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Curious George Original Adventures #3
Curious George Rides a Bike
Today is a special day for George because he gets his first bike. He does tricks, he helps the paper boy with his round and then he sees a river... and George is curious. And that's when his exciting adventure begins.
48 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1952
49 people are currently reading
1270 people want to read
About the author
H.A. Rey
585 books213 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 200 reviews
January 6, 2019
Another great Curious George story that Neo sat and enjoyed. On the third anniversary of his arrival from the jungle--can it have been that long?--George receives a bicycle as a present from the Man with the Yellow Hat. George agrees to stay close to home, but we all know that monkeys tend to opt for the fun things in life. After he agreed to help with the newsboy's paper route, George finds himself on an adventure. This leads to some bicycle issues, but worry not, a travelling animal show is there to save the day. With George set to be one of the star attractions, he gets into some mischief and finds himself benched from all the fun. However, as only George can, he redeems himself during a harrowing rescue of one animal in the show. Hooray for George and that darn bicycle, which came in quite handy after all. Neo quite enjoyed this piece and I know we will continue with our reading of this wonderful series, as often as Neo will allow!
December 7, 2011
In 1952, H.A. Rey released the third installment of the Curious George series: Curious George Rides a Bike. While on the surface Rey’s text appears an innocent exploration into the forays of a happy-go-lucky monkey, under the surface much darker themes lurk.
One such theme would be that of responsibility to society. Dostoevsky touched down on this theme in Crime & Punishment, but ultimately his 500+ page treatise on the subject is dwarfed by Rey’s unflinching exploration of the sociopathic mind in Curious George Rides a Bike.
In Rey’s text, Curious George acquires a new responsibility after disobeying the man in the yellow hat. Upon riding his bike outside the parameters established by the man, he is asked to deliver newspapers to local residents. Here we see Ray’s exploration of a dystopian society, not unlike our own, in which violating basic rules goes not only unpunished, but shares a positive correlation with reward. Such a twisted system is the precursor to the sociopathic personality which surfaces in Curious George.
But not all is lost. The plot seems to suggest that if and when a society reaches such a deplorable state, karma, or natural order, will set things right. This is a rare circumstance in which nature is depicted as a mechanism of control rather than a mechanism of liberation and potential chaos. George takes the newspapers from the boy, excited about his new task. But he quickly deviates from the parameters given to him yet again, and he crafts the newspapers into paper boats to float downstream. It is then that George is finally given his first taste of repercussion. As he follows the boats downstream, he runs into an obstacle to great for him to tackle, and his bike is destroyed.
George tries to ride the bike to no avail, sending a potent and counterintuitive message about social deviance and social mobility. George’s crimes result in immobility and loss of opportunity. This differs from classical works like Crime and Punishment, where upward mobility acts as the incentive for a crime. But Rey’s text requires a dynamic between man and environment that is more complex, for George is a monkey who seemingly has no motive for his crimes. He is deviant for the mere sake of deviance. The fact that his actions are attributed to curiosity is a testament to the ignorance of society, and their inability to see past the facade of a criminal mastermind. Upon closer inspection, one can see that George is actually child literature’s equivalent to Hannibal Lector, showing no remorse for his actions. But in a dystopian society where crime is rewarded, can we truly hold George accountable? How much agency can we attribute to our young protagonist’s actions? This is the burning question Rey leaves us with as the book draws to a close.
One such theme would be that of responsibility to society. Dostoevsky touched down on this theme in Crime & Punishment, but ultimately his 500+ page treatise on the subject is dwarfed by Rey’s unflinching exploration of the sociopathic mind in Curious George Rides a Bike.
In Rey’s text, Curious George acquires a new responsibility after disobeying the man in the yellow hat. Upon riding his bike outside the parameters established by the man, he is asked to deliver newspapers to local residents. Here we see Ray’s exploration of a dystopian society, not unlike our own, in which violating basic rules goes not only unpunished, but shares a positive correlation with reward. Such a twisted system is the precursor to the sociopathic personality which surfaces in Curious George.
But not all is lost. The plot seems to suggest that if and when a society reaches such a deplorable state, karma, or natural order, will set things right. This is a rare circumstance in which nature is depicted as a mechanism of control rather than a mechanism of liberation and potential chaos. George takes the newspapers from the boy, excited about his new task. But he quickly deviates from the parameters given to him yet again, and he crafts the newspapers into paper boats to float downstream. It is then that George is finally given his first taste of repercussion. As he follows the boats downstream, he runs into an obstacle to great for him to tackle, and his bike is destroyed.
