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The Original Curious George
written by H.A. Rey
Studio : Houghton Mifflin
by Houghton Mifflin
Publisher : Houghton Mifflin
Released : 1998-10-26
Availability : Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Number of Items : 1
EAN : 9780395922729
UPC : 046442922722
Avg. Customer Rating: (based on 40 reviews)
List Price : $25.00
Our Price : $13.28
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Product Description |
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On June 14, 1940, Hans and Margret Rey fled Paris as the German army invaded the city. Escaping on bicycles, they took only winter coats and four picture books strapped to the racks. Among those books were the watercolors and a rough text for Fifi, later known to the world as Curious George. However, when Curious George was actually published in the United States in 1941, these original watercolors were not used for the printing. Hans Rey was required by his editor to redraw the entire book, creating preseparated art, so that costs would be minimal. The Reys retained the original art and would, on rare occasion, treat carefully chosen friends and collectors to George as he was first envisioned in Paris those many years ago. During their lifetimes they parted with only five pieces of the extraordinary art. For this edition, the original Curious George drawings have been retrieved and reassembled, using modern reproductive techniques. |
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Americancivilwar.com Review |
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As the introduction explains, the watercolor paintings that accompany this special edition of the very first Curious George story made their way out of Paris on the back of Hans Rey's bicycle, as he and his wife, Margaret, narrowly escaped the German occupation. By way of Spain and Brazil, Rey and his work came to the United States, where cash-strapped children's publishers always required "color separation" art--i.e., a different drawing for each color. So Rey's watercolors were not used, and for subsequent books he never even did them; only now, for the first time, has that first set been used directly. Otherwise, it's the story you probably already know, though a bit more luxuriously produced, about how Curious George came to make life a lot more interesting for the Man in the Yellow Hat. (Ages 3 to 8) --Richard Farr |
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Just as advertised |
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Bought the book used and it was in good shape just as advertised. You never know what good shape is especially for a children's book, but despite a few minor creases it was in good condition, besides I have a feeling my daughter is going to add a few more creases anyway. |
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I don't think I ever read the original book as a child |
I was familiar with the character, of course, but I don't recall ever reading the first book.
And now I think I see why. It is a little stuck in the past, isn't it? We don't glorify poaching anymore, nor smoking, nor old-fashioned zoos. (And that just messes with the series canon, that, since George doesn't live in the zoo in any of the other books.)
Moreover, my nieces don't find this book interesting, but they do find more recent Curious George stories interesting.
Please read this before you buy to make sure it's right for your kids. |
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Still Curious After All These Years |
My young daughter recently received a copy of Curious George for 3rd birthday, and we have been reading at least once a day ever since. Of course, George is a monkey, but he is also an allegory for all children everywhere. My daughter clearly sees herself in George (as do I!). At the page where George is playing with the telephone and accidentally calls the fire department, she said, "See Mommy, you told me not to do that." When George gets into trouble, this book conveys age-appropriate lessons about actions and consequences. Every child in the world gets into trouble every now and then, because of their innocence and curiosity. But mom and dad will always be there to help them out, and THAT is the message of this book.
This is another classic that I am thrilled to be passing on to my child. It is beautifully illustrated with bright colors and attractive drawings. We laugh with George, and discuss his consequences. She knows that it a story. My little monkey just loves Curious George, and I am certain that yours will, too.
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A classic |
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The only reason for my writing this review is to add another "5" to counter the ridiculous "1" ratings for this classic among classics. My children love the book and find none of it disturbing. I haven't caught my two-year-old trying to light up a smoke before bed yet. |
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It is no longer for today's kids |
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I got this for my son and it had been so long since I read any of those books I forgot how I hated the original story. Fist George is kidnapped and then he is arrested and then for the "happy ending" he is put in a zoo!! THEN I remembered why I was not more a fan of Curious George as a kid. I like my son's books to be fun and full of imagination not trauma and woe. Needless to say my son also hates that book, but loves the other books in that series and loves all of the newer and updated to today's standards and the new movie and PBS show. I know it is a classic, but to me a classic is still great many years down the road, so to me it is not a true classic. |
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