The Journey That Saved Curious George: The True Wartime Escape of Margret and H.A. Rey

by Louise Borden

In 1940, Hans and Margret Rey fled their Paris home as the German army advanced. They began their harrowing journey on bicycles, pedaling to Southern France with children's book manuscripts among their few possessions. Louise Borden combed primary resources, including Hans Rey's pocket diaries, to tell this dramatic true story. Archival materials introduce readers to the world of Hans and Margret Rey while Allan Drummond dramatically and colorfully illustrates their wartime trek to a new home. Follow the Rey's amazing story in this unique large format book that resembles a travel journal and includes full-color illustrations, original photos, actual ticket stubs and more. A perfect book for Curious George fans of all ages.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, History, Picture Books, Childrens, World War II, Biography Memoir

80 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

There were already two Louises in my family when I was born: my mother and my grandmother, Nana, who lived with us when I was growing up. So early on, I was given the name Leezie. This is a name that my family still calls me. Years later, my niece was born and also named Louise. Then there were four of us with the same name! Louise is a fine name to have except that people often spell it incorrectly. Sometimes my mail is addressed to Louisa, or Louisie, or Lewis, or Lois. Leezie is also tough for people to spell. Names and their pronunciations have always interested me, so writing about a teacher named Mrs. Kempczinski was a natural thing for me to do.

I grew up in a house at the top of a steep street in Cincinnati, Ohio, the kind of street that is a big challenge when you are pedaling uphill on your bicycle. My two sisters and I used to ride our bikes down, down our street, and then to the local dimestore to buy candy bars or meet up with our friends. But coming home, we had to pedal up our long hill. (This was before mountain bikes!) Pedaling slowly up my street may be where I learned perseverance, something all writers need when they are working alone at their desks.

Writing picture books came much later—after studying history in college, getting married, and raising three children. Even though I didn't grow up to be a composer, I like to think that my picture books are almost songs because the sound of words and the poetry of my style are so important in the texts that I write. I work very hard at my desk, revising and revising and revising, trying to find just the right words that will be beautiful or fun to read.

Reviews

[Cindy aka "The Book Fairy" · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful book about the creators of the beloved Curious George series. As their escape via bikes was written about, it was easy to imagine the sheer chaos with millions fleeing Hitler's advances and the terrorism etc.....As this couple were one of the few to escape compared to so many other millions that weren't able to sadly, I thought about what those other precious Jewish souls could have contributed to society and experiences enjoyed in life as well, had they not been considered inferior. Grieved my heart for the others while thankful for the Reys at least....( had always been a fan of the adorable books growing up and with my own children as well:)

[Raina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was SO FUN to talk about with students.
Basically, I hooked them with Curious George ("DOES ANYONE RECOGNIZE THIS MONKEY? CAN ANYONE IDENTIFY THIS MONKEY? DOES ANYONE KNOW WHO THIS MONKEY IS?"), cracked a corny joke ("Is this a real monkey? No, silly! This is a DRAWING of a monkey!") and then told the story on pages 44-45. Depending on the ages of the kids (3rd grade? 6th grade?) I'd give more or less context regarding WWII.

It really is an unbelievable story (they're actually making a documentary about it and everything!).
I was initially put off by the almost-poetry-like layout of the text on the page, but found the story so engaging it completely stopped bothering me. I love love loved the inclusion of lots of primary sources. It's actually very surprising how well the primary sources, original illustrations, and Rey illustrations blend together. And I don't remember it being made clear who was responsible for the layout here - was it the illustrator, or some other unnamed graphic designer? If it was a third party, they deserve serious kudos.

Killer killer killer yes.

[Alex Baugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first time that I am participating in Non-Fiction Monday and I am very excited. I have chosen to write about The Journey that Saved Curious George by Louise Borden, though I have to be honest and say that I have never been a big fan of Curious George, but I have a foster child who was (she is now 22 and a recent college grad - hurray.) We recently went to the Jewish Museum in New York City to see the exhibition they have about the Reys' escape from Nazi occupied Europe. It was an excellent exhibit, but unfortunately, it ends on August 1st. If you have time this week and happen to be in NYC, it is definitely worth seeing. If you can't make it to the museum, be sure to look at their website at http://www.thejewishmuseum.org/exhibi...