George tries to ride the bike to no avail, sending a potent and counterintuitive message about social deviance and social mobility. George’s crimes result in immobility and loss of opportunity. This differs from classical works like Crime and Punishment, where upward mobility acts as the incentive for a crime. But Rey’s text requires a dynamic between man and environment that is more complex, for George is a monkey who seemingly has no motive for his crimes. He is deviant for the mere sake of deviance. The fact that his actions are attributed to curiosity is a testament to the ignorance of society, and their inability to see past the facade of a criminal mastermind. Upon closer inspection, one can see that George is actually child literature’s equivalent to Hannibal Lector, showing no remorse for his actions. But in a dystopian society where crime is rewarded, can we truly hold George accountable? How much agency can we attribute to our young protagonist’s actions? This is the burning question Rey leaves us with as the book draws to a close.
December 25, 2017
Listened to my niece read this to her son. I never read Curious George as a kid. A little horrifying with the circus coming to town and all the animals stuck in cages. Then again. it was nice you could give your kid a bike, leave for work, and then say "Stay close to home!"
October 30, 2013
Don't fob off the work for which you are responsible on a small monkey you just met. Moral of the story.
April 3, 2023
Undeniably a classic. Loved when curious george rode the bike. Had me on the edge of my seat up until the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 16, 2018
Ages: 4 - 8
**Like my reviews? I also have hundreds of detailed reports that I offer too. These reports give a complete break-down of everything in the book, so you'll know just how clean it is or isn't. I also have Clean Guides (downloadable PDFs) which enable you to clean up your book before reading it!
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**Like my reviews? I also have hundreds of detailed reports that I offer too. These reports give a complete break-down of everything in the book, so you'll know just how clean it is or isn't. I also have Clean Guides (downloadable PDFs) which enable you to clean up your book before reading it!
Visit my website!
February 8, 2017
Curious George Rides a Bike is the third part of H.A. Ray's "Curious George" saga. George, now a famous movie star after the success of his documentary, appears to have retired to a home in the suburbs with his friend, the poacher. Apparently, if a monkey escapes from the zoo, you are allowed to keep it if you find it before the zookeepers do.
A good deal of time appears to have passed since the previous book. The poacher and George have moved from the poacher's home in "a big city" to a more suburban setting, presumably using the money George earned from his movie "contract." It seems the poacher is mostly keeping that money for himself, while allowing George to live in modest comfort by doling out small gifts from time to time. I suppose this makes sense, since monkeys can't legally enter contracts or own property, anyway. Still, it seems like he's just trying to enrich himself off of George's labor.
Which is actually a recurring theme in this book....
The story picks up on the anniversary of when the poacher kidnapped George from, er..."Africa"... and brought him to the United States. The poacher gives George a gift: a new bike! Then he departs, negligently leaving the monkey and its bike in the front yard.
George is naturally talented at the bicycle and immediately is able to do all sorts of tricks. The paperboy notices this monkey on a bike and, deadbeat slacker that he is, has the brilliant idea of getting that monkey to finish his paper route.
Jesus, at least in the previous book, George's employers were paying him.
Predictably, George gets distracted almost immediately and doesn't finish the paper route. Instead, he makes a fleet of newspaper ships and watches them flow down the river. While watching this scene, George crashes into a rock and damages the front tire of his bike.
All is not lost, however! George knows how to pop some sick wheelies, so he rides just on the back wheel. He is worried he'll get in trouble for not finishing the paper route, but I really think it's the newsboy who should be worried. George is a monkey for 's sake!
As George is riding home, a traveling animal circus spots him and recruits him for their coming show because, hey, free monkey. They don't offer to pay him, instead enticing him with a nice coat and a bugle.
When the circus stops to set up for the show, George, ignoring orders not to feed the ostrich, tries to feed his bugle to the ostrich. He gets in trouble and is told he can't be in the show because he can't behave.
Dude, you left a monkey unsupervised....
Then a baby bear escapes, because this traveling circus is terribly managed. George alerts everyone and rescues the bear. As a reward, he is allowed to work for them after all. Umm...thanks?
