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Curious George Says Thank You
George is thrilled to get a thank-you card in the mail from his friend Betsy. It makes him want to send thank-you cards to everyone he knows. Who can he thank? George tries to remember all the people who have been nice to him, but tracking them down to deliver his homemade cards soon becomes a challenge. Now published for the first time as a stand-alone title, this lighthearted lesson in good manners shows that saying thank you never goes out of style! For more monkey fun, investigate www.curiousgeorge.com and discover all the latest on Curious George, books, promotions, games, activities, and more!
24 pages, Hardcover
First published October 31, 2011
7 people are currently reading
97 people want to read
About the author
Margret Rey
236 books122 followersMargret Elizabeth Rey (May 16, 1906 – December 21, 1996), born Margarete Elisabeth Waldstein, was (with her husband H. A. Rey), the co-author and illustrator of children's books, best known for their Curious George
Although she was born in Germany, she fled to Brazil early in her life to escape Nazism. While there, she met her future husband Hans (who was a salesman and also from Germany). They married in 1935 and moved to Paris, France that same year.
While in Paris, Hans's animal drawings came to the attention of French publisher, who commissioned him to write a children's book. The result, Rafi and the Nine Monkeys, is little remembered today, but one of its characters, an adorably impish monkey named Curious George, was such a success that the couple considered writing a book just about him. Their work was interrupted with the outbreak of World War II. As Jews, the Reys decided to flee Paris before the Nazis seized the city. Hans built two bicycles, and they fled Paris just a few hours before it fell. Among the meager possessions they brought with them was the illustrated manuscript of Curious George.
The Reys' odyssey brought them to the Spanish border, where they bought train tickets to Lisbon. From there they returned to Brazil, where they had met five years earlier, but this time they continued to New York, New York. The books were published by Houghton Mifflin in 1941, though certain changes had to be introduced because of the technology of the time. Hans and Margret originally planned to use watercolors to illustrate the books, but since they were responsible for the color separation, he changed these to the cartoon-like images that continue to feature in each of the books. (A collector's edition with the original watercolors was recently released.)
Curious George was an instant success, and the Reys were commissioned to write more adventures of the mischievous monkey and his friend, the Man in the Yellow Hat. They wrote seven stories in all, with Hans mainly doing the illustrations and Margret working mostly on the stories, though they both admitted to sharing the work and cooperating fully in every stage of development. At first, however, Margret's name was left off the cover, ostensibly because there was a glut of women already writing children's fiction. In later editions, this was corrected, and Margret now receives full credit for her role in developing the stories.
Margret and her husband moved to Cambridge, Massachusetts in 1963, in a house close to Harvard Square. Following her husband's death in 1977, Margret continued writing, and in 1979, became a Professor of Creative Writing at Brandeis University in Waltham, Massachusetts. Starting in 1980, she also began to collaborate with Alan Shalleck on a series of short films featuring Curious George and more than two dozen additional books.
In 1989 Margret Rey established the Curious George Foundation to help creative children and prevent cruelty to animals. In 1996, she made major donations to the Boston Public Library and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. She was also a long-time supporter of the Longy School of Music. The Reys spent twenty summers in Waterville Valley, New Hampshire, to enable H.A. Rey to better observe the stars for his astronomy writing. They became an integral part of the Waterville community and their legacy is honored by The Margret and H.A. Rey Center and the Curious George Cottage located there.
Dr. Lena Y. de Grummond, a professor in the field of library science (specializing in children's literature) at The University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, Miss. contacted the Reys in 1966 about the university's new children's literature collection. H.A. and Margret made a donation of a pair of sketches at the time. In 1996, after Margret's death, it was revealed in her will that the entire literary estate of the Reys were to be donated to the de Grummond Children's Literature Collection at Southern Miss.
Although she was born in Germany, she fled to Brazil early in her life to escape Nazism. While there, she met her future husband Hans (who was a salesman and also from Germany). They married in 1935 and moved to Paris, France that same year.
While in Paris, Hans's animal drawings came to the attention of French publisher, who commissioned him to write a children's book. The result, Rafi and the Nine Monkeys, is little remembered today, but one of its characters, an adorably impish monkey named Curious George, was such a success that the couple considered writing a book just about him. Their work was interrupted with the outbreak of World War II. As Jews, the Reys decided to flee Paris before the Nazis seized the city. Hans built two bicycles, and they fled Paris just a few hours before it fell. Among the meager possessions they brought with them was the illustrated manuscript of Curious George.
