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Cover of Curious about George

Curious about George

by Rae Lynn Schwartz-DuPre

Book Details

Publisher:Univ. Press of Mississippi
Published:2021-11-15
Pages:216
Format:BOOK
Language:en

Reading Info

About This Book

In 1940, Hans Augusto Rey and Margret Rey built two bikes, packed what they could, and fled wartime Paris. Among the possessions they escaped with was a manuscript that would later become one of the most celebrated books in children’s literature—Curious George. Since his debut in 1941, the mischievous icon has only grown in popularity. After being captured in Africa by the Man in the Yellow Hat and taken to live in the big city’s zoo, Curious George became a symbol of curiosity, adventure, and e

Our Review

This gripping account reveals the incredible true story behind one of children's literature's most beloved characters, tracing how a manuscript survived wartime escape to become a cultural phenomenon. The narrative follows Hans and Margret Rey's harrowing 1940 flight from Paris on bicycles, carrying with them the original drawings and story that would introduce Curious George to the world. Readers discover how this mischievous monkey evolved from a refugee's precious cargo into an enduring symbol of curiosity and adventure across generations.

What makes this exploration particularly compelling is its examination of how George's journey from African jungle to city zoo reflects deeper themes of displacement and resilience that mirror his creators' own experiences. The book thoughtfully analyzes how this curious character became an unlikely hero whose appeal transcends cultural boundaries while carrying subtle echoes of his wartime origins. Both longtime fans and newcomers will gain profound appreciation for how creativity can flourish even in the most challenging circumstances, forever changing how we view this iconic figure.

Themes

Language Arts & Disciplines

Subjects

Language Arts & Disciplines