Snowflake Bentley - Memoir / Biography

   

Source: Google Images

       Winner of the 1999 Caldecott Medal, Snowflake Bentley is a true story of Wilson Bentley, born in 1865 in a small farming community of Vermont. He grew up in an area which saw much snowfall during the winter months. 

      As he became older and expressed great interest in snowflakes, his parents purchased for him a camera – expensive at the time as the camera was a recent invention – to instantly capture images of each snowflake. Thus, until his death in 1931, Wilson Bentley captured thousands of individual snowflakes with his camera.

Source: Google Images

      
      This is a beautifully illustrated book by artist Mary Azarian who uses wood-cut illustrations to accurately depict the simple life of Wilson Bentley and his love for snow. Additionally, actual photographs of Wilson Bentley are shown. Suitable for ages 4 to 8 years old, and even beyond, Snowflake Bentley is an excellent choice for read aloud sessions with children. Even in areas of the world where it does not snow, children will discover the science of nature and see actual shapes of snowflakes.

Actual images of snowflakes
Source: Google Images

      Classroom activities could include the drawing of snowflakes by each child. As no two snowflakes are alike, all drawings need to display different patterns. This is an opportunity for individual creativity and exploration. For older students, the molecular structure of snowflakes could be briefly explained, as all snowflakes have one molecular structure. Afterwards, exploring the website of www.snowflakebentley.com and taking a virtual tour of Bentley’s exhibit would be a natural science learning experience.

Reader Response:

1. What is the name of the town where Wilson Bentley was born and remained for his entire life?

2. What is the shape that all snowflakes have? (Answer: hexagon shape). 
3. Why do all snowflakes have this one shape, but no two are alike? (Answer: the molecular structure).

      There is something for everyone is this book. From the sidebars on most pages which explain more in depth factual information that older readers would enjoy, to the history and natural science of snowflakes, and learning about the story of a passionate and exciting man who saw the fascinating beauty around him. Truly a remarkable story that should be on every elementary school bookshelf.

Reference

Martin, J. (2009). Snowflake Bentley. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Company.