Families who loved Curious George and the Hot Air Balloon by H. A. Rey often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when your child's natural impulsivity or curiosity has led to a mistake that they feel badly about. It serves as a gentle bridge for discussing how small, well-intentioned actions can spin out of control, while also showing that children possess the bravery and capability to help fix things. Curious George and his friends visit Mount Rushmore, but the adventure truly begins when George accidentally untethers a hot air balloon. While the story is lighthearted and filled with the classic physical comedy expected from George, it touches on themes of redemption and courage. Ideal for preschoolers and early elementary students, it validates their desire to explore the world while modeling how to channel that energy toward helping others. Parents will appreciate the way it shifts the narrative from pure mischief to a sense of civic responsibility and quick thinking.
