This was truly disappointing.

The back matter of the book seems to be better conceived and more compelling than the actual story itself, which is quite ridiculous considering the subject matter is so compelling!

For a story about a daring wartime escape, there was a distinct lack of urgency and high stakes. While it's understandable to have a Holocaust story that isn't completely filled with despair, the war was such a subtle backdrop that it made the entire adventure seem a lot less wild and devoid of any real potential danger, except perhaps a punctured bicycle tire.

If you weren't already familiar with the Holocaust, you might think this was just a story about a globetrotting couple who traveled the world for fun while writing what would eventually become some of the most beloved picture books of all time. The saddest moments were things like "they slept on the floor of a restaurant one time."

The illustrations were very much in the style of Rey, which was appropriate and well done. There were no complaints in that regard.

This is my own Ashkenazi kvetch about the book, but there was basically nothing Jewish about it, either in the writing or in the depiction of their lives. There were no particularly Jewish ethics, no Jewish humor, no mention of practices, holidays, or observances that even relatively secular Jews engage in, and no emotional stress when their families and friends were being rounded up by the Nazis on a regular basis. I'm sorry, but what?

I guess my main issue is that the book is presented as one thing and yet fails to live up to its promise. I was led to expect something that I didn't get, which made it difficult to appreciate what I might otherwise have enjoyed learning about. However, what I did learn that was interesting could have been covered in a longform piece in The New Yorker or The Horn Book instead of being stretched into 80 pages plus back matter.

I also found it rather funny that the author ended one chapter by saying the Reyersbachs changed their surname to make it easier for Brazilians to pronounce (which is legitimate and believable, considering Ellis Island), then said "it would be a name to remember," and yet didn't even go with the obvious punchline of "rey means king in Portuguese." It felt rather weak.

I had absolutely no idea about this story before I found this book on the library shelves.

I can't believe I lived to be this old without knowing that Margret and H.A. Rey were German-born Jews. Their families knew each other throughout. They got together in Brazil and obtained Brazilian citizenship. They fled the Nazi invasion of France on bicycles, by train, and by boat - all the way back to Rio, then up to New York.

The style of this book is excellent for conveying information to younger readers. It is a sort of free verse novel. It doesn't really take itself seriously as a detailed history book but rather seeks to share information and impressions. That's not to say it isn't incredibly well-researched. The story was put together with a ton of primary resources, including H.A. Rey's daily diary that detailed what he was working on and, later, the escape route. There are photographs, documents, and illustrations throughout. Sometimes it feels like you're reading a scrapbook about their early lives as much as anything. I definitely recommend this book for collections as a way to take a scary reality and make it into a relatable text for young audiences to understand.

It provides a unique perspective on a difficult time in history and makes it accessible and engaging for children.

What a fascinating and enjoyable way to gain some insights into the lives of the authors and originators of our much-loved Curious George!

As this was the E-version of the young readers edition, it offered a quick and engaging read. The fun and vibrant illustrations, along with actual photographs of the couple and relevant documents or correspondence, added depth and brought their story to life.

They were truly fortunate to escape from France and find a safe haven when so many others around them did not make it. And we are all the better for having their dear friend Curious George as a part of our lives. It's truly amazing to think that it all began back in the fall of 1941 when the couple arrived in America.

The book also features an interesting conversation with Louise Borden and includes a couple of suggested activities for kids, making it not only an informative read but also a source of inspiration and entertainment for young minds.

I read this book in less than an hour. It truly amazed me as it told a story that I had never known before.

The story was presented in a very clear and engaging manner. What made it even more captivating were the wonderful watercolor illustrations and photographs that accompanied the text.

This book is specifically designed for younger readers, such as those in elementary or middle school. However, I found it to be interesting for everyone.

As a teacher, I especially appreciated the prose style of the book. It was simple yet effective in conveying the message. Additionally, the activities at the end of the story were a great addition. They provided an opportunity for students to further engage with the content and develop their critical thinking skills.

Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for an interesting and educational read.

A Delightful Read about the Writers of Curious George!

Curious George is a beloved character that has entertained generations of children. The stories of this mischievous little monkey have been brought to life by a team of talented writers. Their creativity and imagination have crafted adventures that are both exciting and educational.

The writers behind Curious George have a unique ability to capture the essence of childhood curiosity and mischief. They have created a world where anything is possible and where every adventure leads to a new discovery. Their stories are filled with colorful characters, vivid descriptions, and heartwarming moments that will make readers of all ages smile.

Whether you're a long-time fan of Curious George or just discovering him for the first time, reading about the writers who brought him to life is a truly delightful experience. It gives you a glimpse into the creative process that goes into making these beloved stories and allows you to appreciate the talent and hard work that goes into every page.

I can't believe that I never wrote a review for this book.

I've had it for over ten years!

It is the untold story of Curious George.

The authors were Jews living in Paris when the Nazis invaded.

They had to get out of the country quickly.

One of the things that they could not leave behind was the manuscript that resulted in the beloved book, Curious George.

It's truly a real treasure.

This book not only tells the adventures of Curious George but also reflects the difficult times the authors faced.

It shows their determination and love for their work.

