From the Bookshelf of Mock Caldecott 2026

Dazzle Ships: World War I and the Art of Confusion
by
Start date
December 1, 2017
Finish date
December 31, 2017
Discussion
Mock Caldecott 2018

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Group Discussions About This Book

* Our 2018 Mock Caldecott Award Winner is:
By Kristen · 24 posts · 186 views
last updated Feb 17, 2018 05:02PM
2018 ALA Youth Media Awards
By Kristen · 8 posts · 58 views
last updated Mar 04, 2018 04:52PM

What Members Thought

Meredith
I heard the same 99% Invisible podcast as Chris Barton, and I'm so glad he ran with the information. Recommended to the RICBA committee. ...more
Ann Haefele
Nov 22, 2017 rated it it was amazing
Interesting topic and stunning artwork. I have learned so much from reading children’s nonfiction books. Interesting to learn about the many World War I ships that were painted with crazy colors and patterns to camouflage ships from German torpedos. Also interesting were the author and illustrator notes about research, information overload, and art. The last page had a great quote about creativity. “Times change. Technology changes. Torpedos get faster, submarine targeting systems get computeriz ...more
Kelsey
Sep 23, 2017 rated it really liked it
Age: K-3rd grade
Nonfiction: WWI, battleships

I never knew about this intriguing use of art! Through the use of optical illusion, Norman Wilkinson came up with the unconventional solution to paint shipping vessels with bold illustrations in order to confuse German U-boats from predicting their course. Although a book about war, Barton focuses more on the art and mechanics of the boats with a lighter tone for younger boat enthusiasts.
Mary
Barton tells a compelling story about a little know historical event. He does a great job simplifying a complex time period without diluting or misrepresenting the facts. With dazzling illustrations, this is an informative and inspiring picture book that celebrates problem-solving and creativity.
Serenity
Dec 18, 2017 rated it it was amazing
This book is very interesting, and the illustrations are amazing. I am excited to share this with my intermediate kiddos (I think it is a little too text-heavy for primary students). There are so many primary source and history resources that can be pulled in to bring this book to life.
Stacy Ford
Jan 14, 2018 rated it liked it  ·  review of another edition
Shelves: nonfiction, 2018
An interesting topic about the process of camouflaging ships during World War I by "dazzling" them with patterns to confuse U-Boat operators. ...more
Jenn
Sep 22, 2017 rated it really liked it
I knew nothing about this until I read this book. This brilliant idea shows how the arts can be far more helpful than most people realize.
Holly Mueller
I was more impressed with the illustrations than the text, but this one would be a great addition to the classroom or school library. Dazzle ships might not be something a lot of kids (or adults) know about, so it would be great to have on hand for research/passion projects.
Sara Cook
Nov 28, 2017 rated it really liked it
Beautiful picture book illustrating the fascinating painted ships of WWI.
Marcie
Chicago Public Library Best Informational Books for Younger Readers of 2017

I loved this mostly because it tells a story I didn't know and I think will be fun to share with kids. I didn't have time to devote to the great back matter, but I think the kids will.
...more
Dawn
Jan 15, 2018 rated it it was amazing
Shelves: 2018
This book contains fabulous illustrations. Each page was a work of art. I also found the subject matter interesting. It was all new information for me.
Sara Cook
Oct 29, 2017 rated it it was amazing  ·  review of another edition
Fascinating non-fiction story of painted ships in WWI with impressive illustrations.
Colleen
Aug 29, 2017 marked it as to-read
Erika
Jan 28, 2018 rated it really liked it
Janelle
Sep 29, 2017 marked it as to-read
Niki
Oct 07, 2017 marked it as to-read  ·  review of another edition
Debbie
Oct 13, 2017 rated it it was amazing
Margaret
Nov 06, 2017 added it
Shelves: book-a-day
Colby Sharp
Nov 29, 2017 rated it it was amazing
Shelves: 2017
Katrina Tangen
Dec 03, 2017 marked it as to-read
Ann
Jan 03, 2018 rated it really liked it  ·  review of another edition
Em
Dec 14, 2017 rated it really liked it
Adrienne
Dec 28, 2017 rated it it was amazing  ·  review of another edition
Terri
Dec 27, 2017 rated it really liked it
Ann
Dec 31, 2017 rated it really liked it
Matthew
Jan 05, 2018 marked it as to-read  ·  review of another edition
Abby B
Jan 28, 2018 rated it really liked it