A boy rides a bicycle down a dusty road. But in his mind, he envisions himself traveling at a speed beyond imagining, on a beam of light. This brilliant mind will one day offer up some of the most revolutionary ideas ever conceived. From a boy endlessly fascinated by the wonders around him, Albert Einstein ultimately grows into a man of genius recognized the world over for profoundly illuminating our understanding of the universe. Jennifer Berne and Vladimir Radunsky invite the reader to travel along with Einstein on a journey full of curiosity, laughter, and scientific discovery. Parents and children alike will appreciate this moving story of the powerful difference imagination can make in any life.
About the Author
Jennifer Berne is the author of the acclaimed Manfish, about Jacques Cousteau, and spends her time writing children's books about the subjects she loves most—our amazing universe and the people who are passionate about it. She lives in Copake, New York.
Vladimir Radunsky, when not creating award-winning children's books, refills his soul with the sounds of Bach, Chopin, and Snoop Dogg. He lives in Rome, Italy.
Praise For…
"Truly amazing." - The Horn Book, starred review
"Truly amazing." - The Horn Book, starred review
"A delight for the sense... this elegant new picture book might just be that physical gift to spur on the next generation of wonderers." - Out With the Kids
"By celebrating Einstein's wonderful curiosity, this book will inspire young kids to find science fascinating." -Walter Isaacson, author, Einstein: His Life and Universe
"Makes genius Albert Einstein seem accessible." - Nerdy Book Club
"Makes genius Albert Einstein seem accessible." - Nerdy Book Club
New York Public Library 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing 2013
New York Public Library 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing 2013
"A great read about a great man." - Walking Brain Cells
"Awakens a sense of curiosity and mystery in youngsters... an invitation to children to awaken their imaginations." - Shelf Awareness for Readers
"By celebrating Einstein's wonderful curiosity, this book will inspire young kids to find science fascinating." -Walter Isaacson, author, Einstein: His Life and Universe
"By celebrating Einstein's wonderful curiosity, this book will inspire young kids to find science fascinating." -Walter Isaacson, author, Einstein: His Life and Universe
"A great read about a great man." - Walking Brain Cells
"A great read about a great man." - Walking Brain Cells
"Makes genius Albert Einstein seem accessible." - Nerdy Book Club
New York Public Library 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing 2013
"Awakens a sense of curiosity and mystery in youngsters... an invitation to children to awaken their imaginations." - Shelf Awareness for Readers
"Awakens a sense of curiosity and mystery in youngsters... an invitation to children to awaken their imaginations." - Shelf Awareness for Readers
"A delight for the sense... this elegant new picture book might just be that physical gift to spur on the next generation of wonderers." - Out With the Kids
"A delight for the sense... this elegant new picture book might just be that physical gift to spur on the next generation of wonderers." - Out With the Kids
Booklist Top Ten Science Book of 2013
Columbus Dispatch The Best of the Best of the Year
"An ingenious portrait of genius." - The San Francisco Chronicle
"An ingenious portrait of genius." - The San Francisco Chronicle
"Utterly charming."-The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
"Utterly charming."-The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
"Truly amazing." - The Horn Book, starred review
"A delightful young readers' introduction to several of Einstein's amazing ideas-and an equally valuable celebration of the advantages of being different." -Bob Berman, science author and columnist, Astronomy Magazine
"Einstein positively glows, radiating love and intelligence."-The Washington Post
"Einstein positively glows, radiating love and intelligence."-The Washington Post
"A perfect introduction to the famous physicist."-Science Books and Films
"A perfect introduction to the famous physicist."-Science Books and Films
"Don't miss this book. " - Kid Lit Frenzy
"Sure to captivate young readers." - ReaderKidz
"Remarkable." - Mamarama, Redbook's Mom Blog Council
"Remarkable." - Mamarama, Redbook's Mom Blog Council
"A book as special as its subject." - Booklist, starred review
"A book as special as its subject." - Booklist, starred review
"Einstein's lifelong curiosity sings through every page."-Publishers Weekly, starred review
"Something of an It Gets Better Project for mathematically precocious children."--The New York Times
"A delightful book and I would use it in my classroom." - Marilyn Cook, PreK-5 teacher, NSTA National Science Teachers Association Reccomends
"A delightful book and I would use it in my classroom." - Marilyn Cook, PreK-5 teacher, NSTA National Science Teachers Association Reccomends
"On a Beam of Light reminds us that imagination is important, and that thinking is valuable. A great message for the little scientist in your life!" - Emily, bookseller, Hooray for Books!