Naturally, after seeing this exhibit, I went to the library and borrowed the companion book. The Journey that Saved Curious George begins with a short biography of Hans Augusto Reyersbach, who later became known as H A Rey and his future wife Margarete (Margret) Waldstein. They were both born and raised Jewish in Hamburg, Germany though they didn't know each other then. They met and married in Brazil and eventually moved to Paris. The majority of the book is then devoted to their flight through France on bicycles built by Rey, always just ahead of the Nazis. Their lives are paralleled with the evolution of the Curious George character. The story is told in simple prose by Borden that never condescends to the reader, although it is written more for 9-12 year old than for younger kids who might still be reading the Curious George books. The ink and watercolor illustrations by Allan Drummond are just wonderful and supplemented throughout with photos and documents belonging to the Reys'. Many of the photos were taken by Margret Rey.

This is one of my favorite illustrations from the book, detailing people fleeing from Paris. While Drummond's illustration looks rather whimsical, it still manages the catch the sense of tension and fear people must have felt. The Reys' loved Paris and it must have been a very difficult decision to flee, leaving behind most of their personal belongings, their friends and way of life for the unknown. But many people, like the Reys', were forced into making that choice to save their lives.

The Journey that Saved Curious George reminded me of an old novel I was given and had read a while back called The Schoolgirl Fugitives by Agnes M. Miall. Published in 1942, it is about two English schoolgirls who must flee their boarding school in Paris as the Nazis approach. Their flight through the French countryside is very similar to the one made by the Reys'.

A book guide for The Journey that Saved Curious George is available from the publisher Houghton Mifflin at http://www.houghtonmifflinbooks.com/f... It is recommended for educators and librarians, though I think it could be valuable to anyone interested in H.A. and Margret Rey and their escape from France and the Nazis.

[Donalyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reread. One of the most haunting aspects of World War II and the Holocaust is the lost potential of the millions who were murdered. Louise Borden chronicles the escape of Margret and H.A. Rey, who were able to escape with their lives and their art. Brilliantly researched with a pleasing design that introduces readers to many of the Reys' lesser known characters, as well as Curious George.

[Ms. B · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 stars*. The true story behind H.A. and Margret Rey who wrote the original Curious George books is ABSOLUTELY fascinating! If you read The Horn Book or like children's literature, you'll love this.
*This rating is based on kid appeal vs adult appeal. I would give it 3 stars as a children's book and 4 stars as an adult book.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

So cute and fun. I loved learning about H.A. Rey's and his wife's bicycle escape from Paris and his coming to the U.S. as a refugee. Refugees are important.

[Courtney Stroup · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick read — I loved Curious George growing up + have been reading him to my son… plus I teach the Holocaust Unit every year (except this one) — so I was intrigued by this book! Very interesting read about two German Jewish artists narrowly escaping all of the horrors of Hitler. Written in a reading level for 3rd-7th graders, it mentions a lot of things about WWII in a way friendly enough to be understood. Knowing what happened in the Holocaust, it is a miracle they got out when they did.

Only one question remains unanswered for me: Why did they change the monkey’s name from Fifi to Curious George?

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute engaging book about the Reys and their narrow escape before Paris fell. This would be good for middle to upper elementary. I'll be rereading this with my daughter in a few years.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This little book looks like one of the Curious George books written by Margaret & H.A. Rey, though instead of the antics of that famous monkey, we learn the story of his creators' real-life escape from war-torn Europe, as they ride bicycles with their creative work (wrapped in a winter coat and tucked in a basket) across France before taking a train and multiple ships to their final destination of New York, where children's publishing history would be made.

Louise Borden's careful research and inclusion of photographs and images of original documents and Allan Drummond's detailed and whimsical illustrations make this couple's saga seem more of an uplifting adventure than harrowing war story, though adults in particular will be able to fill in blanks as to how frightening and uncertain their "adventure" must have been.

This book will appeal to adults and older children who are interested in Curious George, the lives of artists, World War II (particularly Europe), and of illustrated texts. In addition, this book is a thought-provoking look at the Western world's sense of "refugee" that could be a catalyst for conversation.

[Cynthia Egbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is so wonderful to read of a positive story out of WWII. I am so grateful that they were able to make their escape and what an adventure. This is a fabulous way to share with children the struggles that so many experienced and still be positive. I am grateful to know their story and thrilled for the happy ending that was not only happy for us but for children everywhere who love Curious George.

[Pauline · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been a fan of Curious George since childhood. I’ve read many a Curious George book to my kids and my classes. I’d heard a bit about their escape from war-torn Europe but was interested in the story so grabbed this book. It’s a very interesting story. It’s clear that Louise Borden has done her research and showing actual documents and diary pages added to the interest. If you are a Curious George fan, you will want to read this book—whether you are an adult or child.

