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Curious George New Adventures
Curious George's First Day of School
George is excited to start his first day of school! There are so many new lessons for a curious little monkey to learn.... It’s the first day of school, and George has been invited to Mr. Apple’s class to be a special helper. George is just the right monkey for the job—that is, until he starts to make his usual mischief. A mixture of red and yellow paint makes orange . . . a mixture of yellow and blue makes green . . . and a mixture of all the paint colors makes a big mess! After a speedy adventure up and down the halls of the school, George and Mr. Apple clean up the classroom—with a little help from George’s new friends. Your little monkey will enjoy giggling at George's back-to-school mischief, as well as the satisfying happy ending.
24 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2005
About the author
Margret Rey
254 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.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
March 4, 2025
Y’all already know—this book is a certified banger! Banger? I hardly know her! Curious George has been my day one since the womb. He’s just that guy—chill, adventurous, and always down for a good time. Honestly, you could crack open a cold one with him and have the best night of your life. Sure, he causes absolute chaos everywhere he goes, but somehow, everything magically works out—like the universe just collectively agrees, “Yeah, let’s let this monkey slide.” Honestly, he’s the role model I never knew I needed—teaching me that as long as you’re cute, mildly responsible, and have a tall guy in a yellow hat to bail you out, you can get away with just about anything.
March 5, 2026
#31 of 2026
Read on Vooks with Edward.
We enjoyed George's antics.
Read on Vooks with Edward.
We enjoyed George's antics.
May 2, 2017
Not very much to say about this one. This was your typical Curious George kind of book that followed the recipe to the letter.
August 19, 2017
Curious George is a picture book that is great for kids aged 4-9. Kids under 4 years old can absolutely enjoy hearing this story aloud, but it's illustrations do not tell the full story. Kids above 9 or 10 may be disinterested in the plot, but it is still a good casual read to share with kids of many ages.
This particular book is about George's first day of school, as the title suggests. As usual, George is very interested in all things school: math, reading, art, and physical education. He goes to each class being a very good student, but making a huge mess. His fellow students run around after him helping him clean, and no one even knows of his mischief.
I rated this book with 4 stars, because the plot is very engaging and funny, but this serious is not the most revolutionary or inventive. Even so, I have always had great experiences reading this book with kids. Kids are very responsive to having animals as protagonists and they have lots of fun imaging a monkey doing human activities, like going to school. The language is the perfect balance of complex, with dialogue and multiple sentences per page, and fun, with crazy messes and silly team clean-ups. The illustrations in this book are very straight-forward. They reflect exactly what the text says, without adding much more to the story. In this way, I don't think they are very important to the quality of the text.
This book series is great for kids who are familiar with the character, George, and enjoy reading about his most recent adventures.
This particular book is about George's first day of school, as the title suggests. As usual, George is very interested in all things school: math, reading, art, and physical education. He goes to each class being a very good student, but making a huge mess. His fellow students run around after him helping him clean, and no one even knows of his mischief.
I rated this book with 4 stars, because the plot is very engaging and funny, but this serious is not the most revolutionary or inventive. Even so, I have always had great experiences reading this book with kids. Kids are very responsive to having animals as protagonists and they have lots of fun imaging a monkey doing human activities, like going to school. The language is the perfect balance of complex, with dialogue and multiple sentences per page, and fun, with crazy messes and silly team clean-ups. The illustrations in this book are very straight-forward. They reflect exactly what the text says, without adding much more to the story. In this way, I don't think they are very important to the quality of the text.
This book series is great for kids who are familiar with the character, George, and enjoy reading about his most recent adventures.
May 11, 2020
"Curious George's First Day of School" by Margret Rey, ISNB Number 13-978-0618-60563-7 is an amazing picture book that is well known all over the country.
It's the first day of school and curious George has been invited to attend Mr. Apples class to be a special helper. Curious George ends up making a huge mess mixing paints, so he tries to clean it with a mop/bucket that he ended up stealing from the janitors closet , only making a bigger mess when it all spills out on to the classroom floor. Leaving all his classmates to help him clean it all up. The characters seem to be mostly protagonist (George's friend, Classmates, Mr.Appler) except for Curious George because he is sneaky so he could be seen as an antagonist. However the principle and janitor wouldn't seem to fit in the protagonist because we only see them for a brief second. I absolutely loved this book when I was younger, so I think this picture book would definitely appeal to young readers.
It's the first day of school and curious George has been invited to attend Mr. Apples class to be a special helper. Curious George ends up making a huge mess mixing paints, so he tries to clean it with a mop/bucket that he ended up stealing from the janitors closet , only making a bigger mess when it all spills out on to the classroom floor. Leaving all his classmates to help him clean it all up. The characters seem to be mostly protagonist (George's friend, Classmates, Mr.Appler) except for Curious George because he is sneaky so he could be seen as an antagonist. However the principle and janitor wouldn't seem to fit in the protagonist because we only see them for a brief second. I absolutely loved this book when I was younger, so I think this picture book would definitely appeal to young readers.