Reading this book, I can't help but be moved by the story and the history behind it.

It's a book that I will always cherish and recommend to others.

The Journey that Saved Curious George is a remarkable nonfiction work.

It is generously adorned with photographs, illustrations, and maps, which enhance the overall reading experience. The pacing is perfect for its intended audience.

Children will embark on a journey with Hans Augusto Reyersbach and Margarete Waldstein, following their lives from childhood in Germany to their transformation into Margret and H.A. Rey, the renowned creators of Curious George.

This biography not only offers valuable insights into the authors but also presents the information in a storybook format that captivates the reader's attention.

It includes fascinating details about the Reys' escape from Europe during World War II and the process of creating and publishing the Curious George books.

For younger readers, this book serves as an excellent introduction to biography and nonfiction, recommended for ages 8 and up.

It combines educational content with an engaging narrative, making it a must-read for young minds eager to explore the world of literature and the lives of its creators.

What an utterly captivating children's book it is that delves into the wartime lives of Margret and H.A. Rey!

This remarkable work is truly a precious find for young readers with an interest in World War II history, children's picture books, art, refugees, or the enchanting city of Paris in the 1930s and 40s.

Borden masterfully incorporates a wide variety of primary sources. These include H.A. Rey's very own calendar notebooks, the couple's personal photographs, telegrams and letters from publishers and editors, as well as sketches and art from the works that would ultimately give birth to the beloved Curious George and Whiteblack the Penguin.

The level of detail is truly incredible and fascinating. The author goes to great lengths to make the content accessible for young readers. She includes engaging activities at the end that inspire them to conduct their own research on a subject, such as "Become a Detective", and to create timelines and maps related to historical nonfiction.

There is also a comprehensive bibliography of the Rey's works.

The illustrations by Allan Drummond bear a resemblance to Rey's style, and there is even a painting that Rey created at the age of 8, which would clearly identify him to astute readers as the illustrator of Curious George - his style was that distinctive from an early age.

I was truly charmed by the curious mind he possessed, assembling bicycles for himself and Margret from purchased spare parts when there was no other means of transportation available for the refugees fleeing Paris as the Germans advanced.

The book also made me deeply reflect on all that the Reys, and millions of others, had to leave behind. As the author poignantly states, "So many questions without answers" (59). Like many, although they managed to reach safety early in the war, they never knew what became of many people they knew in Paris. Fortunately, they survived and were able to share their art and their curious little monkey with the world.

This was an extremely quick and captivating biography of the creators of Curious George.

Their birth names were Hans Augusto Rey and Margret Rey. They were of Brazilian nationality.

As the Nazis marched into Paris, they had to flee. Eventually, they found a home in the United States.

Interestingly, Curious George was first named Fifi!

Illustrator Allen Drummond did an outstanding job of illustrating this book in the style of the times. His drawing could easily have been inked by H.A. Rey.

The story of the Reys and the creation of Curious George is a remarkable one, filled with adventure, creativity, and a touch of history. It shows how their experiences and backgrounds influenced the beloved character that has entertained generations of children.

The illustrations by Allen Drummond add another layer of charm to the book, bringing the story to life in a vivid and engaging way.

Overall, this biography is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of children's literature and the inspiration behind one of the most iconic characters of all time.

I’ve been a fan of Curious George since childhood.

It has always been a source of joy and entertainment for me. I’ve read numerous Curious George books to my kids and in my classes as well.

I had heard a little about their escape from war-torn Europe, but I was really interested in the full story. So, I grabbed this particular book.

It turned out to be a very interesting and engaging story.

It’s evident that Louise Borden has done her research thoroughly. The inclusion of actual documents and diary pages really added to the overall interest and authenticity of the narrative.

If you are a Curious George fan, regardless of whether you are an adult or a child, you will definitely want to read this book.

It offers a unique perspective on the beloved character and his journey.

It’s a must-read for anyone who has a soft spot for Curious George and wants to know more about his origin and adventures.

This is an outstanding book.

From the very moment I opened its pages, I was completely charmed. The story unfolded in a way that held my attention captive, taking me on a thrilling adventure.

The illustrations were equally amazing. They brought the story to life in the most vivid and enchanting way.

Each picture was a work of art, filled with details that added depth and nuance to the narrative.

I found myself constantly delighted by the combination of the engaging story and the beautiful illustrations.

This book is truly a masterpiece that will appeal to readers of all ages.

It is a must-read for anyone who loves a good story and beautiful art.

I highly recommend it to everyone.

We absolutely adored this book!

I had the pleasure of reading it with my 7-year-old daughter, and it truly transformed the abstract idea of fleeing from a war into something tangible and understandable. She was captivated by the way the Reys' personal life experiences were vividly depicted in their work. The inclusion of real photos, drawings, diary pages, letters, and identity cards, along with the text and new illustrations, added an extra layer of authenticity and interest.

We chose this book because it was featured on the William Allen White Children's Book Award list for 2007-2008. The nominees for this award are read by the children of Kansas throughout the school year and then voted on by the children themselves in April. It's a wonderful way to introduce children to a wide variety of high-quality literature and encourage their love for reading.