Snowflake Bentley
illustrations by
on Goodreads (16,294)
What’s inside...
The book is a biographical portrait of Wilson Bentley, a farm boy who loved snowflakes so much that he learned to photograph them and share them with the world. In this Caldecott Medal–winning picture book, the true story of Wilson Bentley and his singular fascination with snowflakes is rendered in rich prose and gorgeous artwork, perfect for the holidays, snow days, and everyday. Growing up, Bentley saw each tiny crystal of a snowflake as a miracle and pursued a deeper understanding of them with the support of his parents. Despite initial misunderstanding of his enthusiasm, with patience and determination, Bentley catalogued hundreds of snowflake photographs, gave slideshows of his findings and, at the age of 66, published a book of his photos, which became the foundation of all known about beautiful and unique snowflakes today. This biographical tribute to a very special farmer makes the perfect holiday gift or snow day read.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-9
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think motivated Wilson Bentley to study snowflakes so closely?
How do you think Bentley felt when he finally captured the photographs of the snowflakes?
Why is it important that Bentley shared his discoveries with the world?
How do different snowflakes remind you of unique qualities in people?
What have you learned about perseverance and passion from Bentley's story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Set a comfortable and quiet space to start a discussion after reading the book together.
Use the illustrations in the book to point out details that might lead into deeper discussions about the science and beauty of snowflakes.
Encourage children to express their thoughts and relate personal experiences to the story, which can deepen their connection to the themes.
Ask questions that connect the story to wider concepts, like the beauty of diversity and the importance of following one's passion.
Praise your child for their insights and curiosity as they answer questions, fostering a positive learning environment.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance and Dedication
Explanation: The book showcases the story of Wilson Bentley, who was fascinated by snowflakes and dedicated his life to studying and photographing them, despite facing challenges and skepticism.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of staying dedicated to their interests and persisting through difficulties to achieve their goals, be it in academics, sports, or any other hobby.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for Nature and Science
Explanation: Through Bentley’s passion and detailed work, the book highlights the beauty and unique characteristics of each snowflake, promoting an appreciation for the natural world and scientific inquiry.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to observe and appreciate the small details in nature around them and foster a curiosity that leads to scientific exploration and learning.
Example Lesson: The Value of Sharing Knowledge
Explanation: Bentley not only studied snowflakes but also shared his findings and photographs with others, contributing significantly to the scientific community.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to share interesting finds and knowledge with their peers, teachers, and family, enhancing their communication skills and contributing to a collaborative learning environment.
Example Lesson: Uniqueness and Individuality
Explanation: The story emphasizes that no two snowflakes are exactly alike, mirroring the idea that each person is unique and valuable in their own way.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help bolster a child's self-esteem and respect for others' differences, which is fundamental in personal development and social interactions.
Example Lesson: Patience and Observation
Explanation: Bentley spent years perfecting his technique to photograph snowflakes, demonstrating the virtues of patience and meticulous observation.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this to their studies or hobbies, learning that patience and careful observation can lead to success and deeper understanding of any subject.