A beautifully illustrated and highly accessible biography awaits younger readers, focusing on Margaret and H.A. Rey. It details their remarkable journey from Europe to America in 1940.

This captivating book features illustrations in the distinct Curious George style, along with numerous pictures of the couple throughout the years. It offers a unique glimpse into their lives and the creation of one of the world's most beloved book characters.

The story of how Curious George almost didn't make it out of war-torn Europe in 1940 is truly fascinating. Margaret and H.A. Rey managed to ride to safety on bicycles, with a precious manuscript for the little monkey tucked inside a basket.

This non-fiction book brings this story to life with a combination of photographs, documents, and watercolor illustrations that closely resemble H.A. Rey's original artwork. It's a must-read for fans of Curious George and anyone interested in the history of children's literature.

Wouldn't it be wonderful to see more biographies in this engaging and informative style? Rereading it in 2022 only deepens the appreciation for this remarkable tale.

An engaging and truly fascinating read that unfortunately lacks a clear sense of its intended audience. The account of Margret and H.A. Rey's escape from Paris during World War II is thrilling, yet it is presented in a flat and poorly structured free verse poetry. I must clarify that I am not a poet myself, but the decision regarding which lines to offset seemed rather senseless. Had each page been composed in simple paragraphs, it would have been significantly easier to comprehend.

The artwork is a charming rendition of the Reys' Curious George work, and the inclusion of various photographs and documents adds a touch of authenticity to the story. However, the question remains: is the target audience children who might find free verse more accessible? Or adults who will read the subtitles for the pictures and understand all the references to book publishing?

Recommended, perhaps for children who are reading above their grade level, or for odd adults like myself.

What a truly beautiful biography!

It is filled with real photographs and brilliant illustrations that bring the story to life.

This book is an absolute must-read for any fan of Curious George or the remarkable work of Margaret and H.A. Rey.

I thoroughly relished every single moment of this book, from the very beginning right to the end.

These two individuals were incredibly brave. They managed to escape war, poverty, and the clutches of Hitler, ultimately making their way to America.

Their story is truly incredible and should not be overlooked or missed.

I could never even begin to imagine children's literature without the lovable and absolutely adorable Curious George.

Thank goodness for the courage and bravery of the Rey's. Because of them, we will never have to envision a world without this beloved character.

A good book for children is one that showcases the captivating lives of the two artists and authors, H.A. and Margret Rey. This picture book vividly depicts their lives starting from the early 1920s all the way through the 1930s. It then goes on to describe how they managed to escape the war in Europe in 1940 by using bicycles. After that, they lived out the remainder of their lives in the USA.

While reading this book, one can learn numerous interesting tidbits about the two. For instance, they both changed their names. Margarethe was changed to Margret, and Hans Augusto Reyersbach became H.A. Rey. Interestingly, they had a great love for animals and even had two pet monkeys, which were marmosets. These details add depth and charm to their story, making it not only educational but also highly engaging for young readers.

The authors of Curious George, Margret and H.A. Rey, had a remarkable escape during the mass Parisian Exodus in early June 1940.

They cycled out of Paris on bicycles to reach safety. At that time, over 8 million people were fleeing south and west, using various means such as walking, cycling, using carts, and driving cars. The German troops were advancing on the capital of France, and everyone was desperate to get away.

Margret and H.A. Rey were among those brave souls who chose to make their escape on bicycles. Their decision was not only a matter of survival but also a testament to their resourcefulness and determination.

As they cycled out of the city, they must have witnessed the chaos and confusion that reigned supreme. The roads were clogged with people and vehicles, and the atmosphere was one of fear and uncertainty.

However, they persevered and managed to reach safety. Their story is a fascinating one that provides a glimpse into the lives of people during a time of war and upheaval.

I read this more because I was truly interested in the content rather than just the style.

While I really enjoyed it and could clearly tell that it was put together with great love, both in terms of the words and the pictures, yet it somehow felt a bit out of place.

It contains a significant amount of detail that the very young reader might not be overly interested in. However, the picture book style format and the tone of the writing seem to be specifically aimed at pre-readers.

To be completely fair, I will sit down with it and my 8-year-old daughter to see exactly what she thinks of it.

Perhaps, if she likes it, I'll consider adding another star to my rating.

This way, I can get a more comprehensive understanding of how this book is received by its intended audience.

I'm looking forward to seeing her reaction and hearing her thoughts on it.

It will be interesting to see if her perspective differs from mine and if she finds something in it that I might have overlooked.

Overall, I'm still open-minded about this book and eager to see how it fares with my daughter.

