The Remarkable Life of H.A. Rey Creator of Curious George
H.A. Rey, best known as the creator of the mischievous little monkey Curious George, led a life as adventurous as the stories he told. While Curious George is one of the most iconic bedtime stories ever written, the story behind Rey’s creation of the curious monkey is nothing short of extraordinary. From escaping the Nazis on homemade bicycles to becoming a beloved author and illustrator, H.A. Rey’s journey was anything but ordinary.
A Journey Full of Surprises
Hans Augusto Rey (later known as H.A. Rey) was born in Hamburg, Germany, in 1898 to Jewish parents. Growing up near the Hagenbeck Zoo, he developed a love for animals, which would later influence his famous Curious George character. But his childhood was not all about drawing and playing—he faced challenges from an early age. As a teenager, Rey met Margaret, a young Jewish girl at a party, but it wasn’t until later that their paths would cross again in South America.
As tensions in Europe grew and World War II loomed, the couple decided to flee the danger in Germany. Margaret had already moved to Brazil, where she and Hans reconnected. Their shared sense of adventure brought them together and began a new chapter of their lives.
Hans Becomes a Writer
Though Hans had not yet written children’s books, he was always creative and resourceful. After moving to Paris in the 1930s, a French publisher spotted Hans’ animal drawings and encouraged him to create a children’s book. With Margaret’s help, Hans wrote his first book, Cecily G. and the Nine Monkeys, which caught the attention of young readers. But it was the story of Curious George, a mischievous little monkey, that would truly captivate generations.
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A Close Call and a New Beginning
In June 1940, with the Nazi invasion of France imminent, Hans and Margaret knew they had to act fast. Hans, being the resourceful man he was, built two bicycles, and they set off for a new life. While escaping, they made sure to bring the Curious George manuscript with them. After a long and treacherous journey through France, Spain, and Portugal, the couple eventually made their way to New York City, where they found a publisher for Curious George.
Curious George Takes Off
When Curious George was published in 1941, it quickly became a favorite among young readers and parents alike. The story of a cheeky little monkey and his adventurous spirit resonated deeply with children and became one of the most cherished bedtime stories of all time. Hans’ unique cartoon-style illustrations gave the books a fun, playful energy that children loved. The Reys went on to write several more books featuring George, creating a timeless collection.
Though initially credited only to H.A. Rey, later editions of the books acknowledged Margaret’s essential contributions to the stories and illustrations. Together, the couple’s work would leave a lasting impact on the world of children’s literature.
A Starry-Eyed Author
Hans wasn’t just interested in writing children’s books—he had a lifelong passion for astronomy. His fascination with the stars led him to create Stars: A New Way to See Them, a book that simplified the constellations for young readers. His ability to transform complex subjects into engaging content for children was just one more reason why Rey’s works remain so beloved today. A more simplified version, Find the Constellations, was also created for children.
H.A. Rey’s Lasting Legacy
Hans and Margaret continued their adventures together, settling in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 1963, where they lived until Hans passed away in 1977. Yet, the magic of Curious George continues to live on. Since the first book was published, Curious George has remained in print, spawning animated TV shows, films, video games, and endless adaptations.
At bedtime, Curious George still provides joy and lessons for children, inspiring curiosity, compassion, and the spirit of adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is H.A. Rey?
A: H.A. Rey is the co-creator of Curious George, one of the most beloved children’s book series. He and his wife, Margaret, wrote and illustrated many stories together.
Q: How did Curious George come to be?
A: After escaping Nazi-occupied France, Hans and Margaret Rey published Curious George in 1941, with Hans’ illustrations and Margaret’s text, creating one of the most cherished bedtime stories.
Q: What other books did H.A. Rey write?
A: In addition to the Curious George series, H.A. Rey also authored books on astronomy, including Stars: A New Way to See Them, and Find the Constellations.
Q: What is H.A. Rey’s legacy?
A: H.A. Rey’s contributions to children’s literature, especially through Curious George, continue to influence and delight young readers worldwide, making his stories timeless.
“No matter what part of nature one studies — microbes or Milky Ways — there is a point
where one begins, but never an end”.
My first introduction to H. A. Rey’s Curious George was many years after I was in Miss Wood’s class. I was at a friend’s house when I saw the book on the coffee table in their lounge. He told me that it was his little brother’s latest obsession. Apparently, he would read nothing but Curious George… I must admit that once I had read a few of the books I did not get obsessed but it was pretty close.
