Dazzle Ships: World War I and the Art of Confusion

Reviewed by: Mary Peverada - Portland Public Library, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 21, 2018

Review

This is an interesting book about the use of design in painting English merchant and war ships (some American ships were painted) in order to confuse the German U-boats that were frequently torpedoing vessels. It was a creative way to look at the challenge - but it has never been proven that it worked. The story is a fascinating look at a little known aspect of the war. The illustrations are "dazzling" (and include a possible seek and find game as a reader looks for the small seal included on each painting.) Who is this book for? It is a picture book format - but not for the picture book set. World War I is often forgotten by readers. It is a book that would need to be placed in readers' hands - and finding the right reader might be difficult.

Overall Book Score: good