Snowflake Bentley - Hardcover

Martin, Jacqueline Briggs

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0395861624 ISBN 13: 9780395861622

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin, 1998

Synopsis

"Of all the forms of water the tiny six-pointed crystals of ice called snow are incomparably the most beautiful and varied." -- Wilson Bentley (1865-1931)

From the time he was a small boy in Vermont, Wilson Bentley saw snowflakes as small miracles. And he determined that one day his camera would capture for others the wonder of the tiny crystal. Bentley's enthusiasm for photographing snowflakes was often misunderstood in his time, but his patience and determination revealed two important truths: no two snowflakes are alike; and each one is startlingly beautiful. His story is gracefully told and brought to life in lovely woodcuts, giving children insight into a soul who had not only a scientist's vision and perseverance but a clear passion for the wonders of nature. Snowflake Bentley won the 1999 Caldecott Medal.

About this title

Review:

Most children are captivated by snow, but how many go on to make it their lifework? This beautiful biography, winner of the 1999 Caldecott Medal, tells the true story of a Vermont farm boy who was mesmerized by snowflakes. Wilson Bentley was fascinated by the six-sided frozen phenomena, and once he acquired a microscope with a camera, his childhood preoccupation took on a more scientific leaning. Bentley spent his life taking countless exquisite photographs (many that are still used in nature photography today), examining the tiny crystals and their delicate, mathematical structures. Jacqueline Briggs Martin tells this tale with simple, graceful prose that will engage children's imaginations. Edifying and snowflake-scattered sidebars offer more information about Bentley's methods and snowflake science. The artwork of Mary Azarian, whose 19th-century hand-press illustrations decorate the charming Barn Cat, shines once again in Snowflake Bentley, with woodcuts that reveal an appreciation for detail as well as for the man who loved snow. The lovely illustrations and equally fresh text will inspire and comfort youngsters (and grownups too) who wish they could capture snowflakes all year long. (Ages 4 to 8) --Brangien Davis

From the Publisher:

Awards
1999 Caldecott Medal Winner
Booklist Editors Choice
Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books Blue Ribbon
NSTA-CBC Outstanding Science Trade Book for Children
New York Public Librarys 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing

About this edition

• Publisher: Houghton Mifflin
• Publication date: 1998
• ISBN 10: 0395861624
• ISBN 13: 9780395861622
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 32
• Illustrator: Azarian Mary