Hans and Margaret Rey bicycle across Southern France after Paris falls to the Nazis.

They have very little with them, just the bare essentials for survival. However, what they do take and keep hidden is a precious children's story they are writing and illustrating.

This story, which they hold dear, will eventually become one that is adored by children all over the world. It is none other than the famous "Curious George."

Their escape is similar to that of many others during those difficult times. But what sets them apart is that their journey gave the world the wonderful stories about a beloved monkey.

Their determination and creativity in the face of adversity led to the creation of a classic that has entertained generations of children.

Hans and Margaret Rey's story is not just about their escape but also about the power of imagination and the ability to bring joy through their work.

The article is truly outstanding, being both very well written and meticulously researched.

Even without having a direct story from the authors themselves, Louise Borden has skillfully managed to piece together their remarkable escape. During the Nazi invasion, they fled from Paris on bicycles, crossed the sea to Brazil, and eventually made their way to the US.

The narrative also tells of how Hans carefully safeguarded his manuscript of a mischievous monkey named Fifi (who would later become George) throughout this arduous journey.

The illustrations by Allan Drummond are simply fabulous. Initially, I was under the impression that it was H.A. Rey who had drawn them, as they are so faithful to his style.

The use of pictures, photographs of Hans' diary entries, their passports, and other memorabilia truly brings the book to life.

Bravo! Both children and the adults who grew up with a love for Curious George will surely be intrigued by the adventures of the authors of those beloved books.

This book offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives and experiences of the creators behind one of the most cherished children's book characters.

This book truly brought to light the harsh realities of life for Europeans as the war insidiously spread its tentacles into France. The historical dimension of it held a greater allure for me than its connection to H. A. Rey. I have always been intrigued by the fame of Curious George, a character whose naughty deeds always seem to be ultimately rewarded. Nevertheless, the account of George's creator (H. A. Rey) painted a vivid and dramatic picture of the artistic lifestyle and its sudden and abrupt end in France in 1940.

However, a few aspects of the book struck me as rather odd. The text was presented on each page in a manner that resembled poetry, yet it was not. The combination of illustrations, photos, copies of documents, and diary pages gave the book a rather disjointed and hodge-podge feel, making it seem lacking in cohesion.

Surprisingly, my children took a liking to the book. And as a case study of wartime Europe, the Reys' story is indeed a valuable one. It offers a unique perspective on a tumultuous period in history and the lives of those who were affected by it.

Overall, while the book had its flaws, it also had its merits. It managed to capture my attention with its historical content and provided an interesting look into the life of H. A. Rey. I would recommend it to those who are interested in history or the story behind the creation of Curious George.

This is a truly remarkable introduction to World War II that manages to present the topic without becoming overly intense.

It effectively showcases how the war had a profound impact on the lives of ordinary people, rather than simply focusing on the countries, leaders, and ideologies involved.

The inclusion of the story of the authors of Curious George makes the events even more relatable to children.

The book traces their lives from childhood, as they constantly moved from one place to another.

However, the main emphasis is on their harrowing escape from German-occupied France and their ultimate arrival in the United States.

This not only provides an engaging narrative but also serves as a great way to incorporate geography into the teaching.

By following the authors' journey, students can gain a better understanding of the different locations and the challenges they faced along the way.

Overall, this is an excellent resource for teaching about World War II in a way that is accessible and interesting for students of all ages.

Such a great biography! It vividly tells the story of the Reys' travels as they escaped from World War II Paris. The book not only details their perilous journey but also provides interesting notes about their lives leading up to those events and what happened after. It is truly a captivating account.

What makes this biography even more special are the inclusions of photographs taken by Margret and various documents, letters, and diary entries in H.A.'s own handwriting. These elements add a personal touch and bring the story to life in a unique way.

We all love Curious George, and reading about his beginnings is absolutely fascinating. It gives us a deeper understanding and appreciation for the beloved character and the circumstances that led to his creation. This biography is a must-read for fans of Curious George and anyone interested in history and the power of storytelling.

I grabbed this book in September as I was introducing Ema Yamazaki's film at the Boulder Chautauqua. I was truly amazed by the story's numerous turns, which revealed just how close Curious George came to never happening. The engaging use of primary sources from the deGrummond library archive at Southern Mississippi gave the narrative an authentic historical biographic feel. Additionally, the illustrations on each spread brought the narrative forward.

