First post here! I too recently purchased 1941 (as well as 1940 Europe and Pacific 2nd ed and 1942 2nd ed!) I just got back into the joy of A&A as I had not played since my early teens.
I used 1941 to teach my 11 year old son……now he wants to play every week. It’s a great teaching game for new players young and old. Just take your time through your first game and give him choices, but like the poster above stated, let him make the choice.