What Is Snow

Snow falls when it is cold. Find out all the different ways snow can fall during cold weather. Paired to the fiction title Building a Snowman.

Breathtaking photography and fascinating facts about snow crystals “will instill appreciation for these tiny, cool objects” in both children and adults (The Washington Post). How do snow crystals form? What shapes can they take? Is it true that there are no two snow crystals alike? These questions and more are answered in this visually stunning exploration of the science of snow. Perfect for reading on winter days, the book features photos of real snow crystals in all their beautiful diversity. Snowflake-catching instructions are also included! “Settle down in a comfy chair. . . . By the end, you’ll be hoping there’s a day when you can follow the careful directions for catching and viewing snow crystals.” —Chicago Tribune “The clear and direct narrative takes readers into the clouds to explain snow-crystal formation...and then zooms in on the actual crystals. Sure to get young scientists outside in the cold.” —Kirkus Reviews “Nature photographer Cassino’s gallery of snow crystals is [a] riveting exhibition.” —Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books (starred review)

Snow is like frozen rain. It falls from the clouds in cold countries. Most snow falls in the winter. People need to wear warm clothes in the snow. Snow can be fun to play in, but it can be dangerous, too. In spring the snow melts and the rivers fill up with fresh water.

"Simple text and supportive images introduce beginning readers to the characteristics of snow. Intended for students in kindergarten through third grade"--Provided by publisher.

Snowflakes are falling—and this cool new 8 x 8 in the Smithsonian nonfiction line tells young readers why! When does it snow? Why is snow white? How do we know no two snowflakes are alike? (Hint: the proof is in the photographs, first made in the 1890s!) With full-color photographs and the Smithsonian’s famous Wilson Bentley snowflake photos, this new Curious About title looks at the science behind snow, and the history of record-setting blizzards and snowstorms—plus how people have fun in the snow!

"A simple exploration of snow, examining how these ice flakes of precipitation develop, the ways in which snow can be used and enjoyed, and the problems snow can cause"--

The perfect winter story. This ode to snow, told in rhythmic free verse, follows a girl delighting in the outdoors on a wintry day. All she encounters is framed by the snow. There are fine pearls of snow, a twirl of snow, a curl of snow. The sky unravels into snow, while the hills are knitted caps of snow. She is captivated, as the snow swaddles her world, and makes everything snug — from first light, to the darkness of bedtime. The glorious snow-filled pages of this enchanting story will have children everywhere searching for their mittens.

Written for climatological observers and their managers, snow-fighters, urban planners, winter recreationists, and all who find in snow a sense of inspiration and awe, this profusely illustrated book provides a wealth of snow data. Contents: the power and beauty of snow; the science of snow; climatology of snow in the U.S.; measuring snow; problems and challenges in measuring snow; procedure for measuring snow; dealing with adversity (blizzards); common questions about snow; and more. Illustrated with comparative charts and graphs, diagrams, and black and white and color photos. Bibliography. Glossary of snow terms.