"On a Beam of Light reminds us that imagination is important, and that thinking is valuable. A great message for the little scientist in your life!" - Emily, bookseller, Hooray for Books!
"Simply voiced, with word choices and illustrations as exciting as the subject."--Herald-Sun Best Books of 2013
"It's not easy to explain Einstein to young readers, but this terrific book pulls it off."--Bookist Top 10 Biographies for Youth
"This is the best way to humanize such a larger-than-life historical figure." -- North Adams Transcript
"This is the best way to humanize such a larger-than-life historical figure." -- North Adams Transcript
New York Times Editor's Choice
New York Times Editor's Choice
"It's impossible not to be inspired, not only by Einstein himself but also by this dazzling account of his life and imagination."--BookPage
"I was wowed by this book."--Robin Smith, The Horn Book Blog
"A celebration of curiosity."--Design Mom
"A celebration of curiosity."--Design Mom
"A splendid introduction to a man who never stopped questioning." - Kirkus Reviews, starred review
"A splendid introduction to a man who never stopped questioning." - Kirkus Reviews, starred review
"Whimsical and illuminating, this beautifully illustrated picture-book biography accomplishes a daunting task: to introduce the life and work of Albert Einstein to young readers."--Book Links, 2013 Lasting Connections
"It's impossible not to be inspired, not only by Einstein himself but also by this dazzling account of his life and imagination."--BookPage
"It's impossible not to be inspired, not only by Einstein himself but also by this dazzling account of his life and imagination."--BookPage
Kirkus Reviews Best Children's Books of the Year
School Library Journal Best Books of the Year
"I was wowed by this book."--Robin Smith, The Horn Book Blog
"I was wowed by this book."--Robin Smith, The Horn Book Blog
"Whimsical and illuminating, this beautifully illustrated picture-book biography accomplishes a daunting task: to introduce the life and work of Albert Einstein to young readers."--Book Links, 2013 Lasting Connections
"A celebration of curiosity."--Design Mom
"Whimsical and illuminating, this beautifully illustrated picture-book biography accomplishes a daunting task: to introduce the life and work of Albert Einstein to young readers."--Book Links, 2013 Lasting Connections
A Junior Library Guild Selection
"A splendid introduction to a man who never stopped questioning." - Kirkus Reviews, starred review
"A delightful book and I would use it in my classroom." - Marilyn Cook, PreK-5 teacher, NSTA National Science Teachers Association Reccomends
School Library Journal Best Books of the Year
"Simply voiced, with word choices and illustrations as exciting as the subject."--Herald-Sun Best Books of 2013
"On a Beam of Light reminds us that imagination is important, and that thinking is valuable. A great message for the little scientist in your life!" - Emily, bookseller, Hooray for Books!
"Simply voiced, with word choices and illustrations as exciting as the subject."--Herald-Sun Best Books of 2013
"It's not easy to explain Einstein to young readers, but this terrific book pulls it off."--Bookist Top 10 Biographies for Youth
"This is the best way to humanize such a larger-than-life historical figure." -- North Adams Transcript
"It's not easy to explain Einstein to young readers, but this terrific book pulls it off."--Bookist Top 10 Biographies for Youth
"A delightful young readers' introduction to several of Einstein's amazing ideas-and an equally valuable celebration of the advantages of being different." -Bob Berman, science author and columnist, Astronomy Magazine
New York Times Editor's Choice
"A delightful young readers' introduction to several of Einstein's amazing ideas-and an equally valuable celebration of the advantages of being different." -Bob Berman, science author and columnist, Astronomy Magazine
"Don't miss this book. " - Kid Lit Frenzy
"An ingenious portrait of genius." - The San Francisco Chronicle
"Don't miss this book. " - Kid Lit Frenzy
"Sure to captivate young readers." - ReaderKidz
"Utterly charming."-The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
"Sure to captivate young readers." - ReaderKidz
"Einstein's lifelong curiosity sings through every page."-Publishers Weekly, starred review
"Einstein positively glows, radiating love and intelligence."-The Washington Post
"Einstein's lifelong curiosity sings through every page."-Publishers Weekly, starred review
"Something of an It Gets Better Project for mathematically precocious children."--The New York Times
"A perfect introduction to the famous physicist."-Science Books and Films
"Something of an It Gets Better Project for mathematically precocious children."--The New York Times
Booklist Top Ten Science Book of 2013
"Remarkable." - Mamarama, Redbook's Mom Blog Council
Booklist Top Ten Science Book of 2013
Columbus Dispatch The Best of the Best of the Year
"A book as special as its subject." - Booklist, starred review
Columbus Dispatch The Best of the Best of the Year