George performs for the circus in front of the whole town. His poacher friend is there, seemingly not too upset that his wild animal escaped earlier that morning. And the paperboy is there, as well, and has forgiven George, presumably for getting him fired. Everyone has a grand time and George is allowed to keep the bugle. Hurray.
This book is definitely the weakest so far. The stakes are a lot lower here than in the previous two, and the adventures are less zany than the other books. Still, there are some good bits. I love how everyone who encounters George immediately attempts to exploit his talents for their own benefit. The pictures of the ducks in the river are fun.
A more subdued adventure is good from time to time. Not the best George book, but good times, nonetheless.
A good deal of time appears to have passed since the previous book. The poacher and George have moved from the poacher's home in "a big city" to a more suburban setting, presumably using the money George earned from his movie "contract." It seems the poacher is mostly keeping that money for himself, while allowing George to live in modest comfort by doling out small gifts from time to time. I suppose this makes sense, since monkeys can't legally enter contracts or own property, anyway. Still, it seems like he's just trying to enrich himself off of George's labor.
Which is actually a recurring theme in this book....
The story picks up on the anniversary of when the poacher kidnapped George from, er..."Africa"... and brought him to the United States. The poacher gives George a gift: a new bike! Then he departs, negligently leaving the monkey and its bike in the front yard.
George is naturally talented at the bicycle and immediately is able to do all sorts of tricks. The paperboy notices this monkey on a bike and, deadbeat slacker that he is, has the brilliant idea of getting that monkey to finish his paper route.
Jesus, at least in the previous book, George's employers were paying him.
Predictably, George gets distracted almost immediately and doesn't finish the paper route. Instead, he makes a fleet of newspaper ships and watches them flow down the river. While watching this scene, George crashes into a rock and damages the front tire of his bike.
All is not lost, however! George knows how to pop some sick wheelies, so he rides just on the back wheel. He is worried he'll get in trouble for not finishing the paper route, but I really think it's the newsboy who should be worried. George is a monkey for 's sake!
As George is riding home, a traveling animal circus spots him and recruits him for their coming show because, hey, free monkey. They don't offer to pay him, instead enticing him with a nice coat and a bugle.
When the circus stops to set up for the show, George, ignoring orders not to feed the ostrich, tries to feed his bugle to the ostrich. He gets in trouble and is told he can't be in the show because he can't behave.
Dude, you left a monkey unsupervised....
Then a baby bear escapes, because this traveling circus is terribly managed. George alerts everyone and rescues the bear. As a reward, he is allowed to work for them after all. Umm...thanks?
George performs for the circus in front of the whole town. His poacher friend is there, seemingly not too upset that his wild animal escaped earlier that morning. And the paperboy is there, as well, and has forgiven George, presumably for getting him fired. Everyone has a grand time and George is allowed to keep the bugle. Hurray.
This book is definitely the weakest so far. The stakes are a lot lower here than in the previous two, and the adventures are less zany than the other books. Still, there are some good bits. I love how everyone who encounters George immediately attempts to exploit his talents for their own benefit. The pictures of the ducks in the river are fun.
A more subdued adventure is good from time to time. Not the best George book, but good times, nonetheless.
March 10, 2024
Terrible book, here are the lowlights: 1) it’s ok to ride bikes without helmets, as no one in this book wears one. 2) it’s ok to disregard a grown up’s instructions on staying close to home. 3) let’s celebrate animals in captivity by watching animals in captivity. 4) it’s ok to get in a car with strangers.
May 25, 2008
This is a charming book in the Curious George series, a particular favorite from my husband's childhood. As an added bonus, the book contains instructions for making paper boats, something that developed my husband's interest in origami.
The storyline is a typical George adventure. Positives are that George is disciplined for failing to listen to a man in authority (he feeds an animal after he is told not to). George responds well in an emergency and is recognized for doing the right thing.
Negatives are that George is given a job to deliver papers, and only completes half the street he is assigned. "The people from the other side of the street whose papers George made into boats were not angry with him any more." This transformation is not explained, and parents might want to add some instruction to clarify.
The negative is not a major emphasis of the book, so to me it is tolerable/ correctable, as the adventure and positives are so strong.
The storyline is a typical George adventure. Positives are that George is disciplined for failing to listen to a man in authority (he feeds an animal after he is told not to). George responds well in an emergency and is recognized for doing the right thing.
