this. What about the people who worked hard thei
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Nov 03, 2009
babyhippoface
rated it:
So, it turns out that the story of how Bob and Joe Switzer came to create fluorescent paints is more interesting than one would imagine. Magic, a car full of ketchup bottles, and a glowing angel food cake all played a part. The process they went through was interesting, but the part I most enjoyed was the list of ways their paints were used, from golf balls, movie posters, goalposts and hula hoops to panels, buoys, vests, and other items that helped the Allies win World War II.
The i More...
The i More...
Mar 02, 2010
Tatiana
rated it: 
"One brother wanted to save lives. The other brother wanted to dazzle crowds. With Day-Glo, they did both." This picture book about the true story of Joe and Bob Switzer and their invention of Day-Glo is a gorgeous riot of bright colors that tells the story just as much as the wonderful narrative. America likes nothing better than a story of scrappy heroes who make something out of nothing, accidental creations that changed a nation in a fantastic and not so-subtle way. These two broth
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Jan 14, 2010
Treasa
rated it: 
I knew nothing about the invention of Day-Glo colors when I picked up this book, and Barton did a great job of introducing me to the two brothers who developed these bright colors. The illustrations are cleverly done - they are done in black and white with accents of fluorescent colors. The use of the bright colors that the brothers invented is certainly appropriate, and the colors used gradually get brighter as the brothers discover more and more about these colors. However, I personally did no
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Mar 14, 2011
Lindsey
rated it: 
I viewed/listened to this book as a Tumble Book. The combination of the black and white pictures and then developing day-glo colors was presented in this online book, like in the actual book. The online book added some movement of certain parts of the picture. A larger percentage of the "page" on my laptop screen seem to be devoted to the text than in the print book. I thought that the movement of the pictures, the pixelized look of the pictures, and the movement of part of the pic
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Dec 15, 2011
Jackie
rated it:
The story of brothers, Joe and Bob Switzer, who through a combination of luck, curiosity, and perserverance, discovered the properties and effects of fluorescent paint. Originally, they wanted to use the paint in Joe's magic act and yet even though Bob was serious and studious and wanted to be a doctor, together they found a way to use these paint properties for profit.
Fluorescent paint was used in the WWII campaign as a way to send signals. After the war, the colors were used for s More...
Fluorescent paint was used in the WWII campaign as a way to send signals. After the war, the colors were used for s More...
Sep 18, 2010
Rebecca
rated it:
This book has gotten so many starred reviews that I picked it up at the bookstore to see why. It was a fine book with an interesting topic, but I was kind of disappointed in it. I didn't care for the pictures, which were line drawings that looked as though they had been resurrected from a 1940s children's picture book (maybe that was the intent), and I felt that the text, which has been reviewed for up to 6th or 7th grade, is in fact really aimed at elementary school. I find this kind of science
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Jan 06, 2010
Christina
rated it:
Who knew the invention of those bright bright colors had such a "colorful" story behind it? And a Cleveland Ohio connection as well, which I found charming. This biography tells the life stories of the brothers Bob and Joe Switzer, who accidentally-on-purpose came up with a permanent glowing paint that could be used in a variety of places from safety signs to magic tricks. The book is illustrated IN DAY-GLO, which might be overly bright to some people but I found it really cool, and th
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Mar 09, 2010
Dena
rated it:
Reading Level: 4th Grade and up
This is the "colorful" story of Bob & Joe Switzer, the creators of Day- Glo colors such as green, orange and yellow. Not only do we learn about how they created these illuminating colors, it is also the story of their never giving up approach through failed attempts and life's unfortunate experiences. The black & white pages with splashes of Day-Glo color are a visual treat. This book would tie in great with a Day-Glo art project. I shared this More...
This is the "colorful" story of Bob & Joe Switzer, the creators of Day- Glo colors such as green, orange and yellow. Not only do we learn about how they created these illuminating colors, it is also the story of their never giving up approach through failed attempts and life's unfortunate experiences. The black & white pages with splashes of Day-Glo color are a visual treat. This book would tie in great with a Day-Glo art project. I shared this More...
Apr 30, 2010
Carolynne
rated it:
Such a unique book, telling a story that has not been told before to children. Bob wanted to be a doctor, and Joe wanted to be a magician. How they never reached their goals, but used their talents in an entirely new and satisfying way makes a compelling tale. The Illustrations are reminiscent of 1950's commercial art and are colored with Day-glo colors, just as they should be. What an inspirational book, too: not just a rags-to-riches story, which it is, but one which should inspire enterpri
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Apr 29, 2009
CuriousLibrarian
rated it:
This is a 3.5 from me.
With its day-glo colors both on the cover and inside, this is certainly an eye-catching book. Which is the point, of course. It is the story of the brothers who created day-glo paints and dyes. Until I picked up this book, I can't say that it ever occurred to me to wonder how or when these colors were created. But the story is fairly interesting, and full of little anecdotes which intrigue the historian in me (an author's note at the end talks about the process More...
With its day-glo colors both on the cover and inside, this is certainly an eye-catching book. Which is the point, of course. It is the story of the brothers who created day-glo paints and dyes. Until I picked up this book, I can't say that it ever occurred to me to wonder how or when these colors were created. But the story is fairly interesting, and full of little anecdotes which intrigue the historian in me (an author's note at the end talks about the process More...
Aug 13, 2010
Joanne
rated it:
WHAT a fun book! I love the 50s-retro illustration of this well-done nonfiction book explaining how day-glo colors were invented. The illustrations are mostly soft grays, but accented by day-glo color as the story unfolds. And the brothers age over time. I also love the way the brothers' different talents combine to help them invent and market their product, and the general entrepreneurial and creative spirit. I also learned how fluorescence works.
