Last Saturday, we attended the book signing of local author Chris Barton's new book, The Day-Glo Brothers. Chris is married to Casey, who is a fellow homeschooling mom and a good friend of mine. She also is a damn fine belly-dancer, knitter, gardener, writer, and mama to RocketBoy and HurricaneHead. But I digress.
In 1997, Chris came across an obituary for Bob Switzer in the New York Times. The obituary mentioned Bob's contribution to the invention of Day-Glo, along with his brother Joe. A few years later, Chris began writing for children and this story came back to him. He contacted family members who were mentioned in the obituary and slowly began researching the lives of the Switzer brothers. The family was apparently thrilled to have someone interested in the story and provided Chris with valuable stories, papers, and letters.
Twelve years after first seeing that New York Times article, Chris' fantastic book has finally come to light (hee hee). The book signing was a joy to attend - and the 2nd floor area of Book People was jam-packed with excited fans, friends, and family.
A craft table was set up with Day-Glo colored materials...
...and check out these cookies!! They were tasty, as well as visible from far, far away!
Mr. Marvel was impressed with a mention of his hometown of Sandusky, Ohio.
There's something for everyone!
Chris has so much to be proud of, and I know he is. The book is a fantastic accomplishment, a tribute to ingenuity and perseverance (both on the part of the author and his subjects), and just down right COOL!
*My blog title is what ElmTree requested Chris write when he signed our copy. He graciously obliged.
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