Negatives are that George is given a job to deliver papers, and only completes half the street he is assigned. "The people from the other side of the street whose papers George made into boats were not angry with him any more." This transformation is not explained, and parents might want to add some instruction to clarify.
The negative is not a major emphasis of the book, so to me it is tolerable/ correctable, as the adventure and positives are so strong.
April 11, 2018
Only one, very subtle, corncob pipe is being smoked in this book. I need to research photos of H. A. Rey smoking. He must have loved it. This book includes a great guide to making a newspaper boat or hat and now we must do so often before baths.
April 6, 2016
Man, old-ish children's books be cray.
March 7, 2018
My son from birth has always been surrounded with Curious George. Today at the ripe old age of 3 he travels everywhere with his stuffed George doll, and morning cuddle time he is a mainstay. He loves the cartoons on PBS as well. For me, I remember as a kid going to my ped. for Dr. appts, always looking for a certain George book, (George Goes to the Hospital) for the waiting room. Luckily it was always available in the waiting room. A couple years ago I found a beautiful hardcover boxset at B&N that I thought would make a great Xmas gift for my son, and it included the Hospital book along with this one. The gift was a smash hit. The stories tend to be a bit on the long side by todays standards, but they are highly enjoyable to read for bedtime story telling.
Beautiful artwork, well written stories in a classic sense. Wording that always follows the pictures as well as now my son can relay the stories to me by both memory and picture guidance. You can't go wrong here. The simplicity and innocense of the time period when written is highly apparent which for me I want for my son. Life lessons will come, but right now I want him to enjoy his time of playfulness and George helps him do so.
Beautiful artwork, well written stories in a classic sense. Wording that always follows the pictures as well as now my son can relay the stories to me by both memory and picture guidance. You can't go wrong here. The simplicity and innocense of the time period when written is highly apparent which for me I want for my son. Life lessons will come, but right now I want him to enjoy his time of playfulness and George helps him do so.
September 20, 2024
One must wonder about the morality of this George. Every book begins by reminding us that George is a good monkey, and then goes on to describe George continually contradicting orders given by the man with the yellow hat and others. Does George comprehend the orders given to him? Does he disobey these orders with impunity? If so, must we determine that the man with the yellow hat is not a benevolent, but rather a cruel personage. Or are we to conclude that we ought not trust the narrator to provide an accurate value judgment of this little monkey?
All these questions (and no doubt more!) are raised with every book in the series. Can we be sure that young children are ready to handle such complex moral issues? Probably best to keep your children from reading these books until they are at least 27 years old.
All these questions (and no doubt more!) are raised with every book in the series. Can we be sure that young children are ready to handle such complex moral issues? Probably best to keep your children from reading these books until they are at least 27 years old.
February 9, 2021
The first book Auden would focus on. Not sure if it was the black, white and red illustrations or if it was the cheeky monkey.
October 25, 2024
Ada ada aja kelakuannya.
Ilustrasinya bagus, khas bgt.
Ilustrasinya bagus, khas bgt.
September 9, 2025
Classmate read it for our class. Fun fun
February 6, 2021
A re-read of course. I probably read this Curious George adventure dozens of times as a child, but I can't say I remembered much of it because it was full of surprises on the re-read. More modern picture books don't get away with this amount of meandering and randomness, I'd say, as 'rides a bike' is only slightly what the story is about. For example, on page 18 there's step by step instructions for folding a newspaper boat. What?! Anyway, cute chimp, strong art choices, classic, and I imagine continuing to be enjoyed by many, many, many children.
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March 29, 2014George is given a bike by the Man with the Yellow Hat and his typical mischief ensues. He is given a paper route but ends up using the newspapers to make boats and floating them down a stream. While riding along the shore, watching the boats, George hits a rock and dents his front wheel. Being the talented monkey that he is he then rides the bike on just the back wheel, just then the circus caravan pulls into town and the ringmaster sees George and invites him to join the show.
While the reading level of this text is approximately third grade, Curious George books (in general) are useful for pre-reading skills due to the illustrations. Students can infer the story from the elaborate illustrations, make predictions about what is to come and retell the story even if they are unable to read the text itself.
Because George often finds himself getting into trouble and then redeeming himself, this story is useful when teaching students about following rules and/or directions.
