Rescuing Einstein's Compass
Shulamith Oppenheim, Illustrated by George Juhasz

The author, who lives in Massachusetts, can lay claim to an amazing distinction: Albert Einstein was the best man at her wedding. Her husband was a boy when he first met the physicist, and so this story is about a boy named Theo whose father introduces him to Einstein, calling him "the most famous man alive." The two go out on the lake on Theo's sailboat, and by the end of the day, the scientist is calling him "the bravest and kindest boy I know." The illustrator and the publisher are both based in Vancouver. -Rebecca Wigod, The Vancouver Sun

In this charming story, young Theo meets his father's olf friend Albert Einstein for the first time. The boy and "the most famous man alive" go for a sail on the lake. and Einstein drops his compass, a gift he has carried with him since childhood. Theo rescues it and learns that each person has a talent for something that contributes to the happiness of others. Juhasz has created wonderful pictures that sweeo across each spread. Most of the action takes place on a boat on a tree-and-mountain-lined lake, and th art is predominantly in watery blues and greens. The delight both Einstein and Theo share in the day's adventures is fully captured, as are their myriad expressions. The explanations of how a compass works and what a physicist does, as well as the rich vocabulary make this an excellent read-aloud. - School Library Journal February 2004

"Vancouver illustrator George Juhasz's expressive watercolours illustrations show gentle activity and nostalgic charm. Two-page spreads seem to float behin the printed text and extend the visual appeal. Attractive end-papers depicting the crew and famous compass provide a polished beginning and ending to the tale." - Quill and Quire Books for Young People September 2003