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Keep Curious and Carry a Banana: Words of Wisdom from the World of Curious George
For more than seventy-five years, the world of Curious George has delighted readers with its playful charm and deceptively simple wisdom. Fans of the Keep Calm and Carry On craze will find comfort in this Georgified version of the popular book format. Each inspiration is humorously accompanied by an illustration from the original works of H. A. Rey’s Curious George books.
Sure to make readers chuckle as only George can, this book is packed with inspiration and humor. It's the perfect gift for all the curious people in your life!
Sure to make readers chuckle as only George can, this book is packed with inspiration and humor. It's the perfect gift for all the curious people in your life!
80 pages, Hardcover
First published April 5, 2016
1 person is currently reading
140 people want to read
About the author
H.A. Rey
585 books212 followersHans Augusto Rey was born on September 16, 1898, in Hamburg, Germany. He grew up there near the world-famous Hagenbeck Zoo, and developed a lifelong love for animals and drawing. Margarete Elisabeth Waldstein (who would be known to most of the world as Margret Rey) was also born in Hamburg on May 16, 1906. The two met briefly when Margret was a young girl, before she left Hamburg to study art. They were reunited in 1935 in Rio de Janeiro, where Hans was selling bathtubs as part of a family business and Margret was escaping the political climate in Germany. Margret convinced Hans to leave the family business, and soon they were working together on a variety of projects.
Hans and Margret were married in Brazil on August 16, 1935, and they moved to Paris after falling in love with the city during their European honeymoon. It was there that Hans published his first children’s book, after a French publisher saw his newspaper cartoons of a giraffe and asked him to expand upon them. Raffy and the Nine Monkeys (Cecily G. and the Nine Monkeys in the British and American editions) was the result, and it marked the debut of a mischievous monkey named Curious George.
After Raffy and the Nine Monkeys was published, the Reys decided that Curious George deserved a book of his own, so they began work on a manuscript that featured the lovable and exceedingly curious little monkey. But the late 1930s and early ’40s were a tumultuous time in Europe, and before the new manuscript could be published, the Reys—both German Jews—found themselves in a horrible situation. Hitler and his Nazi party were tearing through Europe, and they were poised to take control of Paris.
Knowing that they must escape before the Nazis took power, Hans cobbled together two bicycles out of spare parts. Early in the morning of June 14, 1940, the Reys set off on their bicycles. They brought very little with them on their predawn flight — only warm coats, a bit of food, and five manuscripts, one of which was Curious George. The Nazis entered Paris just hours later, but the Reys were already on their way out. They rode their makeshift bicycles for four long days until reaching the French-Spanish border, where they sold them for train fare to Lisbon. From there they made their way to Brazil and on to New York City, beginning a whole new life as children’s book authors.
Curious George was published by Houghton Mifflin in 1941, and for sixty years these books have been capturing the hearts and minds of readers throughout the world. All the Curious George books, including the seven original stories by Margret and Hans, have sold more than twenty-five million copies. So popular that his original story has never been out of print, George has become one of the most beloved and recognizable characters in children’s literature. His adventures have been translated into many languages, including Japanese, French, Afrikaans, Portuguese, Swedish, German, Chinese, Danish, and Norwegian.
Although both of the Reys have passed away — Hans in 1977 and Margret in 1996—George lives on in the Curious George Foundation. Established in 1989, this foundation funds programs for children that share Curious George’s irresistible qualities—ingenuity, opportunity, determination, and curiosity in learning and exploring. Much consideration is given to programs that benefit animals, through preservation as well as the prevention of cruelty to animals. The foundation supports community outreach programs that emphasize the importance of family, from counseling to peer support groups.
Hans and Margret were married in Brazil on August 16, 1935, and they moved to Paris after falling in love with the city during their European honeymoon. It was there that Hans published his first children’s book, after a French publisher saw his newspaper cartoons of a giraffe and asked him to expand upon them. Raffy and the Nine Monkeys (Cecily G. and the Nine Monkeys in the British and American editions) was the result, and it marked the debut of a mischievous monkey named Curious George.