While the reading level of this text is approximately third grade, Curious George books (in general) are useful for pre-reading skills due to the illustrations. Students can infer the story from the elaborate illustrations, make predictions about what is to come and retell the story even if they are unable to read the text itself.
Because George often finds himself getting into trouble and then redeeming himself, this story is useful when teaching students about following rules and/or directions.
July 28, 2008
I remember Curious George fondly from my childhood, and I am now reading them to my daughter, who likes them equally well. She can relate all to well, I think, to a curious, naughty little monkey who gets in trouble despite a good heart...This is one of my favorites in the series, although now she will insist that we make paper boats, and I have special relation issues…alas…
February 27, 2016
Another hit with the 2 yo! I have really enjoyed reading the classic Curious George stories much more than the newer books.
December 2, 2018
Bought these for my future grandkids and found myself reading them before bed at night. Such simple fun stories that serve there purpose to entertain. George is a handful but adorable.
February 23, 2019
One day when George woke up he was curious because he knew it was a special day. George's friend, the man with the yellow hat, said, "today we are going to celebrate because just this day three years ago I brought you back with me from the jungle. I'm taking you to an animal show tonight but first I have a surprise for you." They went into the yard and there was a box. Out of the box came a bicycle. "I have to go now." said the man. "Be careful with your bike and stay close to the house." George could ride backwards and on one wheel. After a while he got tired of doing tricks and went out into the street. A newsboy saw George. "That's a fine bike you've got there. How would you like to help me deliver the papers?" George was very proud as he rode down the road with his bag. He started to deliver them on one side of the street. When he came to the last house he saw a river. "It might be fun to see what was at the river." Instead of turning back to deliver on the other side of the street, he just went on. Two boys were playing with their boats and a man was fishing. There was a family of ducks swimming about. As George kept riding along, he kept thinking of boats and what fun it would be to have a boat. But how could he get one? Then he had an idea. He took a paper and made a boat. When George launched the boat it floated so he made more boats. While watching his fleet of boats he forget to watch where he was going and he fell and hit a rock. Then suddenly he saw a zoo on wheels. Two men stepped out and took him along to a show. They said, "you can look around at the animals but don't feed any of them, especially the ostrich." But George fed the ostrich a bugle and funny sounds came out. He had to sit on a bench alone. Meanwhile the ostrich pulled on the string of the baby bear's cage and the baby bear got out. George blew the bugle as loud as he could then ran to the tree and got the baby bear down with a bag. Then he was still allowed to play in the show, ride his bike, and play on the bugle. The newsboy was there and he was glad to have his bag back. And so was the man with the yellow hat. He was so glad to have George home.
May 23, 2025
Curious George #3.
Here's where the formula "George lives with the Man in the Yellow Hat. He messes with people's property and gets into physical danger while unsupervised." formula was established.
TMitYH tells George that today is the third anniversary of the day he abducted him from the jungle, and they're going to celebrate. He gives George a bicycle as an anniversary gift, then leaves the house for hours and expects George to only ride it close to their house. Riiiiight.
George meets Bill (unnamed in this first appearance), who has a paper route. He asks George to do his work for him. George delivers papers on one side of the street, but instead of turning around and delivering to the other side, he goes to the park where there's a pond he can fold the undelivered papers into boats. He rides alongside his floating boats and, watching them instead of where he's going, hits a rock so hard it breaks his front wheel.
George is sad until he remembers that he can ride on one wheel. A circus passing in a tractor-trailer rig notices him and offers to fix his bike in exchange for riding in the animal show tonight. George agrees and is given a bugle but gets curious about whether an ostrich "who eats everything" will try to eat it. The man who runs the show punishes George for disobeying his ostrich instructions, but then the ostrich chews a string that operates a baby bear's cage and George's punishment is rescinded for saving the baby bear.
The Man in the Yellow Hat and Bill attend the show that night and finally find out what happened to the missing George.
Another classic. This and the next two are the best examples of the Curious George formula shorter, lesser books have kept copying since H.A. Rey's death.
Here's where the formula "George lives with the Man in the Yellow Hat. He messes with people's property and gets into physical danger while unsupervised." formula was established.
TMitYH tells George that today is the third anniversary of the day he abducted him from the jungle, and they're going to celebrate. He gives George a bicycle as an anniversary gift, then leaves the house for hours and expects George to only ride it close to their house. Riiiiight.
