The Journey That Saved Curious George

Starred review from August 15, 2005
The legendary tale about the Reys' 1940 flight from Paris on bicycles just before the Nazis stormed the City of Light comes into clear focus here, thanks to Borden's diligent research and lucid writing. Reproductions of Hans Rey's diary entries, letters from publishers and photos—many taken by Margret—lend the book authenticity and immediacy. Drummond's watercolors add a spirited splash of color to the handsomely designed paper-over-board volume. His illustrations display a whimsy and energy appealingly reminiscent of the Reys' art, while still uniquely his own; the artist also effectively conveys the somber side of this extraordinary story. Borden sketches the childhoods of Hans and Margret, both raised in Jewish families in Hamburg, who in 1935 teamed up professionally, and then married, in Rio de Janeiro (where, curiously and quite satisfyingly, they had two mischievous pet marmosets). The couple then moved to Paris, where they began writing and illustrating children's books, including one starring a "very curious
little monkey" named Fifi. The details of the Reys' escape from Paris underscore the sense of urgency. Since trains had stopped running, they tried to buy bicycles, but shops were sold out, so Hans bought spare parts and built two bikes. A wordless, frenetic spread dramatizes their part in "the largest motorized evacuation in history." At last they reached America, where Fifi, too, found a home, at Houghton Mifflin—and a new name. A stirring, uplifting and elegantly packaged saga. Ages 8-12.

October 15, 2005
Gr. 3-6. Handsomely designed and illustrated, this large-format book tells the story of Margret and H. A. Rey. Part 1 concerns their childhoods in Germany, their lives together in Rio de Janeiro and Paris in the 1920s and 1930s, and the growing menace after war broke out in 1939. As German-born Jews, they were suspect in many quarters. Part 2 recalls the Reys' flight from Paris and the couple's escape to Lisbon, Rio, and finally New York. They were carrying several illustrated manuscripts, including " The Adventures of FiFi" , later retitled " Curious George." Photos, reproductions of documents, and artwork appear throughout the book, as do Drummond's spirited ink-and-watercolor illustrations, brimming with action and details. The text, set in large type and strung out like poetry on the page, reads well. Given the average age of Curious George fans, the audience for this unique book is an open question, but the account is well worth reading for its accessible portrayal of the Reys' personal adventure at a pivotal point in modern history as well as for their lasting contribution to children's books. (Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2005, American Library Association.)

October 1, 2005
Gr 4-8 -This beautifully designed volume is a must-have for children's literature buffs. The book is divided into two parts: the first gives background on the couple's childhoods and early life together; the second half is devoted to their dramatic escape from World War II-torn Europe. Husband and wife were both Jewish, born in Hamburg. After serving in the German army during World War I, Hans sailed to Brazil, where he wore a big hat and sailed down the Amazon. Margaret, an old family friend, joined him in 1935, and they soon married. Their honeymoon in Paris lasted four years. It was here that they began writing children's books about a curious little monkey named Fifi. By May of 1940 it was clear they must flee. So begins the second part. Tirelessly cycling by day, they boarded train after train as the Nazis occupied Paris, finally sailing to Rio. From there, it was on to New York, and within a year, "Curious George" was published. An afterword describes the balance of their lives. Borden spent years going through personal papers, notebooks, and photographs, and contacted people who knew the Reys. As a result, the book is richly detailed. Drummond's charming watercolors appear throughout, some full page, and many sharing or framing a page of text. In addition, abundant primary-source documents and photos along with original art combine to complete this attractive package. An appealing choice for biography assignments and units on World War II or refugees." -Barbara Auerbach, New York City Public Schools"

Copyright 2005 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 1, 2005
Author-illustrator H. A. Rey (1898-1977), born Hans Augusto Reyersbach, grew up in Hamburg, Germany, as did his wife Margret (1906-1996). After World War I, Hans emigrated to Brazil; the two were married there in 1935. Carrying Brazilian passports, they honeymooned in Paris. Their intended two-week stay was extended until 1940 when, in the book's central event, the Jewish Reys barely managed to escape the invading Germans -- on bicycles. Meanwhile, they'd begun making children's books; an early draft of Curious George was one of the very few items they carried as they fled occupied France: first to Portugal, then back to Brazil, and finally to the U.S., where they remained. Borden's simple, quietly dramatic text ("The train slowly pulled out of the Orleans station, / then swayed and clattered along the tracks / as it gathered speed. / To Hans and Margret, / after three days of pedaling, / the sound was wonderful") is marvelously enhanced by perfectly integrated historical and family photos and documents. Also included are vignettes from the Reys' books and Hans's diaries, sometimes superimposed on muted historical photos; all are scrupulously identified. Drummond's freely drawn, watercolor-enhanced sketches, reminiscent of Quentin Blake's illustrations, nicely complement H. A. Rey's own art, evoking the various settings and events, tense or comic, with equal panache. More than a first biography of picture book icons, this is a fine introduction to the period for young children, a model of documentation, and an exceptionally inviting and well-designed book. Note on sources and research; endpaper maps.

(Copyright 2005 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

January 1, 2006
In 1940, the Jewish Reys barely managed to escape the invading Germans--on bicycles. An early draft of "Curious George" was one of the few items they carried with them as they fled occupied France. Borden's quietly dramatic text is enhanced by well-integrated historical and family photos and documents. Drummond's watercolor-enhanced sketches nicely complement Hans's art. Bib.

(Copyright 2006 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)