After Raffy and the Nine Monkeys was published, the Reys decided that Curious George deserved a book of his own, so they began work on a manuscript that featured the lovable and exceedingly curious little monkey. But the late 1930s and early ’40s were a tumultuous time in Europe, and before the new manuscript could be published, the Reys—both German Jews—found themselves in a horrible situation. Hitler and his Nazi party were tearing through Europe, and they were poised to take control of Paris.
Knowing that they must escape before the Nazis took power, Hans cobbled together two bicycles out of spare parts. Early in the morning of June 14, 1940, the Reys set off on their bicycles. They brought very little with them on their predawn flight — only warm coats, a bit of food, and five manuscripts, one of which was Curious George. The Nazis entered Paris just hours later, but the Reys were already on their way out. They rode their makeshift bicycles for four long days until reaching the French-Spanish border, where they sold them for train fare to Lisbon. From there they made their way to Brazil and on to New York City, beginning a whole new life as children’s book authors.
Curious George was published by Houghton Mifflin in 1941, and for sixty years these books have been capturing the hearts and minds of readers throughout the world. All the Curious George books, including the seven original stories by Margret and Hans, have sold more than twenty-five million copies. So popular that his original story has never been out of print, George has become one of the most beloved and recognizable characters in children’s literature. His adventures have been translated into many languages, including Japanese, French, Afrikaans, Portuguese, Swedish, German, Chinese, Danish, and Norwegian.
Although both of the Reys have passed away — Hans in 1977 and Margret in 1996—George lives on in the Curious George Foundation. Established in 1989, this foundation funds programs for children that share Curious George’s irresistible qualities—ingenuity, opportunity, determination, and curiosity in learning and exploring. Much consideration is given to programs that benefit animals, through preservation as well as the prevention of cruelty to animals. The foundation supports community outreach programs that emphasize the importance of family, from counseling to peer support groups.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
November 19, 2022
Advice from Curious George (CG) to help us all find all the bananas we will ever need! Really like books like this that give good advice from old friends. GG always seems to get in trouble; but because his intentions are based on good intentions he always finds a solution to his problems. CG fans will really enjoy this book because it is filled with simple wisdom.
April 26, 2017
Absolutely adorable! I have always loved this little guy and this book brings out the cute!
May 4, 2016
This is cute as heck with illustrations from the original Curious George books. It is considered an adult inspirational book. Great for birthdays and graduations. I just love it!
May 29, 2016
Book of wisdom inspired by Curious George. Would be perfect to read at the end of the school year with students. And banana end papers. Bananas!
February 4, 2018
Although I believe this is supposed to be a children's book - it is chock full of good advise for adults. Brief, easy and fun to read, but full of wonderful meaning!
April 20, 2016
Curious George and his sidekick, the Man with the Yellow Hat have been entertaining children and adults for over 75 years. In celebration of these beloved characters, authors Justin Martin and Liza Charlesworth have united Curious George and the Keep Calm and Carry On” meme to create words of wisdom based on the playful antics of this precocious little monkey. And a fitting match up it is as the two share a history. The Curious George series is based on the book, “Cecily G. and the Nine Monkeys” written by Margret Rey and illustrated by Hans Augusto (H.A.) Rey, which was published in France in 1939. That same year the phrase “Keep Calm and Carry On” was printed on posters and distributed by the British government as a morale booster for citizens who faced increasing threats of invasion by Nazi forces from Germany.
Inspired by A.H. Rey’s memorable illustrations of the mischievous monkey’s more notable pastimes and bodacious pranks, Martin and Charlesworth captioned each familiar scene with a mixture of homespun idioms and simple advice for living a happy life. After all, in spite of his monkey business Curious George is always on the lookout for fun. “Keep Curious and Carry a Banana” is the perfect gift for the fearless curiosity seeker in your life.
Inspired by A.H. Rey’s memorable illustrations of the mischievous monkey’s more notable pastimes and bodacious pranks, Martin and Charlesworth captioned each familiar scene with a mixture of homespun idioms and simple advice for living a happy life. After all, in spite of his monkey business Curious George is always on the lookout for fun. “Keep Curious and Carry a Banana” is the perfect gift for the fearless curiosity seeker in your life.