George meets Bill (unnamed in this first appearance), who has a paper route. He asks George to do his work for him. George delivers papers on one side of the street, but instead of turning around and delivering to the other side, he goes to the park where there's a pond he can fold the undelivered papers into boats. He rides alongside his floating boats and, watching them instead of where he's going, hits a rock so hard it breaks his front wheel.
George is sad until he remembers that he can ride on one wheel. A circus passing in a tractor-trailer rig notices him and offers to fix his bike in exchange for riding in the animal show tonight. George agrees and is given a bugle but gets curious about whether an ostrich "who eats everything" will try to eat it. The man who runs the show punishes George for disobeying his ostrich instructions, but then the ostrich chews a string that operates a baby bear's cage and George's punishment is rescinded for saving the baby bear.
The Man in the Yellow Hat and Bill attend the show that night and finally find out what happened to the missing George.
Another classic. This and the next two are the best examples of the Curious George formula shorter, lesser books have kept copying since H.A. Rey's death.
February 27, 2020
One morning the man with the yellow hat gives George a bicycle and tells him to stay near the house. George does not obey. His curiosity leads him down the road, where he gets into trouble by breaking promises he makes, such as making boats out of the newspapers instead of delivering them and letting the ostrich in the animal show eat his bugle. This last offense makes the owner of the animal show very upset with him, but when the ostrich then causes the baby bear to escape, George must decide between disobeying the owner again and letting the baby bear get into danger.
One of the overall themes in this book is the consequence of breaking promises and the problem of letting curiosity get the best of you.
Curious George Rides a Bike tells a story of adventure with a character who, with his faults, also has a great sense of wonder, curiosity, and creativity. This book is inspiring because of the way it portrays the world through the wonderful imagination of George, and awakens a similar sense of enthusiasm in the reader, (while also cautioning against letting too much curiosity lead you into trouble!) When George builds a fleet of paper boats, the illustrations even show step-by-step instructions so that children can make boats along with George, something I loved doing as a child.
I recommend this book for its fast-paced adventure and unabashed enthusiasm. The cute animals in the illustrations are also a highlight.
One of the overall themes in this book is the consequence of breaking promises and the problem of letting curiosity get the best of you.
Curious George Rides a Bike tells a story of adventure with a character who, with his faults, also has a great sense of wonder, curiosity, and creativity. This book is inspiring because of the way it portrays the world through the wonderful imagination of George, and awakens a similar sense of enthusiasm in the reader, (while also cautioning against letting too much curiosity lead you into trouble!) When George builds a fleet of paper boats, the illustrations even show step-by-step instructions so that children can make boats along with George, something I loved doing as a child.
I recommend this book for its fast-paced adventure and unabashed enthusiasm. The cute animals in the illustrations are also a highlight.
June 5, 2024
Good book.
Vocabulary words and their meanings:
Delighted: the children were delighted that that there were enough cookies for each to have two. He looks delighted to be here. We watched the fireworks with delight. The kids screamed in delight as they ran towards the ice cream truck.
Bronco: challenging, untrained, unpredictable, or wild horse. To ride on the back of a wild bronco
Fleet: a group of vehicles or ships sailing together or just together. A fleet of ambulances took the injured to the hospital. Walmart has a large fleet of delivery trucks. We saw a fleet of ships!
Admiral: /add-mer-rul/ commander of a fleet
Jolt: rough unexpected push or shake. A crowd moving behind him jolted him forward. When you surprise someone and they jump a little, you jolted them. Jolting disturbs or surprises someone. I was jolted into action when I heard __ was sick.
Tractor: short truck like vehicle with large wheels used a lot on farms & used to pull a trailer or other large equipment
Director: a person who is in charge of something or supervises an activity like a movie set crew
Fanfare: a short tune played by a musical instrument like trumpet to introduce someone or something important
bugle: /b-U-gle/ a brass instrument like a trumpet
Nibble: take small bites out of something
Naughty: disobedient, bad behavior, can be used to describe a child who doesn’t obey teachers or parents
Brave: ready to face danger, pain, difficulty workout showing fear. A brave smile or a brave soldier
Vocabulary words and their meanings:
Delighted: the children were delighted that that there were enough cookies for each to have two. He looks delighted to be here. We watched the fireworks with delight. The kids screamed in delight as they ran towards the ice cream truck.
