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Editorial Content for The Journey That Saved Curious George (Young Readers Edition): The True Wartime Escape of Margret and H. A. Rey

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The Journey That Saved Curious George (Young Readers Edition): The True Wartime Escape of Margret and H. A. Rey

Contributors

Kathleen M. Purcell

Reviewer (text)

Kathleen M. Purcell
One would never know from reading the much loved children’s books about Curious George that the authors narrowly escaped danger during World War II. Hans and Margret Rey, both German Jews, were living in Paris, France when the Nazis stormed into the city. For weeks they made sure that their passports and money were ready to go. They managed to get the last bike parts from a local shop. Hans put the bikes together while Margaret gathered their children’s books manuscripts (including Curious George) and enough belongings to fit in their bicycle baskets. Then they pedaled for many days. Five million people also fled from France during the same time. They were fortunate to make it out of Europe.
 
"There are many photos, maps, documents and illustrations to keep the reader engaged. Marvelous illustrations throughout the book keep the reader entertained."
 
I became quickly absorbed in THE JOURNEY THAT SAVED CURIOUS GEORGE: THE TRUE WARTIME ESCAPE OF MARGRET AND H.A. REY. I never knew the story behind Margret and H.A. Rey. Louise Borden clearly did her research. The book had just the right amount of information about Europe under attack. Sometimes biographies can be densely loaded with facts, but this book is easy to read and is perfect for young readers. There are many photos, maps, documents and illustrations to keep the reader engaged. Marvelous illustrations throughout the book keep the reader entertained.
 
At the end of the book there is a section of questions and answers with Louise, a clues section and activities. The book made a big impression on me. Before reading this biography I never noticed H.A. Rey’s illustrations contained a signature, date and a note on the location in the Curious George books. I surrounded myself with my Curious George books and began rereading them looking for clues into the author’s whereabouts and thinking of Margaret and H.A. Rey’s incredible escape from war. It’s remarkable that Margaret and H.A. conjured up such lighthearted, humorous and fun books after all they’d been through. As a reader I’m grateful that they survived and shared their wonderful children’s books.

Teaser

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, including what would become the international sensation CURIOUS GEORGE, among their few possessions. Louise Borden combed primary resources, including Hans Rey’s pocket diaries, to tell this dramatic true story, and now elementary school readers can follow the Rey’s amazing journey in this Young Reader's Edition.

Promo

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, including what would become the international sensation CURIOUS GEORGE, among their few possessions. Louise Borden combed primary resources, including Hans Rey’s pocket diaries, to tell this dramatic true story, and now elementary school readers can follow the Rey’s amazing journey in this Young Reader's Edition.

About the Book

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, including what would become the international sensation CURIOUS GEORGE, among their few possessions.

Louise Borden combed primary resources, including Hans Rey’s pocket diaries, to tell this dramatic true story. Her collection of archival materials introduce readers to the world of Hans and Margret Rey while Allan Drummond's dramatic and colorful artwork illustrates their wartime trek to a new home.

Now elementary school readers can follow the Rey’s amazing journey in this Young Reader's Edition. Part travel journal, part gripping biography this volume includes full-color illustrations, original photos, ticket stubs, entries from Hans Rey's diaries, activities, a new afterword and an interview with the author. The perfect selection for book reports, biography units and Curious George fans of all ages.