Reading Snowflake Bentley was like stepping back to my childhood days, when snowflakes felt like tiny miracles from the sky. This picture book biography of Wilson Bentley, designed for school-aged children, beautifully captures the magic and wonder of snow alongside the incredible story of one man’s unrelenting passion for its uniqueness.
A Life Dedicated to Snow (Yes, Seriously!)
Wilson Bentley was obsessed with snow from a young age. And when I say obsessed, I mean he literally dedicated his life to photographing and studying individual snowflakes. (Did you even know that was a thing? Because I didn’t until this book!) Bentley developed microphotography techniques that allowed him to capture the intricate beauty of snowflakes. Through this, he illuminated a simple but profound truth that no two snowflakes are alike.
Now, here’s something that really melted my heart (pun absolutely intended): Bentley wasn’t born into a high-tech, research-ready household. He grew up on a farm in Vermont. But his parents? Absolute MVPs. They scraped together enough money to buy him a camera specifically so he could pursue his dream of documenting snowflakes. To me, their support was as inspiring as Bentley’s dedication. Imagine the courage it took for a farm family to invest in something so niche and unusual!
Even when others scoffed at him (and trust me, they did), Bentley never wavered in his fascination and determination. His work caught the attention of scientists who eventually appreciated his groundbreaking contributions. The story is a celebration of perseverance, curiosity, and generosity–Bentley was passionate about sharing his photographs with anyone who’d look, not hoarding them.
The Art & Storytelling
The book itself? Equal parts informative and touching. While the storytelling may not dazzle with action-packed drama, it’s perfect for readers already intrigued by the magic of snow or the idea of someone pursuing their life’s passion.
Now, about the artwork. I’ll be honest—I wasn’t sold on the illustrations at first. They’re created with woodcuts, and woodcuts aren’t exactly my favorite artistic style. But as I kept reading, I found myself appreciating how well the earthy, textured visuals complemented the simplicity of Bentley’s story and his rural upbringing. Once I learned they were woodcuts, I was impressed by the craftsmanship and started enjoying them much more.
The pièce de résistance? The final page of the book features an actual photo of Bentley with his legendary camera, along with three of his snowflake photographs. It’s pure magic seeing his work and realizing just how fascinating snowflakes truly are. (Although, honestly? I wouldn’t have complained if there had been even more of his photos included.)
Why This Book Stuck With Me
At its heart, Snowflake Bentley is about more than just pretty little ice crystals. It’s about passion. It’s about curiosity that refuses to fade, even in the face of doubt and dismissal. And it’s about sharing what you love with the world, no matter how specific or obscure your interest might seem. Bentley didn’t just chase snowstorms; he made us see the tiny miracles they leave behind.
On a personal note, reading this book sparked memories of my own childhood fascination with snow. (I wasn’t out here with a camera taking microphotographs, but the excitement of watching snowflakes fall under the glow of streetlights still feels fresh.)
After finishing the book, I immediately began Googling Bentley’s work. I might even pick up his books, Snow Crystals or Snowflakes in Photographs. Who knew a quaint children’s book could rekindle such a sense of childlike wonder?
Final Thoughts
Snowflake Bentley by Jacqueline Briggs Martin is a gentle, inspiring read that will resonate with anyone who’s found themselves captivated by nature’s beauty or driven by a niche passion. It’s also a lovely reminder to support the big dreams of those around us, no matter how unconventional they seem.
If you’ve got a curious kid (or even an adult!) who loves snow, science, or stories of unwavering dedication, this book is a gift waiting to be unwrapped. Just be prepared for them to start asking for magnifying glasses the next time the snow falls!
Would I recommend it? Absolutely. Just be ready to develop an unshakeable fascination with snowflakes. Trust me, it’s contagious.
