I’m a nonfiction junkie, especially children’s nonfiction, so I’ve been anxiously awaiting the release of Austinite Chris Barton’s debut book titled
The Day-Glo Brothers: The True Story of Bob and Joe Switzer’s Bright Ideas and Brand-New Colors (Charlesbridge, 2009.)

I hope to see you at the Austin Book signing to be held at Book People Saturday, July 11th at 1pm. Barton promises a few incentives for attending. “In honor of The Day-Glo Brothers, we’ll have daylight-fluorescent crafts, prizes*, and activities, including a high-tech viewing station (a cardboard box rigged with black lights). With some assistance from the younger members of the audience, I’ll talk a little about the story and science behind the book.”

Leave it to the oh-so wonderful Cynthia Leitich Smith to provide an insightful and entertaining interview with Chris at http://cynthialeitichsmith.blogspot.com/2009/07/author-interview-chris-barton-on-day.html. While you’re there, register to win a free copy of the book.

For more information about Chris Barton, pop over to his website at http://www.chrisbarton.info/index.html

Here’s a peek at just a few of the glowing reviews:

Publishers Weekly, June 29, 2009
*Starred Review* Barton takes on the dual persona of popular historian and cool science teacher. … The story is one of quintessentially American ingenuity, with its beguiling combination of imaginative heroes, formidable obstacles, a dash of serendipity and entrepreneurial zeal.

Kirkus Reviews, June 15, 2009
*Starred Review* Barton brings two unknown inventors into the brilliant light they deserve. … The final pages explode in Day-Glo radiance. Rendered in 1950s-cartoon style … these two putty-limbed brothers shine even more brightly than the paints and dyes they created.

ALA Booklist, June 1, 2009
Organizing his material well and writing with a sure sense of what will interest children, Barton creates a picture book that celebrates ingenuity and invention.