Snowflake Bentley by Jacqueline Briggs Martin, illustrated by Mary Azarian

For some reason I’ve always loved picture books about real people, places and events.  Snowflake Bentley tells you the story of Wilson Bentley who began as just a farm boy in Vermont who loved the snow.  His determination led him to photograph the best specimens of snow crystals he could find.  He researched weather and made huge contributions but the whole time he remained a farmer who loved the beauty of snow.  The woodcut illustrations seem to suit this story of a farm boy born in 1865.  I really liked that the specific dates and facts were more of a side bar that could be included for children who would appreciate them but skipped with perhaps younger children who would better enjoy just the simple story.  I also love that it seems to me presented in a way that a child in today’s technological world would still be able to grasp the difficulties Bentley faced.

Caldecott Winner 1999