The Journey That Saved Curious George

The Journey That Saved Curious George tells the true story of H.A. and Margret Rey, the creators of the beloved children's book character Curious George. This nonfiction book chronicles their life in Paris and the circumstances that forced them to leave in 1940. Louise Borden reconstructs the Reys' journey from Paris through France, Spain, and Portugal, carrying their unpublished manuscripts with them. The book includes original photographs, documents, and illustrations that help bring this piece of literary history to life. The escape of the Reys and their manuscript serves as both a wartime narrative and an origin story for one of children's literature's most enduring characters. The preservation of art and imagination in the face of conflict emerges as a central theme of this biographical account.

Readers appreciate the true story behind how Curious George's creators escaped Nazi-occupied Paris. Parents and teachers note the book handles difficult historical topics in a way children can understand, while also engaging adults. Positive reviews mention: - Clear historical photographs and illustrations - Detailed maps showing the Reys' escape route - Balance of serious history with hopeful elements - Educational value for teaching WWII history Common criticisms: - Text can be too dense for younger readers - Some find the pacing slow - A few note it's more about the authors than about Curious George himself Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (834 ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (116 ratings) One teacher reviewer wrote: "My students were fascinated to learn the real story behind a character they love." Another parent noted: "The historical photos helped my child understand this was about real people, not just storybook characters." Several reviewers recommend it for ages 8-12 rather than younger Curious George fans.

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🌟 H.A. and Margret Rey escaped Paris on bicycle just hours before Nazi forces arrived, carrying their precious manuscript for Curious George among their few possessions. 🎨 The Reys constructed their own bicycles from spare parts, as new bikes were unavailable in wartime Paris during their escape in June 1940. 📚 Before becoming "Curious George," the mischievous monkey was originally named "Fifi" in the Reys' early drafts. ✈️ The Reys' journey to safety included travel through France, Spain, Portugal, and Brazil before finally reaching New York City. 🖼️ Author Louise Borden spent years researching the Reys' escape, tracking down original documents and interviewing people who knew them to accurately tell their remarkable story of survival and creativity.