Curious George is the mischievous monkey whose antics have entertained generations of readers. The very first book in the series, published in 1941, is a timeless favorite still just as popular as when it first hit the shelves. Even today, George's personality shines in new books chronicling his escapades. Very few picture books have created such a huge legion of fans with an everlasting legacy that has expanded to television shows, movies, and toys. Continue reading to learn some of the most fascinating facts about Curious George!
About the Authors of Curious George
The backstory of how Curious George came to life is quite interesting. H.A. and Margret Rey are the husband/wife team behind the most famous picture book monkey - Curious George. H.A. Rey is credited with the illustrations, however the stories were a collaborative effort between both of them. The origins began while Hans (H.A.) worked as a cartoonist in Paris. In 1939, a French publisher commissioned his work for a children's book featuring his giraffe cartoons, ultimately named "Raffy and the Nine Monkeys". This book introduced a playful little monkey named Fifi, who would later become the Curious George we know today. In order to bring their character to life, the Reys, who were Jewish, first escaped Paris before the Nazis invaded. Amongst the few possessions they brought with them was the Curious George manuscript. Their perilous journey eventually landed them in the United States, where they secured a four-book deal with Houghton Mifflin. In 1941, their first book dedicated to the renamed monkey, Curious George, was published. The rest is history! Here are some additional tidbits about the remarkable duo.
- H.A. Rey was born in Hamburg, Germany in 1898. Margret was born in the same city in 1906.
- They escaped the Nazis by riding self-made bicycles, ultimately landing in NYC in 1940.
- Margret's name was omitted from the initial book covers. The publisher believed the books would sell more copies with a male author.
- The couple ultimately settled in Cambridge, MA until H.A. passed away in 1977.
- Margret Rey continued to collaborate on new Curious George books and productions, lending her talent as a storyteller.
- From 1978 to 1984, Margret taught a creative writing class at Brandeis University.
- She was a generous donor, most notably to the Boston Public Library.
- In 1996, Margret Rey passed away, leaving behind an enormous body of work for future generations to enjoy.
Curious George Books Selling Strong After Almost a Century
Globally, the Curious George book series has captivated readers, resulting in sales exceeding 75 million copies, though this number is just an estimate given new readers buying books every day. The initial seven tales penned by Margret and Hans Rey account for over 25 million of these sales. Their universal charm is further evident in their translation into more than a dozen, and possibly as many as 25 languages. Building upon this foundation, over 200 additional titles have since been published, expanding George's adventures across every possible setting children may encounter in their own lives like going to the hospital or visiting a museum. Additionally, the Curious George movie released in 2006 topped more than $58 million in domestic ticket sales, further proof that the monkey is as popular as ever. Here are some more interesting facts about the sales of Curious George books, toys, and merchandise.
- The original Curious George, published in 1941, has never been out of print.
- 7,500 copies of the original book were printed and sold for $2.00. Publishing was almost halted five years later due to slow sales, before the book eventually achieved widespread popularity.
- Significant success continues in the digital world, with some Curious George apps exceeding a million downloads.
- Universal Studios' consumer products division secured licensing agreements, coinciding with the movie release, valued at over $500 million.
Classic Curious George Books to Build a Child's Library
H.A. and Margret Rey's original seven Curious George books are the bedrock of this beloved series, widely recognized as the "classics." These are the stories that first unveiled the delightful, ever-inquisitive monkey and the distinctive Man with the Yellow Hat to readers. The enduring popularity of these early adventures speaks to the power of their simple yet captivating storytelling, the charm of the Reys' artwork, and the timeless appeal of George's unquenchable thirst for discovery. Explore the more about the boxed set below that includes the seven classic originals presented in an attractive case. We have also included some other fun Curious George book sets that make wonderful gifts.
The Curious George Classic Book Collection is a celebration of an inquisitive monkey who gets himself tangled up in trouble. All seven timeless Curious George stories by H. A. and Margret Rey, originally introduced in 1941, are packaged in a boxed slipcase that can be displayed on bookshelf. This anniversary collection includes Curious George, Curious George Takes a Job, Curious George Rides a Bike, Curious George Gets a Medal, Curious George Flies a Kite, Curious George Learns the Alphabet, and Curious George Goes to the Hospital. There is no better way to start a child's collection than with this colorful set, an ideal gift for holidays, baby showers, and birthdays alike.
Curious George Around Town Boxed Set offers a portable library filled with fun adventures. The set features a convenient handle and is filled with six bestselling 8 x 8 paperbacks – Curious George and the Puppies, Curious George Makes Pancakes, Curious George Goes to a Chocolate Factory, Curious George at the Aquarium, Curious George Visits a Toy Store, and Curious George's Dinosaur Discovery.
A List of Curious George Books That Every Child Should Read
Curious George's hallmark is his boundless curiosity, a trait that frequently lands him in amusing scrapes. This mirrors the experiences of young children who are also navigating a new world and inevitably make mistakes along the way. The narratives often unfold with George's inquisitiveness sparking a problem, followed by his cleverness or the Man with the Yellow Hat's help leading to a satisfying resolution. This format of the stories delivers exciting adventures, with a hint of potential danger, yet always concluding with a safe and happy resolution. Woven into these engaging tales are gentle lessons about sharing, friendship, forgiveness, and the natural outcomes of one's actions. The ever-patient and supportive Man with the Yellow Hat acts as a guiding presence throughout George's explorations. Hundreds of Curious George books, spun off from the seven original classics, offer an almost endless supply of reading fun for little fans. Here is just a sampling of some favorites.
Original Seven Curious George Books
For generations, these seven classic books have woven their way into the fabric of family life. They stir fond memories for parents and grandparents, while their timeless charm continues to enchant new young audiences. This shared connection through the stories fosters a special bond across generations. Here are the original must-have picture books that are the foundation for building a child's collection.
Curious George Board Books for Babies and Toddlers
The bright, bold illustrations in Curious George board books capture the attention of tiny tots while boosting visual development. Interactive elements like textures and flaps add sensory fun. Simple, repeated text builds early language and vocabulary, while hearing the words read aloud improves listening skills and introduces language patterns. Perfect for baby shower gifts or toddler birthdays, this collection of board books is a fantastic introduction to the world's most beloved monkey.
Curious George Paperback Book Collection
George's boundless curiosity reflects the way young children naturally engage with the world. Though his explorations sometimes lead to mischief, his desire to understand by engaging with everything around him is how children learn best. And when his adventures take a turn, George's cleverness and resourcefulness in finding solutions teaches kids valuable lessons in the power of problem-solving and self-reliance. This group of books shares hilarious events that play out in situations that are relatable to young children, such as starting the first day of school, going camping for the first time, or visiting an ice cream parlor.
Curious George Resources for Children and Parents
Mirroring a child's inherent inquisitiveness, Curious George ignites this natural drive, inspiring young minds to investigate the world around them. Many of his adventures subtly weave in fundamental principles of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Educators are encouraged to visit the PBS site dedicated to Curious George which is full of educational activities. They ties in to George's active engagement in figuring things out, offering early exposure to engineering concepts. His encounters with patterns, measurements, and shapes introduce foundational mathematical thinking. Furthermore, George's frequent, curiosity-driven mishaps create natural openings to discuss problem-solving strategies. Beyond academics, the bond between George and the Man with the Yellow Hat exemplifies care, forgiveness, and mutual respect, and George's friendships underscore the significance of kindness, empathy, and inclusion. To learn more, visit the official Curious George website.
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