Curious George books
Curious George is a beloved children's book series that began in 1939, created by authors Hans Augusto Rey and Margret Rey. The series features a curious little monkey named George and his friend, the "Man with the Yellow Hat," who often rescues him from various predicaments. The Reys, who were originally from Brazil and later lived in France, faced significant challenges during World War II, including fleeing the Nazi occupation. Despite these hardships, they managed to bring George to life and published the first book, "Curious George," in 1941. The series expanded to include several other titles, such as "Curious George Takes a Job" and "Curious George Goes to the Hospital." The stories are known for their playful tone and entertaining narrative, which captivated young readers and demonstrated the joy of storytelling. The impact of Curious George continues today, inspiring television shows and films that keep the spirit of the characters alive for new generations. Overall, the series has become a significant part of children's literature, celebrated for its creativity and charm.
Curious George books
Identification Children’s book series about a mischievous monkey
Authors H. A. Rey (1898-1977) and Margret Rey (1906-1996)
Date First published in 1941
The first Curious George books set a standard for children’s books written purely for enjoyment. The series’ success can be measured in part by its long-standing popularity.
The Curious George series began in 1939, when Hans Augusto and Margret Rey were working from their home in Brazil to publish Cecily G. and the Nine Monkeys (also published as Raffy and the Nine Monkeys). Although the Reys’ experiences in Brazil were influential in their use of a tropical monkey as the main character in the series that would make them famous, their life in France also marked important progress in the series. The early part of 1940 found the couple living near Dordogne, France. There they formed George into a main character for his own line of books. During the early years of World War II, as Nazi Germany conquered large parts of Europe, the Jewish Reys were forced to flee the country as a German army was occupying France in 1940. Among the few possessions they took with them was a manuscript with illustrations for a Curious George book. Their flight took them to New York, where they established ties with Houghton Mifflin and signed a contract for four books.
Curious George was published in 1941, under H. A. Rey’s name only. In April, 1946, both Reys became naturalized American citizens. In later years, they wrote and illustrated five additional Curious George books: Curious George Takes a Job (1947), Curious George Rides a Bike (1952), Curious George Gets a Medal (1957), Curious George Flies a Kite (1958), Curious George Learns the Alphabet (1963), and Curious George Goes to the Hospital (1966). The series focuses on the well-meaning but irrepressible monkey and the unnamed “Man with the Yellow Hat.” In each installment, George gets into trouble from which the Man with the Yellow Hat must rescue him.
Impact
The Curious George series fostered the idea that children’s books could be fun in such a powerful way that it continued even after the Reys’ deaths and has carried on through new stories, television programs, and film versions starring George and the Man with the Yellow Hat.
Bibliography
Borden, Louise, and Allan Drummond. The Journey That Saved Curious George: The True Wartime Escape of Margret and H. A. Rey. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 2005.
Rey, H. A., and Margret Rey. The Complete Adventures of Curious George. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 2001.