Albert Einstein and Stephen Hawking are two of the most influential physicists in history, each transforming our understanding of the universe through groundbreaking theories. Einstein, active in the early 20th century, revolutionized physics with his theories of relativity, explaining how space, time, and gravity work on cosmic scales, while Hawking, working decades later, expanded modern cosmology by exploring black holes, singularities, and the origins of the universe, famously proposing that black holes emit radiation now known as Hawking radiation. Though from different eras, both scientists shared a deep curiosity about the nature of reality and helped shape modern scientific thought through their innovative ideas and enduring legacies.
In 2023, McDonald’s launched the “Happy Meal Readers / I Can” series, offering simplified mini-versions of Little People, Big Dreams biographies as book-alternatives to regular toys with Happy Meal. Within these mini-books, kids could learn about legendary figures — including Einstein and Hawking — recast as “scientist”-heroes whose childhood curiosity and determination led to major contributions to science. Through this program, McDonald’s aimed to make stories of real-life innovators accessible worldwide, helping children feel that “if they did it, I can too.”
