Tales of great adventures and escapes always seem to capture our imaginations, and make us believe that anything is possible. Perhaps that's one of the reasons that the adventures of Margret and H.A. Rey is so tantalizing. And in this adventure, we also have the added benefit of saving a famous manuscript from almost certain destruction. There is hope still that these bits of history will be saved, even when war and devastation strikes.
About the Writers
Margret and H.A. Rey were a husband-wife team, who were both German-born Jews. They had settled in Paris, France, and were continuing their work as a collaborative artist-writer team. When it became evident that the Nazis were on the way to occupy Paris, the Reys escaped from the city on bicycles with a few belongings--including several of their manuscripts.
Through colorful illustrations and thoughtful prose, Louise Borden and Allan Drummond retell the harrowing story of the Reys' escape from Paris. Along the way, the development of the Curious George character also becomes apparent. So many bits and pieces from the lives and experiences of the Reys work their way into their most famous fiction, including the tales of Curious George. Perhaps that linkage with reality is part of the reason that the Curious George series has entertained so many millions of readers since its first appearance in 1941.
Through colorful illustrations and thoughtful prose, Louise Borden and Allan Drummond retell the harrowing story of the Reys' escape from Paris. Along the way, the development of the Curious George character also becomes apparent. So many bits and pieces from the lives and experiences of the Reys work their way into their most famous fiction, including the tales of Curious George. Perhaps that linkage with reality is part of the reason that the Curious George series has entertained so many millions of readers since its first appearance in 1941.
Inspirations
The Reys' story is inspirational--not just because they were able to escape, but also because of the message they were able to put across in their subsequent works of fiction. Their most famous character, Curious George, has reached out to readers from around the world. He has brought joy and laughter just as he has allayed fears--all with "this one mischievous little monkey!"
As Borden explains: "George... touches our hearts in a unique and special way. He endures through generations of readers because we can each see a part of ourselves in his antics, mishaps, and solutions to comical and unexpected situations." Through those curious tales, the Margret and H.A. Rey continue. Their story lives on.
As Borden explains: "George... touches our hearts in a unique and special way. He endures through generations of readers because we can each see a part of ourselves in his antics, mishaps, and solutions to comical and unexpected situations." Through those curious tales, the Margret and H.A. Rey continue. Their story lives on.