As far as I can tell, there is actually no full biography available. Drummond's illustration style was an excellent choice for this book. He utilized color schemes and a line-drawing style that were not too similar to Rey's, avoiding imitation. However, it still fit recognizably within the domain of commercial magazine and advertising illustrations from the 40s, 50s, and 60s. I often gripe about mismatches between the known works of cultural icons and the illustrators chosen for the project, so this one really stands out.

Unfortunately, the illustrations have a 1-1 correspondence on each page, mainly adding a sense of tone and detail to what is described in the words. It would have been great to see something complementary, where Drummond could have told some of the story or used illustrations to anticipate the content on the next page turn. Even just one or two such moments would have been nice!

Our family has an intense love for Curious George! The literary creations of the Reys have not only provided us with entertainment but also offered comfort during both good and bad times.

When we read aloud this beautiful biography that details Margret and Hans's escape from Nazi-occupied Paris, it completely captivated all of us. Our six and eight-year-old grandsons were especially fascinated by it.

The book is richly illustrated and contains images of their necessary government documents, photographs, as well as many illustrations from various books. It truly brings their story to life.

This is an outstanding read that is suitable for all ages! It allows readers to step into the shoes of Margret and Hans and experience their journey.

Whether you are young or old, this biography will surely engage and inspire you. It is a testament to the power of literature and the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity.

So, if you are looking for a great book to read, look no further than this wonderful biography of Margret and Hans Rey.

I really enjoyed this captivating story about how the founders of Curious George fled the war-torn Europe. They were such an interesting and unique couple. As I read, I couldn't help but find myself longing to travel in their footsteps, imagining the adventures and challenges they must have faced. It's clear that Borden put in a great deal of effort and conducted extensive research to compile this remarkable account of the couple's survival. The details and the way the story is told make it truly engaging. It gives us a glimpse into a different time and place, and makes us appreciate the courage and determination of those who had to flee their homes in search of a better life. This story is not only about the couple but also about the power of love and perseverance in the face of adversity.

The background and early life of these renowned authors are meticulously and affectionately depicted in The Journey That Saved Curious George: The True Wartime Escape of Margret and H. A. Rey.

Narrowly fleeing the German invasion of France with meager funds yet an abundance of determination, these two ultimately made their way to America.

Just like most writers, they drew inspiration from their life experiences, and thus the wacky escapades of the beloved Curious George came into being. These cherished classics have sold over 27 million copies and have been translated into 14 languages.

Featuring colorful and evocative illustrations that are reminiscent of Curious George, this short, informative book will have readers falling in love with this little, mischievous monkey and his 'parents' all over again.

It offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the creators behind one of the most iconic children's book characters, making it a must-read for fans of Curious George and anyone interested in the history of children's literature.

I have a great affection for Curious George, and I had expected to develop a deep love for his "parents" as well. However, while the story of Hans and Margret is indeed quite remarkable, I have to admit that I found this particular book a bit lackluster.

It seemed to be overloaded with facts, which made it rather difficult to find truly enjoyable, especially considering its intended target audience of 3rd - 5th graders.

Nevertheless, on a positive note, I did end up bringing home a copy of "Whiteblack". It was quite entertaining to discover that George has a penguin "sibling".

This unexpected addition to the Curious George family added a touch of novelty and excitement to the overall narrative.

Although the book about Hans and Margret didn't meet my expectations, the discovery of "Whiteblack" and the new character of the penguin sibling gave me a new perspective on the Curious George franchise.

I'm still a big fan of Curious George, and I look forward to exploring more of his adventures and the unique characters that surround him.

During the invasion, there was an orderly and miraculously simple exodus from Paris. The scene was one of quiet efficiency, with people calmly gathering their belongings and making their way out of the city. It was as if they had prepared for this moment, and were determined to face whatever lay ahead with dignity and courage.

I couldn't help but think that this would have made an excellent graphic novel. The images of the people leaving Paris, the empty streets, and the sense of impending doom would have been truly powerful. The story could have been told through a series of panels, each one capturing a different moment in the exodus.

Perhaps the graphic novel could have also included some background information about the invasion, and the reasons why the people of Paris were forced to leave. This would have added depth and context to the story, and made it even more engaging for the reader.

I recently came across a super cool children's book at my local library.

It tells the story of the authors of Curious George, H.A. and Margret Rey, and their harrowing escape from Paris at the start of World War II.

The lives of the Reys were truly fascinating. This book, although written for kids and presenting a rather general account of their escape, completely captivated me.

It offers a unique perspective on a significant historical event through the eyes of these beloved children's book authors.

Readers get a glimpse into their courage and resourcefulness as they fled the city in the face of danger.

The book not only entertains but also educates, making it a great addition to any child's library.

I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an engaging and informative read.