Dazzle Ships

Subtitled "World War I and the Art of Confusion," this iconographic-animated adaptation of the 2017 picture book by author Chris Barton and illustrator Victo Ngai combines majestic music with jaunty narration by Johnny Heller to explore a little-known slice of history from the Great War. In an effort to thwart German Unterseeboots (aka U-boats) from taking down ships, British marine painter and Royal Navy patroller Norman Wilkinson came up with the suggestion to camouflage vessels, using a variety of patterns, shapes, and colors designed to confuse submarine officers about the direction and speed of vessels—which led to the enemy wasting torpedoes. Termed the "dazzle" approach, the method was employed on over 4,000 ships, which allowed cargo ships to keep the Brits supplied. Featuring a read-along option, as well as author’s and illustrator notes and a historical timeline, this intriguing true war story is highly recommended. Aud: E, P. (J. Williams-Wood)