More, please, Barton & Persiani
More, please, Barton & Persiani
Jan 21, 2010
Diana
rated it:
Who would have thought that paint was so interesting? Chris Barton does a masterful job using language and descriptions that will catch the interest of children. Bob and Joe Switzer were brothers with two very different personalities. Bob was organized; Joe was impulsive. Joe's ambition to become a magician and Bob's accident while working for money to attend medical school led to a collaboration in colors. Eventually their experiments resulted in the florescent colors of today.
Jan 06, 2010
Cynthia
rated it:
If you're looking for a great non-fiction book to read to your kids you should put this one on your list. It's the story of the Switzer brothers who invented day-glo colors (before reading this book I didn't even know that they needed inventing). The illustrations start out in black and white, but as the story progresses they become more and more colorful. We just got this book from the library yesterday and my 4 year old has already asked for it to be read to him twice.
Jul 20, 2010
Duane
rated it:
A great book for any library's junior non fiction collection! I had never heard of these brothers, so it was interesting to see how two brothers worked together and created a new industry of day glow colors. The illustrations in this book are awesome! Filled with vibrant day glow colors, each turn of the page is a joy. Not really meant for beginner readers, this book would work best for 3rd grade and up in my opinion. A great book!
Dec 05, 2011
Melissa
rated it:
This book tells the truth story of Bob and Joe Switzer's bright ideas and their discovery of brand new colors. I really enjoyed this book myself because the story was so interesting and different. The colors the illustrator used were neon colors, which were the colors the brothers invented. I think this book will be an excellent tool to use in the class room because you can easily relate it with science lessons.
May 12, 2010
Lynn
rated it:
Wonderful picture book about the brothers who invented the Day-Glo phosphorescent colors. They originally began to use them for a magic act. Then they began to look for other uses and ways to preserve the colors better because they faded in sunlight and didn't show up in daylight. After much experimentation they got it right and were able to use the colors for safety reasons etc. Wonderful matter of fact book.
Oct 28, 2009
Jane
rated it:
The history of the creation of Day-Glo paint. Never thought to wonder about how that got invented but now I know! Very stylized illustrations make it look like a "period" piece. Nice use of color as the paint gets brighter and more fluorescent as they go. Good back matter giving some more information about how fluorescence works and about the Switzer brothers. Probably won't appeal to all kids.
Sep 08, 2011
Amanda
rated it:
Neat story about how day-glo paint was developed. You wouldn't think it'd be interesting, but it really is. And it's nice how determination and different work styles can create a terrific end product. It also tells us how this daytime florescence is important and what it's meant for U.S. history -- in defense and art, for example. And it gently gets into the chemistry of the paint. Neat book.
Jan 29, 2011
Sandra
rated it:
I had never given much thought to fluorescent colors until I came across this book. How Bob and Joe Switzer worked together to develop these extraordinary hues is fascinating in itself, but the imaginative illustrations which transition from shades of gray to the inclusion of Day-Glo colors really capture the mood and intent of the book. An outstanding picture book. Highly Recommended!
Feb 11, 2010
Bonnie
rated it:
I love this book on so many levels. It's a fun biography that is easy enough for the elementary-school set. The brothers are real-sounding kids who are mischievous, curious and creative. They are different personalities, with very different goals, yet they both reach some of their aspirations in an unexpected way. One of many fun, engaging new biography picture books.
Feb 16, 2010
Lorna
rated it:
What a great little story -- no surprise it landed on so many "best" lists. The colors and retro look caught my eye, but the story was well-told and will appeal to kids. I especially liked, a la "Wizard of Oz" that the illustrations began in black and white and color was added in as the tale progressed. A quick, fun, educational read!
Nov 30, 2010
Krista the Krazy Kataloguer
rated it:
Interesting story of how two brothers invented day-glo colors, illustrated in retro-style cartoons. I always wondered how day-glo worked, and this book gave me an easy explanation. I highly recommend going to the web site mentioned toward the end of the book, which provides 3 simple animations to explain how regular light, regular fluorescence, and day-glo fluoresence work. I didn't know that it was invented before World War II, and that it was so useful during the war. Today we take highlig
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Jan 14, 2010
Red
rated it:
Cool book. THe biography is told in cartoon format in a 1940-1950's style. It's meant for young kids, so there isn't a lot of text, but I enjoyed finding out more about one of my favorite categories of colors, day-glo. The book uses the day glow ink colors for illustration accents, and day-glo paper for the front & back sheets of the book. Nice touch. Very quick read, read it over lunch.
Jan 11, 2012
Elizabeth
rated it:
This book was a biography about the brothers who created glow in the dark paint. Can be used to compare and contrast two people, discuss character traits and sequencing. The illustrations were very colorful, went along with their invention. I would recommend this to older students because of length.
Dec 09, 2010
Iroquois
rated it:
great nonfic picture book for kids, especially for boys reluctant to reading who I feel will enjoy this author's books:)
It's the true story of the two guys(brothers) who invented the florescent colors we see in so many things today. A really interesting and unique subject told in a format exciting to kids.
It's the true story of the two guys(brothers) who invented the florescent colors we see in so many things today. A really interesting and unique subject told in a format exciting to kids.
Nov 08, 2009
Anne
rated it:
One of the most fun non-fiction books I've read in a long time. Barton gives readers enough odd facts, and lets us see the two brothers' personalities, so that even non-scientific type readers will enjoy the ride. And Persiani's use of black and white and day-glo colors are a perfect complement to the story.
