Snowflake Bentley By Jacqueline Briggs Martin And Illustrated By Mary Azarian

Snowflake Bentley written by Jacqueline Briggs Martin and illustrated by Mary Azarian is a true story of a man who loved snowflakes. Wilson Bentley, born in 1865, grew up in Jericho, Vermont, located in the heart of the “snowbelt”. Bentley was fascinated with the crystal shapes and designs of snowflakes but it was impossible to save them long enough to study. His mother gave him an old microscope which allowed him to see the snowflakes better, but it was still not long enough to completely draw them. His parents, sacrificially gave him money to purchase a camera. The camera allowed him to finally photograph a complete snowflake! Bentley spent a lifetime developing his photography skills not only with snow but with other elements of nature.

The emphasis of Snowflake Bentley is on the story and not so much the illustrations. The illustrator uses a woodcut technique which gives the illustrations an “Old World” or perhaps a historical feel. Although I am not a fan of the woodcut print, this technique does lend itself to this story, one of a very cold Vermont in the late 1800's.
Martin provides us with two stories. This is an opportunity to learn about someone in history that is probably not at all well known. We are given a story of a boy who is fascinated with snow crystals and what he is able to accomplish. The second story is written on the sides of the book pages, where the author give us facts about Wilson Bentley. These are not boring facts but not story time reading, either. Characteristics of patience and perseverance can be emphasized as well as pointing out the selflessness of his parents. A study of early cameras is a possible lesson as well as making snowflakes, pointing out that no two are alike, just like the