May 28, 2016
Love this little words of wisdom book. We could use it for great discussions during our morning meetings
August 21, 2017
Perfect book to read as you answer 100 "Do you have eclipse glasses?" phone calls! Curious George gives great advice!!
March 23, 2022
It's cute! I'm going to pass it on...
December 6, 2023
A small book full of words of wisdom and delightful art. ❤️
August 11, 2017
The wisdom of one little monkey and the Man in the Yellow Hat wrapped up in one happy book with original H.A. Rey illustations-what is not to LOVE!!
October 1, 2017
Fun little book for Curious George fans. Great for a gift or for yourself. Love the little monkey! 💛
Read
May 9, 2016This is one of the best Keep Calm books I have seen. Each page is captioned by a Curious George quote that voices the perfect answer on how to live life. “Read Everything You Can Get Your Paws On” is a wonderful reminder of the simple joy of just reading, no matter what the subject. I am sure this will make a wonderful gift for graduation or father’s day. It has just the right sentiment and positive message.
August 8, 2016
This had the usual kind of advice found in inspirational books, but made better with Curious George. It did bother me a little that some of the pictures were from the earliest books where George was exploited by the man and people they dealt with, because it made it harder to focus on the advice. This is listed as a teen book at my library, and I think it would make a good gift for grads who grew up loving Curious George. I think the messages would be lost on young kids.
April 23, 2016
Very simple but solid advice for living a better life accompanied by the original Curious George drawings. Great gift for graduates or anyone who loves to stay curious!
April 30, 2016
Cute and full of basic wisdom
May 13, 2016
FUN and inspiring and perfect for fans of Curious George.
May 25, 2016
Got this book as a gift. Curious George is of my favorite book characters. Love the inspiration and words of wisdom from this little monkey.
June 5, 2016
Great little read that I read while standing at Shoppers Drug Mart.
June 29, 2016
4.5 stars
July 9, 2016
Words of wisdom from the tales of Curious George...the monkey that everyone loves. Simply book that relates lines from the original story/comic.
Want to read
November 16, 2016this book is good for kids I like it
February 11, 2018
Great advice at any age.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 22, 2018
This is a great take on lessons we can all learn from the curiosity of George (the curious little monkey). A quick book full of some great ideas such as 'always have an exit plan.'
February 2, 2020
What a charming little book! The illustration is adorable. The mantra is catchy and memorable. Flip it open to a random page every morning or every other morning and carry it through the day feeling great. We all need a little comfort once in a while. So don’t shelf it just yet, pass it around, give it away or make the authors happier by buying a few more copies and give them away as gifts to people you care about.
September 24, 2020
Love it! I grew up loving Curious George, and I raised my children, who also adored CG, with his books and movies. CG has brought so much joy, laughter, and insight to our family. Illustrations harken back to former books by Rey, and it is so delightful. This book is a great conversation piece, a handy daily motivator, and it warms the child-heart in all of us, while still speaking to our adult lives. My favorite page is the one that says, "Wisdom begins with being puzzled."
February 20, 2019
Adorable book! Original illustrations from the classic Curious George books accompany bits of life advice. Curious George has always been a favorite of mine, and if you like the picture books, you’ll enjoy this little book too!
January 28, 2023
George is a great model for our times and this collection of George moments paired with early adulthood encouragements is a fun reminder of the adventurous monkey. The lack of a story connecting the encouragements together deducts a star.
January 1, 2024
Tidbits of wisdom are paired with Curious George drawings by H.A. Rey. A few of my favorites are:
A blank canvas is a brilliant opportunity.
Create the wotrld you want to inhabit.
Unlock the potential lin others.
Read everything you can get your paws on.
A delightful book!
A blank canvas is a brilliant opportunity.
Create the wotrld you want to inhabit.
Unlock the potential lin others.
Read everything you can get your paws on.
A delightful book!
October 7, 2018
Søt liten bok.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews