On a Beam of Light - (Illustrated Biographies by Chronicle Books) by Jennifer Berne (Paperback)

About the Book

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. Full color.

Book Synopsis

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.

Review Quotes

"It's not easy to explain Einstein to young readers, but this terrific book pulls it off."--Bookist Top 10 Biographies for Youth

A Junior Library Guild Selection

Booklist Top Ten Science Book of 2013

Columbus Dispatch The Best of the Best of the Year

Kirkus Reviews Best Children's Books of the Year

New York Public Library 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing 2013

New York Times Editor's Choice

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

"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

"I was wowed by this book."--Robin Smith, The Horn Book Blog

"It's impossible not to be inspired, not only by Einstein himself but also by this dazzling account of his life and imagination."--BookPage

"A celebration of curiosity."--Design Mom

"Something of an It Gets Better Project for mathematically precocious children."--The New York Times

"This is the best way to humanize such a larger-than-life historical figure." -- North Adams Transcript

"Remarkable." - Mamarama, Redbook's Mom Blog Council

"A delightful book and I would use it in my classroom." - Marilyn Cook, PreK-5 teacher, NSTA National Science Teachers Association Reccomends

"Einstein's lifelong curiosity sings through every page."-Publishers Weekly, starred review

"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!

"A perfect introduction to the famous physicist."-Science Books and Films

"Einstein positively glows, radiating love and intelligence."-The Washington Post

"Sure to captivate young readers." - ReaderKidz

"Utterly charming."-The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"An ingenious portrait of genius." - The San Francisco Chronicle

"Makes genius Albert Einstein seem accessible." - Nerdy Book Club

"A book as special as its subject." - Booklist, 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

"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

"Don't miss this book. " - Kid Lit Frenzy

"Richly imagined, beautifully designed, impressionistic biography." - School Library Journal, starred review

"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

"A splendid introduction to a man who never stopped questioning." - Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"By celebrating Einstein's wonderful curiosity, this book will inspire young kids to find science fascinating." -Walter Isaacson, author, Einstein: His Life and Universe

About the Author

Jennifer Berne is the author of the acclaimed Manfish, about Jacques Cousteau. She lives in Copake, New York.

Vladimir Radunsky is an award-winning illustrator. He lives in Massachusetts.