This book is for primary level (read aloud) and intermediate level students. This book is about the story of Bentley who had a fascination with snow. He realized they were all different and wanted to share his fascination with others. This is a true story about his life.

I love a woodcut illustration, winter scenes especially lend themselves to a beautiful woodcut. I also enjoyed a story of a regular farmer pursuing his snowflake passion without being school educated. It is a simple book, and tells a sweet story that is historically accurate. I do wish it had more of the actual snowflake pictures. ( )

Independent Reading Level: Grade 3
Honors/Awards: Caldecott Medal

Wilson Bentley was always fascinated by snow. In childhood and adulthood, he saw each tiny crystal of a snowflake as a little miracle and wanted to understand them. His parents supported his curiosity and saved until they could give him his own camera and microscope. At the time, his enthusiasm was misunderstood. But with patience and determination, Wilson catalogued hundreds of snowflake photographs, gave slideshows of his findings and, when he was 66, published a book of his photos. His work became the basis for all we know about beautiful, unique snowflakes today.

Willie Bentley loved snow and thought it was beautiful, even though in Vermont, snow was "as common as dirt." His parents got him a microscope, then a microscope with a camera, and he dedicated his life to photographing snowflakes.

Back matter includes a photograph of Bentley, and three of his photographs of ice crystals.

An excellent nonfiction/biography read-aloud for 1st-3rd grade, especially in New England. ( )