Ken Libbrecht's Field Guide to Snowflakes

Snowflakes are temporary works of art, tiny crystalline masterpieces, each as different from the next as one person is from another. For a closer look at these marvelous creationsand an understanding of their patternsthis handy, pocket-size book serves as your introduction to the art and science of the snowflake. As entertaining as it is informative, this comprehensive field guide by snow sciences biggest star describes the many different types of snowflakes, where and how to find them, and what can be learned from their intricate structures and patterns. Illustrated with Libbrechts own remarkable photomicrographs of real snowflakes, the book itself is a work of art, as delightful to look at as it is to learn from, and as full of wonder as it is rich with answers.

Author Kenneth Libbrecht's microphotographs of real snowflakes show the amazing beauty and science behind nature's creations. This year his photos were honored by the U.S. Postal Service in a set of holiday stamps.

Amazon.com is celebrating the author's work with an exclusive, free holiday snowfall in our store this season, along with a free activity sheet for snowflake fun with the whole family. Click here to open up the virtual snowfall we've created, and forward this page to share the snowfall with friends and family. If there is real snow where you live, print out the activity sheet (in color or black and white) for easy snowflake identification tips and fun for all ages. Be sure to check out Libbrecht's Field Guide to Snowflakes to see what types of snow crystals are falling!

In this season we're reminded how special everyone is in our lives--and that we are all one of a kind, just like snowflakes. We hope you enjoy our virtual snowfall and share the fun with all the unique people in your life. Happy holidays to you and yours from Amazon.com!

Pictured here is a beautiful example of a stellar dendrite, the largest and most familiar variety of snowflake. Click on the snowflake to open our virtual snowfall, and consult Ken Libbrecht's Field Guide to Snowflakes to see detailed photographs and descriptions of dozens more types of snowflakes, some familiar and some surprising.