Rescuing Einstein's Compass

Linda Ludke is a librarian at the London Public Library.

Young Theo’s interest is piqued when his father announces the arrival
of an old family friend who also happens to be “the most famous man
alive.” At first, the eight-year-old boy is intimidated by Albert
Einstein, but he is quickly won over by the professor’s merriment and
gentle demeanour. While the two are sailing together out on the lake,
Einstein answers questions about why he became a physicist and shows
Theo a compass that he received as a child that started his fascination
with the mysteries of unseen forces in the world. In the middle of his
reminiscences, Einstein loses his balance and his treasured compass
falls overboard. Without hesitation, Theo jumps into the water and
rescues the prized possession.

Oppenheim relates this memorable meeting from a child’s perspective.
Theo’s initial trepidation and nervousness fade as he discovers
Einstein to be down-to-earth despite his stature: “Theo wondered what
Papa and Mama would say if they knew that the most famous man alive
couldn’t swim very well—and had a hole in his pocket.”

Juhasz’s soft, blue-green watercolour illustrations, which extend
over each double-page spread, are a good match for this gentle tale with
their vintage appeal. Background details such as old cars help to place
the time period of the story. Bright green endpapers with white sketches
of the boat and a compass nicely frame the book. Recommended.