Katie


 * __ Curious George __**
 * ** Introduction **

__ Context __

// Who is the author and what other works have they created? //


 * The beloved Curious George series was created by the couple H. A. (Hans Augusto) and Margret Rey. Hans Augusto Rey and Margret Rey worked together to shape the stories of the cheeky monkey, with H. A. using compiling the drawings and Margret forming the storyline. They were both passionate storytellers, artists and animal lovers. **


 * H. A. Rey and Margret have written several other children’s books like ‘Pretzel’, ‘Whiteblack the Penguin Sees the World’ and ‘Where’s my Baby?’ However, none are quite as well known or popular as the Curious George series, which includes ‘Curious George’, ‘Curious George Takes a Job’, ‘Curious George Rides a Bike’, ‘Curious George Gets a Medal’, ‘Curious George Flies a Kite’, ‘Curious George Learns the Alphabet’, and ‘Curious George Goes to Hospital’. Curious George first appeared one of H. A. Rey’s original published works, ‘Cecily G. and the Nine Monkeys’. They felt as though the character, known then as Fifi, deserved his own book, so together they began work on a manuscript that featured a lovable and especially curious monkey renamed George. **

// What Culture and historical period was this book written in? //


 * The manuscript for ‘Curious George’ was first written in the 1940’s in Paris, and later published in published in 1941 by Houghton Mifflin. During the period of which the book was published there are ideas present that are a little outdated today. For example, it was completely acceptable for Curious George to smoke a pipe, escape from jail, and get high on Ether. The animal treatment is also quite different to today, the authors were animal lovers, but George was still poached from his natural habitat and integrating exotic animals into a human environment is quite uncommon today. **


 * The history of the authors is quite fascinating. They were both Jewish Germans who had met in Brazil after fleeing the troubling climate in Germany, but they moved back to Europe, after falling in love with Paris on their honeymoon. However, they had to soon abandon Paris because it was invaded by the German’s in World War 2. They narrowly fled Paris, as the Germans took control, on bicycles with only the clothes on their back and a manuscript of ‘Curious George’ in their packs. Then they sought refuge in the United States and soon found a publisher to print their marvelous story. As I said before they were both animal lovers, and H. A. grew up near the famous Hagenbeck Zoo. One of the first places the couple visited when they came to North America was the popular New York Zoo and they enjoyed their time in the tropical Brazil amongst the palm trees. H. A. Rey was also well known for rescuing stray animals and nursing them back to health, including a chipmunk named Coffee. Together the couple has shared a colorful history inspiring some of the wonderful stories of the ever so Curious George. **


 * The legacy of ‘Curious George’ still lives on today, even though both the Reys have passed away. ‘Curious George’ has been adapted into a TV series and a successful motion picture. The authors also set up the Curious George Foundation in 1989, which funds programs for children that share the same curious characteristics like George. The programs also include animal conservation and family counseling. **

__ Personal __

// Why did you choose this book and what does it mean to you? //


 * I choose this book because it was a childhood favorite of mine. As a kid, my two favorite things were animals and drawing. The collection of ‘Curious George’ adventures in my volume satisfied both my longings for each. I wasn’t very keen on reading, but the pictures were very descriptive, so it was easy to follow on without needing to read the text. The expressions and actions of George provided me with hours of entertainment and amusement. The pictures were always the best part of a book for me, and the bright and colourful images in ‘Curious George’ cured my craving. It also appealed to me with all the different images of animals in the stories and I absolutely adored all the different creatures. In primary school, I had been to the zoo so many times that I had practically memorized the tour guide’s speech and I had also accumulated many pets including finches, dogs, tropical fish, frogs and a lizard. **


 * The book means a lot to me and brings up many childhood memories every time I flick through the pages. It has inspired my interest in art, and encouraged me to begin drawing (some very bad) animal cartoons as a kid. It also taught me the lessons of curiousity; encouraging me to explore, but with some restraint so that I wouldn’t get in the some troubles as Curious George. **


 * ** Body **

__ ‘Curious George’ Summary __


 * ‘Curious George’ is about a curious monkey taken from Africa by a Man in the Yellow Hat. He loves his habitat but is awfully curious. At first he almost drowns when he attempts to fly. He then prank calls the fire station causing a lot of trouble and gets thrown in jail. George escapes but discovers a bunch of balloons and flies always in the breeze. When he finally comes back down to earth, the Man in the Yellow Hat takes him to a wonderful home in the Zoo. George’s curiousity always leads him to a wonderful adventure. **


 * ** Conclusion **

__ Meaning __

// What are the messages or meanings in the book? //


 * ‘Curious George’ presents us with the adventures of a curious but lovable monkey. Through his curiousity he discovers many things and entertainment, but he also gets into a lot of trouble. At times, he gets into such a pickle that his friend, the Man in the Yellow Hat has to bail him out. His curiousity teaches us that we should explore our environment, learn as much as we can and have fun. However, through his troubles will learn that every adventure deserves a little bit of caution and consideration. **

// What are the visual and language features and how do they work to create meaning? //


 * The images in the books are bright and colourful drawings. They are simple but descriptive and captivating. The text is also very simple and short, with it only being just long enough to describe the actions in the images. The main meaning in the storybook is interpreted through the charming images, and the text is an accompaniment to provide a little more detail. Together they work together to weave an enchanting tale of the troublesome and amusing adventures of Curious George. **

// For More Information Visit: //


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 * [|http://curiousgeorge.com/#/home] **


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// Or watch: //


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