The Reys' odyssey brought them to the Spanish border, where they bought train tickets to Lisbon. From there they returned to Brazil, where they had met five years earlier, but this time they continued to New York, New York. The books were published by Houghton Mifflin in 1941, though certain changes had to be introduced because of the technology of the time. Hans and Margret originally planned to use watercolors to illustrate the books, but since they were responsible for the color separation, he changed these to the cartoon-like images that continue to feature in each of the books. (A collector's edition with the original watercolors was recently released.)
Curious George was an instant success, and the Reys were commissioned to write more adventures of the mischievous monkey and his friend, the Man in the Yellow Hat. They wrote seven stories in all, with Hans mainly doing the illustrations and Margret working mostly on the stories, though they both admitted to sharing the work and cooperating fully in every stage of development. At first, however, Margret's name was left off the cover, ostensibly because there was a glut of women already writing children's fiction. In later editions, this was corrected, and Margret now receives full credit for her role in developing the stories.
Margret and her husband moved to Cambridge, Massachusetts in 1963, in a house close to Harvard Square. Following her husband's death in 1977, Margret continued writing, and in 1979, became a Professor of Creative Writing at Brandeis University in Waltham, Massachusetts. Starting in 1980, she also began to collaborate with Alan Shalleck on a series of short films featuring Curious George and more than two dozen additional books.
In 1989 Margret Rey established the Curious George Foundation to help creative children and prevent cruelty to animals. In 1996, she made major donations to the Boston Public Library and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. She was also a long-time supporter of the Longy School of Music. The Reys spent twenty summers in Waterville Valley, New Hampshire, to enable H.A. Rey to better observe the stars for his astronomy writing. They became an integral part of the Waterville community and their legacy is honored by The Margret and H.A. Rey Center and the Curious George Cottage located there.
Dr. Lena Y. de Grummond, a professor in the field of library science (specializing in children's literature) at The University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, Miss. contacted the Reys in 1966 about the university's new children's literature collection. H.A. and Margret made a donation of a pair of sketches at the time. In 1996, after Margret's death, it was revealed in her will that the entire literary estate of the Reys were to be donated to the de Grummond Children's Literature Collection at Southern Miss.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
March 28, 2025
Palette cleanser.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 13, 2022
Buena historia con un buen mensaje para los niños.
October 31, 2018
Personal response
I read this book with my younger brother named Brandon. Brandon is currently in second grade. Overall, we really enjoyed reading this book. George was a very unique character who tended to get in a lot of trouble, but that's what made him unique. In fact, my brother Brandon said he could relate to George, this is because he tends to make silly choices too. I was very surprised to see all the things George was capable of doing, despite his small size. He was one heck of a monkey.
Plot:
At the beginning of the book the Man in the Yellow Hat brought a surprise for George. He brought George a thank-you letter that he had received in the mail. When George discovered who it was from he became very curious. He too decided to go and make some more thank you letters. Although George got a too carried away. All the excitement and curiosity led him to make a disaster. As a result, the Man in the Yellow Hat had to provide some assistance in making those thank you cards. In fact, he also helped him deliver them to all the individuals. While they were delivering the thank you cards, George got even more curious when he saw the mail carrier. When he spotted the mail carrier, George decided it was best to give a thank you card to the mail carrier too. Things ended up being easier said than done. This was because as George was in the process of delivering the card to the delivery man, many obstacles came across his way. At one point George accidentally sent all his thing you cards whirling through the air. As a result, George became frightened and did not know what to do. He wanted to deliver all the thank you cards, but he did not know how to do it especially after his incident. George had to discover a way to deliver all the thank-you cards in time.
Characterization:
Innocent George grew a lot throughout the story. At the beginning of the book, he was a very curious little monkey who did not know how to control himself. All his excitement and curiosity would combine into the making of a very troublesome monkey. As the story progresses, George was faced with a great variety of obstacles in order to get his thank you cards delivered. Individuals around him such as the school kids had a negative impact on his journey. This is because the school kids along with the other visitors got in his way when he was trying to reorganize his thank you cards. The windy weather also pushed his thank you cards farther away, when he was trying to collect them. All of these factors caused George to erupt with anger and frustration. Thankfully, with the help of the man in the Yellow Hat and his caring friends he was able to control his anger and not lose motivation. George managed to ignore his troubling surroundings, and as a result was able to deliver his thank-you cards in time.