[Christina DeVane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t realize this was written in a kid’s style of book only 70 pages full of historical pictures and memorabilia. But this is a fascinating story that I’m excited to read aloud to my kids! These writers were Jews and it took them 4 months to escape from Paris to New York. Love love stories like these!

[Melissapalmer404 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book #76 Read in 2018
The Journey That Saved Curious George

This tells the true story of how the creators of Curious George had to escape from the Nazis and how they ended up living in America. It also shows the evolution of Curious George. A quick read, this would make a nice read out loud in elementary classes. I borrowed this book from the public library.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating story with photos and drawings of the Rey’s escape from Nazi occupation.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Found it in the kids section but love Curious George and this background was interesting. Had no idea of the Rey's life! The illustrations are lovely and also the book includes photographs.

[Jessi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for the story of the Reys and to see more of the way WWII affected France.

[Karla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written and meticulously researched. Without having a story directly from the authors, Louise Borden managed to piece together their escape from Paris on bicycles during the Nazi invasion across the sea to Brazil and eventually the US. Tells how Hans carefully protected his manuscript of a mischievous monkey named Fifi (who eventually became George) throughout the journey. The illustrations by Allan Drummond are fabulous. At first, I thought it was H.A. Rey who drew them because they are so faithful to his style. They used pictures, photographs of Hans' diary entries and their passports, as well as other memorabilia to make the book come alive. Bravo! Children and the adults who grew up loving Curious George will be interested in the adventures of the authors of those beloved books.

[Julie Biles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our family loves Curious George! The Reys' literary works have both entertained and comforted us through good and bad times. Our read aloud of this beautiful biography detailing Margret and Hans's escape from Nazi occupied Paris, captivated all of us. The six and eight year old grandsons were expecially fascinated. The book includes many illustrations and images of their neccessary government documents, photographs as well as many illustrations from various books.

This is a wonderful read for all ages!

[Rachel Aranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I used this book as a reference for a report on people I admire. These two were successful, talented, happily married, well educated, and traveled to many different countries authors who created since of my favorite childhood books. This book kept up with their spirit by using photographs, their illustrations, and personal documents throughout the book. It was a very well summed up biography for kids. haha I actually still read it to this day.

[Jillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating story of how the authors of Curious George escaped from Europe during WWII, thus saving their manuscript to eventually be published. Borden's verse writing tells their timeline well, and the illustrations combined with primary source documents, enhance the effect.

[Rebekah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so well done. The illustrations and photographs were so neat to look at and the story was interesting to read. This book gave me a new appreciation for the Curious George books I read with my son on a regular basis!

[Hannah]

This was disappointing. The back matter is better conceived and more compelling than the story, which is ridiculous, because it's compelling subject matter! But for a daring wartime escape, there was nothing urgent or high stakes about it, and while I can appreciate a Holocaust story that isn't all despair, the war is such a subtle backdrop that it makes the whole wild ride seem a lot less wild and devoid of any potential danger except a punctured bicycle tire. If you weren't already familiar with the Holocaust you would think this was just a story about a globetrotting couple who traveled the world for fun while writing what would become some of the most beloved picture books of all time. The saddest it gets is things like "they slept on the floor of a restaurant one time."

The illustrations were very Rey-like, which is appropriate and well done. No complaints there.

This is my own Ashkenazi kvetch about the book, but there was basically nothing Jewish about this book in writing or in the depiction of their lives. No particularly Jewish ethics, no Jewish humor, no mention of practices, holidays, or observances that even relatively secular Jews engage in, no emotional stress when their families and friends are being rounded up by fucking Nazis on the reg. I'm sorry, what?

I guess my issue is the book is presented as one thing and yet doesn't at all live up to its promise. I was set up to expect what I didn't get, which made it hard to appreciate what I might otherwise enjoy learning about--but what I did learn that was interesting could have been covered in a longform piece in The New Yorker or The Horn Book instead of stretched into 80 pages plus back matter.

I also thought it was funny that the author ended one chapter by saying the Reyersbachs changed their surname to make it easier for Brazilians to pronounce (legit and believable; look at Ellis Island), then said "it would be a name to remember," and yet didn't even go with the obvious punchline of "rey means king in Portuguese." Weak.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

As an adult, I found the book interesting although somewhat dry. The pictures and illustrations saved the book and added interest, in spite of the way they were presented.

However, if I were the book's target audience, a child, I would not have liked it at all. There were words used that I know, but that a child probably wouldn't (my teenagers heard me reading it out loud to my husband and even they didn't like it, and didn't know some of the words—bedlam is one example that neither they nor my husband knew; most children wouldn't know it, nor the scattering of foreign phrases without interpretation). My husband said it was a book he would never have read to our children when they were younger.

