A Fascinating Look at the Lives of the Creators of Curious George
From Amazon
The Journey that Saved Curious George is a well-researched biography about the creators of Curious George--Margret and H.A. Rey. The book is divided into two distinct sections. The first part details their early lives, while the second tells of their dramatic flight on bicycles from Paris from the imminent Nazi invasion. It's a compelling story that is well told and beautifully enhanced by H.A.'s drawings, photographs and other primary source documents, as well as Drummond's original watercolors. All of this makes The Journey that Saved Curious George a must-have for fans of the little monkey.
The first part of the book talks about the childhoods of Hans Augosto Reyersbach and Margarete Waldstein in Germany (she changed the spelling of her first name later on). Both came from Jewish families, and both eventually ended up in Brazil. Here they were introduced to the jungle and the wildlife within, which obviously influenced their later stories. After they married, they decided to honeymoon in Paris, where they ended up staying for years. It was during their time in Paris that they began writing and illustrating books for children. And it was here that they created a little monkey named Fifi, who was very curious.
While they were enjoying the artistic and literary life of Paris, the war in Germany began to pick up momentum. Refugees from the north poured into Paris, and the tempo of the city began to change. As German-born Jews, the Reys soon realized they were not safe and had to leave. It was the summer of 1940, and Paris was declared an open city, as the French government decided not to fight the invading army. Margret and H.A. made their preparations to leave:
"The Reys had to travel light:
only a few clothes and their winter coats,
some bread and cheese,
a little meat, water,
an umbrella
Han's pipe,
and the precious manuscripts,
including The Adventures of Fifi."
The account of the Rey's flight from the Nazis by bicycle and train through France, Spain and Portugal, where they eventually boarded a boat for the thirteen-day passage to South American is quite thrilling. I think that children with an interest in World War II will find their story fascinating. The Rey's story personalizes a difficult piece of World War II history in a way that children will understand and relate to. They'll be rooting for the creators of Curious George, as they flee the Nazis and head toward their new life in America. The Journey That Saved Curious George would be a great gift for an older child (or adult) who loved the monkey as a child and is curious about how he came to be.
Who Knew ?
From Amazon
This book was recommended reading to me by a relative. I purchased this book to enlighten our grandchildren of the holocaust since their grandfather and uncle were "hidden children." It is an extraordinary tale of escape that made it possible for generations to read and enjoy the Curious George books. Our family read so many of the Curious George books and now they are being read and enjoyed by the NEXT generation....Hopefully, they will continue to delight and teach for many years to come.......
Louise Borden's fascinating account of the journey, the authors of Curious George made when the Nazis invaded France
From Amazon
Louise Borden's fascinating account of the journey, the authors of Curious George made when the Nazis invaded France. H.A. Rey and his wife Margret, who were both Jewish, made their escape with the only means of transportation available to them, bicycles. Forced to travel light, the Reys packed a few belongings as well as the manuscripts of their books, including "The Adventures of Fi", later to be renamed "Curious George". This manuscript was with them as their journey led them to the United States, which became their refuge and permanent home. This exciting author study is complemented by a combination of photographs of the Reys, illustrations from H.A. Rey's children's books, and original illustrations in the style of H. A. Rey by Allan Drummond.
Touching truth behind the fiction
From Amazon
"Curious George " lovers who have enjoyed the books, have read them to children, and have giggled over the cheeky monkey's adventures must read this touching true story of H. A. Rey's escape from Germany, with the "George" stories hidden in his back pocket. It brought tears to my eyes, and I thank the late Mr. Rey and his wife for saving and sharing this enduring and adorable set of stories.
Very interesting!
From Amazon
A fascinating, behind-the-scenes look at how Curious George came to be. I think Margret and H.A. Rey would be pleased with the way this lovely book was written and illustrated.