Impact of Setting:
Overall, I think George was surrounded with a very positive environment. He was surrounded with great friends including the Man in the Yellow Hat. As a result, Georgia tended to be in a very good mood and was a very outgoing young little monkey. Despite what troubles crossed his way, his friends were always there to support him. His surrounding friends were also very good role models. These influential friends helped him to make wiser choices and helped him not be let down when troubles came his way. Although, there were a couple of environmental factors that negatively affected his path. For instance, the windy weather would continuously blow his cards away. Furthermore, the school kids along with the visitors slowed his journey because they would interfere in his path when he was trying to deliver the thank-you cards.
Recommendations:
This sweet book would be enjoyed by any gender, because it has morals and problems both genders could identify with. Although, I believe only elementary students would enjoy reading this book, especially those at a younger reading level. This is because the book does not use complex language or grammar.
I read this book with my younger brother named Brandon. Brandon is currently in second grade. Overall, we really enjoyed reading this book. George was a very unique character who tended to get in a lot of trouble, but that's what made him unique. In fact, my brother Brandon said he could relate to George, this is because he tends to make silly choices too. I was very surprised to see all the things George was capable of doing, despite his small size. He was one heck of a monkey.
Plot:
At the beginning of the book the Man in the Yellow Hat brought a surprise for George. He brought George a thank-you letter that he had received in the mail. When George discovered who it was from he became very curious. He too decided to go and make some more thank you letters. Although George got a too carried away. All the excitement and curiosity led him to make a disaster. As a result, the Man in the Yellow Hat had to provide some assistance in making those thank you cards. In fact, he also helped him deliver them to all the individuals. While they were delivering the thank you cards, George got even more curious when he saw the mail carrier. When he spotted the mail carrier, George decided it was best to give a thank you card to the mail carrier too. Things ended up being easier said than done. This was because as George was in the process of delivering the card to the delivery man, many obstacles came across his way. At one point George accidentally sent all his thing you cards whirling through the air. As a result, George became frightened and did not know what to do. He wanted to deliver all the thank you cards, but he did not know how to do it especially after his incident. George had to discover a way to deliver all the thank-you cards in time.
Characterization:
Innocent George grew a lot throughout the story. At the beginning of the book, he was a very curious little monkey who did not know how to control himself. All his excitement and curiosity would combine into the making of a very troublesome monkey. As the story progresses, George was faced with a great variety of obstacles in order to get his thank you cards delivered. Individuals around him such as the school kids had a negative impact on his journey. This is because the school kids along with the other visitors got in his way when he was trying to reorganize his thank you cards. The windy weather also pushed his thank you cards farther away, when he was trying to collect them. All of these factors caused George to erupt with anger and frustration. Thankfully, with the help of the man in the Yellow Hat and his caring friends he was able to control his anger and not lose motivation. George managed to ignore his troubling surroundings, and as a result was able to deliver his thank-you cards in time.
Impact of Setting:
Overall, I think George was surrounded with a very positive environment. He was surrounded with great friends including the Man in the Yellow Hat. As a result, Georgia tended to be in a very good mood and was a very outgoing young little monkey. Despite what troubles crossed his way, his friends were always there to support him. His surrounding friends were also very good role models. These influential friends helped him to make wiser choices and helped him not be let down when troubles came his way. Although, there were a couple of environmental factors that negatively affected his path. For instance, the windy weather would continuously blow his cards away. Furthermore, the school kids along with the visitors slowed his journey because they would interfere in his path when he was trying to deliver the thank-you cards.
Recommendations:
This sweet book would be enjoyed by any gender, because it has morals and problems both genders could identify with. Although, I believe only elementary students would enjoy reading this book, especially those at a younger reading level. This is because the book does not use complex language or grammar.
December 20, 2021
We've been reading a lot of Curious George. Consider yourself warned goodreads, the reviews are coming.
Curious George learns the importance of thank you cards - an art which some will say is dying today, but I still feel strongly attached to. The great lesson (which I need to learn), is that there are numerous occasions to more formally thank someone. Not just for the gift they gave on the meal they brought - but all the other kindnesses. And yes, a smile and sincere thank you is enough most of the time, but everyone in this book sure is excited to get their mail.
Curious George learns the importance of thank you cards - an art which some will say is dying today, but I still feel strongly attached to. The great lesson (which I need to learn), is that there are numerous occasions to more formally thank someone. Not just for the gift they gave on the meal they brought - but all the other kindnesses. And yes, a smile and sincere thank you is enough most of the time, but everyone in this book sure is excited to get their mail.
