Snowflake Bentley by Jacqueline Briggs Martin and illustrated by Mary Azarian was the 1999 Caldecott Medal winner. This biography of Wilson Bentley can be integrated across the curriculum addressing symmetry, character development, and cultural changes over time. It can also be used to enhance a science unit on weather. Children's natural love of snow, something adults lose as soon as they have to shovel the driveway, will make this book even more engaging to students of all ages. The story of Wilson Bentley, a man who followed his heart in his 
career decision and spent his life developing and perfecting a method to photograph snowflakes, is an inspiring story of finding your life's calling and embracing that calling. The story recounts the hardships and obstacles of Bentley's life, his work, and eventual acceptance by the scientific community. The text is written with an almost poetic feeling, "He watched snowflakes fall on his mittens, on the dried grass of Vermont farm fields, on the dark metal handle of the barn door." Sidebars reveal more technical information about Bentley's methods and techniques.
career decision and spent his life developing and perfecting a method to photograph snowflakes, is an inspiring story of finding your life's calling and embracing that calling. The story recounts the hardships and obstacles of Bentley's life, his work, and eventual acceptance by the scientific community. The text is written with an almost poetic feeling, "He watched snowflakes fall on his mittens, on the dried grass of Vermont farm fields, on the dark metal handle of the barn door." Sidebars reveal more technical information about Bentley's methods and techniques.The illustrations by Azarian are homey woodcuts that add to the feel of an old Vermont winter. I can almost feel the cold of the snow and the warmth of the farmhouse when looking at the illustrations. The woodcuts help reflect the time period and geography of the 
actual Bentley and his surroundings. Many pages have snowflakes in the sidebars, which helps reinforce the idea that all snowflakes are unique, as is each student that reads this book. The inclusion of several of Bentley's actual snow photographs and a portrait of Bentley is an added bonus.
actual Bentley and his surroundings. Many pages have snowflakes in the sidebars, which helps reinforce the idea that all snowflakes are unique, as is each student that reads this book. The inclusion of several of Bentley's actual snow photographs and a portrait of Bentley is an added bonus.Azarian has illustarted other books using the woodcut method. A Gardener's Alphabet and Here Comes Darrell are just two of the many books she has illustrated. Her website, http://www.maryazarian.com/, highlights her book illustartions. Bentley's work can be explored at http://snowflakebentley.com/.
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