Bronco: challenging, untrained, unpredictable, or wild horse. To ride on the back of a wild bronco
Fleet: a group of vehicles or ships sailing together or just together. A fleet of ambulances took the injured to the hospital. Walmart has a large fleet of delivery trucks. We saw a fleet of ships!
Admiral: /add-mer-rul/ commander of a fleet
Jolt: rough unexpected push or shake. A crowd moving behind him jolted him forward. When you surprise someone and they jump a little, you jolted them. Jolting disturbs or surprises someone. I was jolted into action when I heard __ was sick.
Tractor: short truck like vehicle with large wheels used a lot on farms & used to pull a trailer or other large equipment
Director: a person who is in charge of something or supervises an activity like a movie set crew
Fanfare: a short tune played by a musical instrument like trumpet to introduce someone or something important
bugle: /b-U-gle/ a brass instrument like a trumpet
Nibble: take small bites out of something
Naughty: disobedient, bad behavior, can be used to describe a child who doesn’t obey teachers or parents
Brave: ready to face danger, pain, difficulty workout showing fear. A brave smile or a brave soldier
May 16, 2025
I know I read this before en inglés, but I'd forgotten most of it. It was a while ago! Reading it in Spanish is interesting, if only to see exactly how much Pimsleur and Duolingo I've failed to retain, haha.
Weird that a paperboy would just hand over his work to a MONKEY to... absolutely NOT do the job for him! Or is George like Paddington, in that he can just do whatever and totally get away with it? Hmm.
Sé que lo leí antes in English, pero casi lo había olvidado. ¡Hace ya un tiempo! Leerlo en español es interesante, aunque solo sea para ver cuánto de Pimsleur y Duolingo no he conseguido retener, jaja.
Es raro que un repartidor de periódicos le entregue su trabajo a un MONO para... ¡que NO haga el trabajo por él! ¿O es Jorge como Paddington, que puede hacer lo que quiera y salirse con la suya? Mmm.
Weird that a paperboy would just hand over his work to a MONKEY to... absolutely NOT do the job for him! Or is George like Paddington, in that he can just do whatever and totally get away with it? Hmm.
Sé que lo leí antes in English, pero casi lo había olvidado. ¡Hace ya un tiempo! Leerlo en español es interesante, aunque solo sea para ver cuánto de Pimsleur y Duolingo no he conseguido retener, jaja.
Es raro que un repartidor de periódicos le entregue su trabajo a un MONO para... ¡que NO haga el trabajo por él! ¿O es Jorge como Paddington, que puede hacer lo que quiera y salirse con la suya? Mmm.
February 27, 2019
1. SUMMARY:
Curious George is gifted a bike by the Man with the Yellow Hat and is instructed to deliver newspapers on a given route. He ends up disobeying the instructions due to curiosity; ultimately, this causes a lack of attention and he crashes his bike. As he resumes his ride on his bike with just one wheel, the circus caravan notices him on the road and the ringmaster invites George to join the show. His mischief continues at the circus as he disobeys the ringleader’s instructions and he gets in trouble. Luckily, through a series of following events, George is able to redeem himself by the end of the story as he saves the day and becomes a hero.
2. THEME / REFLECTION:
Theme: Redemption, Societal Expectations, Authority Figures, Heros
Curious George does some things against instruction, which leads him into trouble. He redeems himself through good, selfless deeds and becomes a hero by the end of the story. The book teaches children to obey authority figures to stay out of trouble.
3. STAR RATING: 3
4. PERSONAL REFLECTION:
This book is very nostalgic for me, since my mother used to read Curious George to me when I was younger.
5. WHY WOULD I RECOMMEND?
I would recommend this book because Curious George is a classic character who is always entertaining. The book is full of plot and rich illustrations. The light-hearted story leaves you feeling refreshed.
Curious George is gifted a bike by the Man with the Yellow Hat and is instructed to deliver newspapers on a given route. He ends up disobeying the instructions due to curiosity; ultimately, this causes a lack of attention and he crashes his bike. As he resumes his ride on his bike with just one wheel, the circus caravan notices him on the road and the ringmaster invites George to join the show. His mischief continues at the circus as he disobeys the ringleader’s instructions and he gets in trouble. Luckily, through a series of following events, George is able to redeem himself by the end of the story as he saves the day and becomes a hero.
2. THEME / REFLECTION:
Theme: Redemption, Societal Expectations, Authority Figures, Heros
Curious George does some things against instruction, which leads him into trouble. He redeems himself through good, selfless deeds and becomes a hero by the end of the story. The book teaches children to obey authority figures to stay out of trouble.
3. STAR RATING: 3
4. PERSONAL REFLECTION:
This book is very nostalgic for me, since my mother used to read Curious George to me when I was younger.
5. WHY WOULD I RECOMMEND?
I would recommend this book because Curious George is a classic character who is always entertaining. The book is full of plot and rich illustrations. The light-hearted story leaves you feeling refreshed.
November 6, 2023
Is it George's fault that lazy newspaper boy doesn't want to do his own work? Let's not even start on the sort of employer who expects a low level employee to do the work of two for little or no pay and then punishes them for failing at a job they were never qualified to do in the first place. Of course, the more experienced coworkers are overjoyed when George is willing to save the day by thinking outside the box and puts the safety of others before his own. OSHA and HR will have it out with him later. Child labor and undocumented worker will likely be problematic too. He's probably going to get fined by the Department of Ecology and cancelled on social media for his paper boats.The environment is a touchy subject. Maybe his duck army will come to the defense of a friend. Pretty disappointed PETA hasn't at least thrown a protest against grown men in yellow hats imposing bicycles on curious little monkeys with no supervision and egregiously providing no safety helmet. At least George got some swag at the end. The man in the yellow hat is quite the enabler, but we all would like a friend with a cool car to whisk us away from situations where we were clearly being taken advantage of.
February 13, 2017
Summary: Curious George Rides a Bike is about a little monkey who gets a surprise from his owner in celebration of three years from being out of the jungle in the real world. This surprise was a bike, George was so excited he decided to go for a ride. As George rides around he comes in contact with the paper boy and commits to assist him on his paper route. George loses focus and starts making boats out of the newspaper to float down the river. Riding along the boats he hits a rock that makes him crash and his front tire go flat. This determined monkey decides to ride it home just on its back wheel, workers from the animal show see his talent and offer him a job. They even fixed his bike.
Theme: This children's book shows the importance that there are consequences for your actions. If George wouldn’t have gotten side tracked and gone to the river his bike wouldn't have broken.
Personal Response/ Recommendation: I love the Curious George series I think they are a great children’s books of adventure. It is a good teaching element to show kids there are consequences for certain behavior. You can have a discussion of how being respectful and responsible is the way to go.
Theme: This children's book shows the importance that there are consequences for your actions. If George wouldn’t have gotten side tracked and gone to the river his bike wouldn't have broken.
Personal Response/ Recommendation: I love the Curious George series I think they are a great children’s books of adventure. It is a good teaching element to show kids there are consequences for certain behavior. You can have a discussion of how being respectful and responsible is the way to go.
May 26, 2017
As I've gotten older, I've come to realize one truth: Curious George is about white colonialism, white supremacy, and a dehumanization of any other cultures, this case being specifically black/African cultures. I'm disgusted at myself and everyone else who shared this series with me over the years. Shame on all of you, and especially myself.
Edit: One thing more. While Curious George, taken in the context of a curiously over intelligent but playfully curious animal friend (not unique in the book world), is fun, Curious George and hundreds, if not thousands, of other books like it, deserve to have their social and historical background explained, never as excuses, but to give reference and information on how not to be a racist ethnocentric asshat. We learn from our history, and this series is one of those that deserves to tell all of its history. This book is racist. The whole series is racist. Explain more to kids how imagery effects them, effected many people, and why. Stop pretending we live in a vacuum, and stop assuming. Inform so people (which includes all the little people, too) can make more choices.
Edit: One thing more. While Curious George, taken in the context of a curiously over intelligent but playfully curious animal friend (not unique in the book world), is fun, Curious George and hundreds, if not thousands, of other books like it, deserve to have their social and historical background explained, never as excuses, but to give reference and information on how not to be a racist ethnocentric asshat. We learn from our history, and this series is one of those that deserves to tell all of its history. This book is racist. The whole series is racist. Explain more to kids how imagery effects them, effected many people, and why. Stop pretending we live in a vacuum, and stop assuming. Inform so people (which includes all the little people, too) can make more choices.
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