My friend Corinne has this amazing knack for finding and devouring the most captivating books. (Hi, Corinne! :) And it was through her that I discovered this particular gem.

The title itself is almost a spoiler. :) As young, newlywed artists, both Jews, they had no alternative but to flee Paris as Hitler's regime encroached upon France.

Joined by a vast throng of humanity, they pedaled their bicycles, squeezed onto crowded trains, and slept in barns in the countryside, all the while with their eyes fixed on New York, where they hoped to complete the publication of their work-in-progress, a children's picture book about a curious monkey.

The text is enriched with photocopies of their daily notes, purchase ledgers, some of their original artwork, photographs, and other fascinating materials.

What I adored about this book was the peek it gave me into what it might be like to be a refugee, hastily leaving behind one's life and home, selecting the most precious possessions, evaluating and withdrawing money (if available), and having only a hazy idea of how far and to where it would lead.

It is books like these that keep me hooked on reading, constantly seeking life lessons that I couldn't possibly learn on my own.

We have a great affection for H.A. Rey. His Curious George books are truly wonderful, filled with engaging stories and charming illustrations that have captured the hearts of generations of children.

But that's not all. His work The Stars is also highly recommended. It offers a fascinating exploration of the celestial bodies, making it a captivating read for both kids and adults alike.

After our homeschool study of World War 2, this book has been a delightful addition to our learning journey. It provides a different perspective and allows us to expand our knowledge in a completely different area.

I've used it with students ranging from grades 2 to 5, and it has proven to be a great resource. However, I believe it could easily be used for much higher grades as well, as it contains enough depth and complexity to engage older students.

Overall, H.A. Rey's works are a treasure trove of educational and entertainment value, and we are very grateful to have discovered them.

This could have been so much better for kids.

It was far too simply written. In fact, when I was reading it, I had the distinct impression that I was perusing something intended for a 6-year-old, rather than a 6th grader.

Surprisingly, it was on their summer reading list. I must admit that I was truly disappointed.

If this is the way they are teaching the kids, it seems way too simplistic.

Kids at this age are capable of handling more complex language and ideas.

They should be challenged and exposed to a wider range of literary styles and themes.

A more sophisticated approach to teaching through reading would better prepare them for the academic and intellectual demands of the future.

It's essential to ensure that the materials provided are appropriate and engaging for their level of development.

Otherwise, we risk stunting their growth and limiting their potential.

In full disclosure, I did not grow up with the Curious George books.

To be honest, I have no idea why that is. I was first introduced to them more during my teens or twenties while I was babysitting.

And then, yes, I found them generally adorable. The story behind the writer's escape from France in WWII is truly remarkable.

He and his wife were Jewish, and this is something I had definitely no personal experience with. Borden does an admirable job of researching how they managed to get out of Paris and eventually reach New York.

She tracks down receipts, diary entries, and all sorts of bits and pieces of information, sometimes nearly to the point of obsession.

The strange thing is that I have no idea what age range this book fits. It's too long for a single read-through or even two.

Moreover, the level of diction is more like that of fourth grade or so. But by that age, I would have expected more detailed historical information, which was generally rather vague in this book.

However, the illustrations are very good, and the overall story is an interesting one.

It makes me wonder if there could be a better way to present this engaging tale to a wider audience.

Excellent! This book is suitable for all ages. It should be read aloud to the family, and then promptly, a Curious George title can be read.

I had no idea that this author and his wife left Paris on a bicycle to escape Hitler's army. It's truly astonishing. Again, I must declare that wars are often taught incorrectly in history classes. It's not just about the events and strategies; it's about the people. Thank goodness we have so many writers out there who are willing to tell their stories about how they lived during that difficult time period.

I have learned an incredible amount from each book I've read that combines fictional characters with real history. Historical fiction has the power to make me detour and learn more about our past that I didn't get taught in a traditional history class. It provides a more personal and engaging perspective, allowing me to better understand the experiences and emotions of those who lived through such challenging times.

This short book is truly a delight.

It is filled to the brim with charming illustrations in the very style that H.A. and Margret Rey used to bring their children's books to life. In addition to these wonderful illustrations, it also features their own unique artwork and pictures.

The research that went into this book is evident, making it not only a visually appealing read but also a highly informative one.

I myself didn't become acquainted with Curious George until my daughter was a little girl. She absolutely adored both the books and the show.

As a result, I found myself becoming more and more interested in learning about the authors behind this beloved character.

This short book has provided me with a great opportunity to do just that, and I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience.