Compass

Hello. My name is Compass, and I have a very special job. I look like a little circle with a spinning arrow inside me. My arrow has a secret power. No matter which way you turn me, twist me, or flip me, my arrow always knows where to point. It always points to a special direction called North. Have you ever been outside playing and wondered which way was home? I can help with that. I love helping people find their way. I am a very good friend to have when you are on an adventure. I make sure you never get lost and always know which way to go. It is the best job in the world.

I was born a very, very long time ago in a big country called China. I did not always look like I do today. At first, I was a little spoon made out of a special, rocky stone. This stone was magical. When people put me on a very smooth plate, I would start to wiggle and dance all by myself. I would spin and spin until I stopped. When I stopped spinning, I always pointed to the South. People thought it was amazing magic. But it was just me feeling the big, gentle hug of the whole world. This hug is called magnetism, and it helps me know which way to point. I loved to dance for my friends.

Soon, brave sailors heard about my special trick. They decided to take me with them on their big wooden ships. They sailed on the giant, wavy ocean. Before I came along, they looked at the bright sun and the twinkling stars to find their way. But what happened on cloudy days or stormy nights? They would get lost. I was there to help. Even when the sky was gray, my little arrow still pointed the way. I helped them find new lands to explore, and I always helped them find their way back home safely. I became a trusted friend for every explorer on every boat.

Even today, I am still helping people. You can find me inside cars, helping them drive on the right roads. I am even inside phones to help you know which way you are walking. When people go for a hike in the big, green woods, I am there to make sure they do not get lost. I am very proud that I always point the way forward. I want to remind you that even if you feel a little lost, there is always a way to find your direction.