Book Review: The Journey That Saved Curious George

I absolutely love it when I happen upon an outstanding book. This book, The Journey That Saved Curious George: The True Wartime Escape of Margret and H.A. Rey, by Louise Borden, is truly an outstanding book! That was clear from the moment I glanced at the elegantly designed, hardbound cover.

Inside, the book is divided into two parts. The first tells the story of two artists, Margarete Waldstein and Hans Reyersbach, both Jews, born in Hamburg, Germany. They eventually left Germany and moved to Brazil, where they married and lived with their two pet monkeys. When the people of that country had difficulty with their name, Margarete shortened hers to Margret and Hans began to go by H.A. Rey. On a two week visit to Paris, they loved the city so much (especially Montmarte, a center of artistic endeavor which I have had the privilege to visit) that they ended up staying there.

This first portion carries their story right up to the time of World War II, when troops were advancing closer and closer to Paris. This section was especially interesting because it is illustrated with actual journal entries, photographs and sketches by the Reys. We learn of their work on a manuscript called "The Adventures of Fifi" and another clever one called "Whiteblack the Penguin."

The second part of the book focuses on their escape from war-torn Paris. People everywhere were fleeing. Train service had stopped. When Hans inquired about purchasing bicycles, the best he could do was purchase bicycle parts and put them together for himself. Next, came the perilous journey, pedalling across France, in the elements, trying to keep their manuscripts safe and sound. They finally settled in the United States, where "The Adventures of Fifi," was renamed "Curious George." This section contains rich colorful illustrations by Allan Drummond.

Although this book is directed towards children from grades 3-8, it will surely delight many adults as well. Even my littlest guy was willing to sit and look at the pictures as I read. Now, I'm eager to find a copy of Whiteblack the Penguin. This was published in 2000, when a publisher at Houghton Mifflin rediscovered the story in the Rey archives.