There were also some big design no-no's. One example: a light blue photograph background with white words on top. My husband was like, good luck reading THAT. The layout is busy and haphazard, captions too small to read, inconsistent design.

In all, I'm really glad the Reys escaped France and we're able to return to Brazil and then move on to America, and I'm really glad their legacy of Curious George lives on. I'm glad I know their story. But the book wouldn't not appeal to most young readers in this format. A chapter book would have worked better than this which poses as a picture book.

[April Gain · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had absolutely no idea about this story before I found this book on the library shelves. I can’t believe I lived to be this old without knowing Margret and H.A. Rey were German-born Jews, whose families knew each other throughout; that they got together in Brazil and obtained Brazilian citizenship; or that they fled the Nazi invasion of France on bicycles, by train, and by boat- all the way back to Rio, then up to New York.

The style is excellent for conveying information to younger readers. It is a sort of free verse novel, not really taking itself seriously as a detailed history book but seeking to share information and impressions. Not to say it isn’t incredibly well-researched- the story was out together with a ton of primary resources, including H.A. Rey’s daily diary that detailed what he was working on and, later, the escape route. There are photographs, documents, and illustrations throughout. It sometimes feels like you’re reading a scrapbook about their early lives as much as anything. Definitely recommend for collections as a way to take a scary reality and make it into a relatable text for young audiences to understand.

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you do not know the story of Hans Rey, the creator of Curious George, this fairly quick but wonderfully treated young adult read is worth your time. Illustrated with Rey's actual diary entries, lists, photographs, and simple watercolors that evoke the palette of the original Curious George books, this is an adventure tale, depicting the chaos of pre-war France for a young aspiring cartoonist and his wife, Margret Rey. Somehow, this gentle soul manages to escape war (and persecution) to become the preeminent children's author of his time. Margret, a brilliant woman in her own right, helps in the escape, which is a logistical and bureaucratic nightmare. (Margret eventually served as her husband's tireless promoter and manager, even long past his death. There's a wonderful documentary from 2017 called "Monkey Business" on the whole fascinating subject of their lives together.)

[Sep · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful read for Curious George fans of all ages. Ms. Borden stresses the creativity and adventurous character of the intrepid Hans and Margret Ray. Both immigrated from Germany to Brazil. They had know each other in Germany but collaborate aritistically (producing children's books) and then marry in Brazil (where they became citizens). On a honeymoon trip Europe they visit Paris for weeks and decide to rent a flat and stay for several years. Then came Hitler's invasion of France.

The story of their escape is told in a light manner though older readers can extrapolate some of the difficulties. Fun fact. Curious George's working title was "The Adventures of Fifi."

The Holocaust is not a light subject, but, depending on a child's age, "The Journey" could serve as a soft introduction to it. As an adult, I read with a lump in my throat.

[Dakota Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

An engaging and truly fascinating read that doesn't quite know who its audience is. The story of Margret and H.A. Rey's escape from Paris during World War II is electric, but it's told in flat and poorly structured free verse poetry. To be clear, I'm no poet, but the choice of which lines to offset made almost no sense. If each page had been written in simple paragraphs, it would have been that much easier to process.

The artwork is a lovely rendition of the Reys' Curious George work, and the various photographs and documents included made the story feel all the more real. Again, though, is the audience children who might find free verse easier to read? Or adults who will read the subtitles for the pictures and understand all the references to book publishing?

Recommended, but maybe for children who are reading above their grade level? Or weird adults like me.

[Newt Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

How this book escaped my attention for 14 years is puzzling.
As an elementary school librarian(and the man in the yellow hat!), my collection included every Curious George title, many of which I read to students. It’s possible that back in 2005 I may have come across The Journey That Saved Curious George and couldn’t determine the intended audience(it’s too complex for K-2 and too lengthy for a read aloud setting). Regardless, Louise Borden has cleverly and painstakingly recreated Margaret and H.A. Rey’s escape from Paris during World War II, and it’s a fascinating journey.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This would be a great book to read in conjunction with learning about WWII. The Rey's experience of trying to escape Paris before the Nazis invaded is the story of millions of people, made better by their success in making it through all the hurdles required and the fact that they escape with illustrations and a story about a little monkey that people everywhere recognize now. The illustrations and scans of Rey's diary entries and papers and passports are engaging to look at as you read.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super cool children’s book I happened upon at my library. This is the story of the authors of Curious George and how they fled Paris at the beginning of WWII. The lives of the Rey’s is fascinating. Yes this is written for kids and is a very general telling of their escape but I loved it.