May 25, 2025
When Curious George gets a thank you card in the mail from Betsy, he's inspired to make one for everyone who's ever helped him.
Funny enough, the only trouble George gets into is the wind blowing his thank-you cards away outside the library, as opposed to his usual rule-breaking, outright theft and peril of grave bodily harm.
On the minus side, none of these post-Rey Curious George books are truly good. On the plus side, George is unusually thoughtful here and child fans might internalize a good lesson.
Funny enough, the only trouble George gets into is the wind blowing his thank-you cards away outside the library, as opposed to his usual rule-breaking, outright theft and peril of grave bodily harm.
On the minus side, none of these post-Rey Curious George books are truly good. On the plus side, George is unusually thoughtful here and child fans might internalize a good lesson.
November 19, 2021
After receiving a thank-you card from his friend Betsy thanking him for her birthday present, George decides to give thank-you cards to everyone that has done something for him. It's a big tasking, so the man with the yellow hat helps George make the cards, and they hand deliver them. but George saves his best card for last.
May 6, 2024
charming George
I wish this was for older children so they would actually write a thank you card. The message is lovely, and good at any age. Even the adults reading this to a child. Hello?!
I wish this was for older children so they would actually write a thank you card. The message is lovely, and good at any age. Even the adults reading this to a child. Hello?!
January 25, 2019
Good message really good content. I think she understands the point and wants to thank people more now.
September 8, 2021
A great book about showing gratitude through letter-writing. Perfect for his birthday month, since we will write (scribble) some thank you cards
Read
November 4, 20212 copies available
September 17, 2012
George receives a thank you card in the mail from his neighbor Betsy and it gets George thinking. He wants to say thank you to all of the people that help and are nice to him all the time. So, he gets supplies together and begins to make tons of cards with help from the man with the yellow hat. George begins to deliver his thank you cards to all of his friends when he gets into a little trouble. He receives help from a group of children and becomes very grateful. George decides to give the children each a thank you card. But, with everything that happened he didn't get a chance to give a card to the one person who he really wanted to, the mail carrier. The man with the yellow hat and George get home and find that the mail carrier is delivering their mail. George was able to give her his thank you card in the end and also another very important one to the man with the yellow hat.
I believe that this book is intended for preschool through maybe 1st graders. Curious George books are very simple, easy language, fun pictures, and involve good moral lessons. Curious George gets kids to see situations from another perspective and evaluate themselves.
This story is a good fit because it allows children to see problems and moral issues that George goes through that students might as well. Curious George does a good job explaining the situation and solution in ways/words that young students can understand.
I would use this book in my classroom when teaching about manners and responsibilities. One part of being a good citizen is having proper manners and respect to others. Saying thank you is one of the concepts that children need to learn and how/when to do it. I will definitely use this book in my classroom to make thank you cards for eachother and for other people that help them throughout the day.
I believe that this book is intended for preschool through maybe 1st graders. Curious George books are very simple, easy language, fun pictures, and involve good moral lessons. Curious George gets kids to see situations from another perspective and evaluate themselves.
This story is a good fit because it allows children to see problems and moral issues that George goes through that students might as well. Curious George does a good job explaining the situation and solution in ways/words that young students can understand.
I would use this book in my classroom when teaching about manners and responsibilities. One part of being a good citizen is having proper manners and respect to others. Saying thank you is one of the concepts that children need to learn and how/when to do it. I will definitely use this book in my classroom to make thank you cards for eachother and for other people that help them throughout the day.
April 13, 2019
We love Curious George books!
January 14, 2017
Out of all the Curious George books I've read throughout the years, this is probably my favorite! How sweet of George to think of others after he receives his own thank you card for a gift he gave a friend. He thinks of all the people who have done special things for him and so he and the man made homemade cards to give out to his friends. For once George didn't get into trouble, and for once he wasn't hyper etc. Just sweet... and he teaches the children reading-listening about him about the importance of letting someone know you appreciate things they've done for you. Wonderfully written!
July 17, 2015
This is one of the better Curious George books that we've read recently. His curiousity was about something that is a lost art these days, and there wasn't any questionable hijinks. Probably not my kids favorite, but it is one I'd happily read over again.
March 1, 2013
George is a busy monkey. How can you not love the mischief he gets in.
February 19, 2015
It is short.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews