Reading this book was truly a lovely experience!

This biography of the authors of Curious George offers a fascinating insight into both their books and their lives.

It is beautifully filled with H.A. Rey's original artwork and is also illustrated by Allan Drummond, which makes it a visual treat.

I was so engrossed that I read it in just one morning's time.

After reading, you will walk away with a deep appreciation for Curious George, valuable information about wartime France, and a great deal of compassion for the wartime refugees.

Moreover, you may even learn a bit of geography along the way!

I cannot recommend this book highly enough. It is suitable for both adults and kids alike, as it has something to offer everyone.

Book #76 Read in 2018

The Journey That Saved Curious George

This book tells the remarkable true story of how the creators of the beloved character Curious George had to flee from the Nazis. It vividly describes their harrowing escape and the challenges they faced along the way. Eventually, they found themselves in America, where they were able to continue their work and bring Curious George to life. The book also showcases the fascinating evolution of Curious George, from his initial conception to the beloved character we know today. It's a quick and engaging read that would be a great choice for reading aloud in elementary classes. I had the pleasure of borrowing this book from the public library, and it provided a wonderful insight into the history behind one of the most iconic children's characters.

I read a short book that was likely targeted at middle or high school-aged students. This was because a lady in my book club had raved about it so much. The book details how H.A. and Margaret Rey, the authors and illustrators of the Curious George children's books, had to flee from France on a bicycle during the Nazi takeover.

It was an extremely interesting book. It incorporated actual documents, photos, and illustrations from the Rey archives. I adored the fact that the only means they had to depart was on a dilapidated bicycle built for two. They cycled south out of France, where they caught a train to Portugal and then a ship to America - all the while carrying the story and illustrations for their book Curious George. The book was originally titled "The Adventures of Fi Fi".

I believe this would be an excellent book for an older child to learn about the hardships of war and the Nazi takeover. It provides a unique perspective through the eyes of the Reys and their remarkable journey. The combination of historical facts and personal experiences makes it both educational and engaging.

Who didn't love reading Curious George books while growing up? Curious George was first published in 1941. However, as this book details, the famous little monkey might not have come into existence without the author-illustrator duo of H.A. and Margret Rey. The Reys, who were German Jews by birth, had to escape Europe as the Nazi occupation began. The illustrations and manuscript of what would become Curious George were among the few possessions the Reys packed as they embarked on their journey by bicycle, train, and ship across Paris, Spain, Portugal, and Brazil.

When they arrived in the United States in 1940, the story of Curious George was picked up for publication.

I had never known the story of Margret and H.A. Rey other than that they were the creators of Curious George. The account was extremely captivating, with photos of the places they saw during their trip. The illustrations were also done in their characteristic style. For fans of this cherished series, this backstory will give them a newfound respect and admiration for these talented artists.

Wonderful book about the creators of the beloved Curious George series. As their escape via bikes was described, it was effortless to envision the utter chaos with millions fleeing Hitler's advances and the terrorism. The couple was among the few to manage an escape, while so many other millions, unfortunately, were not able to. It made me wonder what those other precious Jewish souls could have contributed to society and the experiences they could have enjoyed in life, had they not been regarded as inferior. My heart ached for the others, yet I was grateful for the Reys at least. I had always been a fan of the adorable books during my growing up years and also with my own children. The story of the Reys' escape is not only a tale of personal survival but also a reminder of the countless tragedies that occurred during that dark period of history. It makes us appreciate the value of freedom and the importance of standing up against injustice.

If you are not familiar with the story of Hans Rey, the mastermind behind Curious George, then this relatively short yet beautifully crafted young adult read is truly worthy of your attention.

It is illustrated with Rey's actual diary entries, lists, photographs, and simple watercolors that bring to mind the color palette of the original Curious George books. This is an adventure story that vividly portrays the turmoil of pre-war France for a young and ambitious cartoonist and his wife, Margret Rey.

Against all odds, this kind-hearted individual manages to flee from war (and persecution) and goes on to become the leading children's author of his era. Margret, a remarkable woman in her own right, plays a crucial role in their escape, which is a logistical and bureaucratic nightmare.

(Margret ultimately served as her husband's dedicated promoter and manager, even long after his passing. There is an excellent documentary from 2017 titled "Monkey Business" that delves into the entire captivating subject of their lives together.)

The text presents a seamless integration of simple text, period-style illustrations, and reproductions of primary documents like H. A. Rey's diary.

At times, the narrative takes on a "novelistic" quality, a characteristic often seen in old-style children's biographies. For instance, "He pushed open the heavy shutters and smelled the fresh September air."

However, the book is also fastidiously researched. I was particularly impressed by the story of the German-Jewish Reys. They bicycled from Paris, where over five million people were on the road, to Lisbon to escape the German-occupied territory. From there, they headed to the U.S., where they would achieve fame for "Curious George," originally titled "The Adventures of Fifi."

This combination of engaging narrative and meticulous research makes the book a captivating read that offers a unique perspective on the lives of H. A. Rey and his wife.

I read this with my book group online.

It was such an engaging experience that I immediately decided to share it with my family as well by reading it aloud to them.

The story is truly remarkable. It tells of how Curious George and Margret and H. A. Ray managed to escape the clutches of the Nazis and certain death.

They accomplished this feat by fleeing Paris on two bicycles.

The cost of these bicycles was nearly equivalent to the price of an entire month's rent.

It's a thrilling account that showcases their courage and resourcefulness in the face of extreme danger.

Their journey is not only a tale of survival but also a testament to the power of determination and the importance of never giving up.

Reading this story aloud to my family brought us all closer together and sparked interesting discussions about history, courage, and the value of freedom.

It was a memorable moment that I will cherish for a long time.

This is a truly remarkable book that I had the privilege of picking up during our field trip to the Zekelman Holocaust Center. It's a story of Curious George that I was completely unaware of before.

Curious George, that beloved little monkey, has a history that is intertwined with the horrors of the Holocaust. His author/illustrator, a husband/wife team, managed to survive this terrible event.

Their journey through the Holocaust must have been filled with unimaginable hardships and challenges. Yet, they were able to create this wonderful character and share his adventures with the world.

As I held this book in my hands, I couldn't help but think about the courage and resilience of its creators. Their ability to find hope and inspiration in the midst of such darkness is truly awe-inspiring.

This book serves as a reminder that even in the most difficult of times, art and creativity can prevail. It also shows us the power of stories to connect us and help us understand the past.

I am grateful to have discovered this hidden gem at the Zekelman Holocaust Center, and I look forward to sharing the story of Curious George and his creators with others.

This non-fiction book features a精心设计的layout of text, photographs, and original illustrations.

It tells the story of the escape of Curious George authors and illustrator H. A. and Margret Rey from Nazi-occupied France.

I was especially charmed by the similarity between Rey's Curious George Illustrations and the original artwork commissioned for this book.

Both illustrators manage to capture a sense of whimsy and delight that has endured over many decades.

The book not only provides an interesting account of the Rey's escape but also showcases the wonderful art that has become so beloved.

It is a must-read for fans of Curious George and those interested in the history of art and literature.

The combination of text and illustrations makes it a visually appealing and engaging read for readers of all ages.

Overall, this book is a great addition to any collection and is sure to be enjoyed by many.

This is the true account of the escape of H.A. and Margret Rey from Europe at the onset of Nazi invasion.

The Reys, who are the creators of the beloved "Curious George", had to flee their homeland.

The details of their flight are wonderfully illustrated in their own childlike style.

Photos of primary documents and personal photographs add authenticity to the story.

This would be a fantastic nonfiction text to use in a classroom for any age.

It can engage students and teach them about history in an interesting way.

I loved it because it provides a unique perspective on a difficult time in history.

The simplicity of the illustrations and the personal nature of the account make it accessible and engaging for readers of all ages.

It is a great example of how nonfiction can be both educational and entertaining.

Overall, this is a must-read for anyone interested in history or the work of the Reys.

I truly adored every single aspect of this book. The account of Rey's story as narrated by Borden is deeply inspiring. Her research and the detailed timeline of their escape from Paris, traversing through Europe and finally reaching Brazil, left a profound impression on me.

However, there is one aspect that I didn't like at all. The book does mention family, and Marget's brother makes an appearance. But there is no further elaboration on what befell both of their Jewish families in Hamburg or elsewhere in Europe. By choosing not to broaden the focus to the plight of the Rey's and their family, it seems like a missed opportunity to situate the Rey's within the context of the larger narrative of the war, the Holocaust, and the circumstances faced by Jews in Europe.

As I've already stated, I have a great love for the story. But perhaps author Borden is not a historian, and maybe what we really need is a historian to tell the complete and comprehensive story.