About This Book
When your child is ready to move beyond the playful antics of Curious George and explore the real-world history behind their favorite characters, this book is the perfect bridge. It tells the incredible true story of Hans and Margret Rey, the Jewish creators of Curious George, who were forced to flee Paris on homemade bicycles just hours before the city fell to the German army in 1940. Tucked in their bags was the original manuscript of the first George book, which survived a harrowing journey through France, Spain, and Portugal before finally reaching safety in New York City. This biography introduces young readers to the concepts of the Holocaust and World War II through the lens of a familiar childhood icon. It emphasizes themes of bravery, creative resilience, and the power of hope during times of great upheaval. It is a sophisticated yet accessible choice for children who are beginning to ask questions about history, refugees, and how stories are made.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
DISTRESS: The book mentions the 'invading army' and the fear of being trapped in a city under attack. There are descriptions of massive crowds of refugees sleeping on the ground and the exhaustion of the journey. While not graphic, the sense of urgency and the threat of the Nazi regime create a palpable tension that might worry sensitive younger readers. CONVERSATION: Parents should be prepared to explain why the Reys had to leave (the Nazi persecution of Jewish people). Children may ask what would have happened if they hadn't escaped or why the soldiers were targeting specific groups of people. It is a gentle entry point into discussing the Holocaust and the concept of being a refugee.
Ideal Reader
An elementary student who loves 'Curious George' but is now curious about 'real' history or a child who is learning about World War II and needs a personal, human-scale story to ground the historical facts.
Parent Prep
Read the historical note at the end first. It provides specific details regarding the rise of the Nazi party and the specific laws targeting Jewish citizens which the main text handles with a lighter touch. A child asking, 'Why did the soldiers want to hurt the people who wrote the monkey book?'
Age Experience
Younger children (7-9) will focus on the adventure of the bicycle trip and the 'secret' manuscript. Older children (10-12) will better grasp the political gravity and the life-or-death nature of the escape.
What Makes It Special
Its unique format. It uses a mix of primary sources (photos, diary entries, tickets) and illustrations, making it feel like a historical scrapook rather than a dry biography.
Read plot summary
The book chronicles the lives of Hans and Margret Rey, from their childhoods in Germany to their meeting in Brazil and their eventual move to Paris. The heart of the narrative focuses on June 1940, when the couple fled the Nazi invasion of France. Using Hans's own pocket diaries and archival documents, Louise Borden details their four-day bicycle journey to the Spanish border, their train travels through Portugal, and their eventual arrival in the United States, all while protecting the manuscript of 'Fifi' (who would later become Curious George).
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Hans and Margret could only take a few things with them on their bicycles. Why do you think they chose to save the manuscript of Curious George?
2
The Reys had to be very creative to solve problems, like building their own bicycles. Can you think of another time their creativity helped them during their journey?
3
Looking at the photos and ticket stubs in the book, how does seeing the 'real' items change how you feel about the story?
4
The Reys were refugees, which means they had to leave their home to find safety. What are some things that helped them feel brave during such a scary time?
5
If you had to leave your home quickly and could only take what fits in a backpack, what three things would you choose?
