Author: Margret Rey
Illustrator H.A. Rey
Format: Hardcover or Paperback
Published: Houghton Mifflin, 1941

The good little monkey who was always very curious has captured the imaginations of children for decades. Despite controversy (George is captured in Africa and brought to America; he and The Man with the Yellow Hat smoke pipes; the happy ending has George being put in a zoo.), children relate to his inquisitive nature, his mischievous antics, and his occasional need for help from a grown-up figure.  Adults may be more captivated by the story behind the story: when Margret and H.A. Rey, who were Jewish, fled the Nazi invasion of Paris, the manuscript for Curious George was one of the few nonessentials they stashed in their knapsacks. Don't be deceived: the original Curious George has quite a bit more text than the newer spin-offs. Ages 4-6.