May 25, 2025
Curious George is invited to an elementary school by a teacher, and he's... actually helpful? Everything goes great until he makes a big mess by mixing paint colors. Mr. Apple, the teacher, goes to get a janitor to clean up after George, but that makes George sad: it was HIS job to help. So he finds the janitor's closet and makes an even bigger mess by spilling a bucket of water on his existing mess.
As the father of a 2 1/2 year old who's already hit the developmental milestone "wants to be a helper", this Curious George story is particularly relatable.
As the father of a 2 1/2 year old who's already hit the developmental milestone "wants to be a helper", this Curious George story is particularly relatable.
September 27, 2025
Oh Sarah, we're so proud of you for reading about Curious George! What a wonderful story about being brave on your first day somewhere new. Just like George, it's perfectly okay to be curious and ask lots of questions - that's how we learn best! When you feel nervous about trying something new, remember how George made friends by being himself and staying curious. Your questions help you discover amazing things, sweetie. We love seeing you become such a thoughtful reader, and we can't wait to hear about all the new books you'll explore next!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2018
Curious George's First Day of School wasn't about children's first day of school, it was about Curious George's!
Curious George's First Day of School is one of about 25 'kindergarten' books I'm reading before I buy one for my grand who starts kindergarten this year. While I enjoyed Curious George's First Day of School and will read it to my grand, it's not the kindergarten keepsake book I'm hoping to find.
Curious George's First Day of School is one of about 25 'kindergarten' books I'm reading before I buy one for my grand who starts kindergarten this year. While I enjoyed Curious George's First Day of School and will read it to my grand, it's not the kindergarten keepsake book I'm hoping to find.
April 25, 2025
It’s Curious George’s first day at school where he is the teacher’s helper. It’s a cute little story. My favourite part was during art class when Curious George mixed different coloured paints and ended up making a big mess.
It was really sweet how Curious George went to get a mop and the bucket of water spilled everywhere, making even more mess.
The students all pitched in to tidy things up and to support Curious George.
The illustrations are gorgeous.
Adorable!
It was really sweet how Curious George went to get a mop and the bucket of water spilled everywhere, making even more mess.
The students all pitched in to tidy things up and to support Curious George.
The illustrations are gorgeous.
Adorable!
May 27, 2017
George gets to go to school with the children. He gets to help with the activities including painting! But there are only three colors, but George knows to mix colors to make other colors. BUT while he does this he makes a huge mess and gets into trouble. But like always the adults know he was trying to help out. A fun adventurous learning storybook that you and your reader-listener will enjoy.
August 28, 2021
George is a teacher’s helper on the first day of school, but naturally he ends up making a mess! These stories are so predictable (George gets curious about something, makes a mess/gets in trouble, then fixes things splendidly in the end, lol). However, Elliot absolutely adores all Curious George books, so I read and re-read them because I love that curious little Elliot😄
August 21, 2018
Day two of second grade for Daisy and book number two was donated and gifted to her by Mrs. Munoz. She really enjoyed her first day of 2nd gr. More good books to come.
This would be a good first day of school book for Prek-1st graders.
This would be a good first day of school book for Prek-1st graders.
April 26, 2020
Only since the boys came around, I really started reading Curious George, and appreciating the stories.
George is funny, and always up for a great adventure. I really enjoy spending time with him.
George is funny, and always up for a great adventure. I really enjoy spending time with him.
September 4, 2026
I'm very biased because I loved the Curious George movie and the show so much when I was little, so I knew I would like this book. I love the message in this book and I would totally read this the first week of school.
August 30, 2017
Another cute short Curious George story. I especially liked how secondary colors were explained when George mixed the red, blue and yellow paints !
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June 20, 20192833
August 11, 2020
Curious George is funny. He makes lots of mess here. Florence likes that he could mix lots of colours to make new colours.
February 16, 2021
Another great Curious George book where he mixes Colors.
January 8, 2022
Official literature of the Planet of Apes
Read
January 28, 2022Ok
February 4, 2023
I really don't like this one. :-/
February 8, 2023
Very cute.
July 1, 2023
George is a wonderful classroom helper… until he’s not. This book teaches us that everyone makes mistakes and it’s important to help our friends.
July 31, 2024
Watch a reading of
CURIOUS GEORGE’S FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTNCKsPK9/
CURIOUS GEORGE’S FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTNCKsPK9/
November 6, 2024
Not bad, but lacks the madcap panache of, for example, "Curious George Gets a Medal".
November 28, 2025
Curious George’s First Day of School by H. A. Rey – This is on kindle unlimited. Everyone’s favorite monkey makes school way more interesting! Happy Reading!
January 20, 2026
Else Wenzel says “five stars!”
Penny Wenzel “at the end of the book George says it’s the best day, but it’s not the best day for the teacher!”
Penny Wenzel “at the end of the book George says it’s the best day, but it’s not the best day for the teacher!”
January 25, 2026
Splosh!
September 4, 2021
Auntie B, our guest reader and 4th grade special Ed teacher, said the book was fine. Maybe a bit dated. But, as a George Girl and a teacher, this was definitely a must first book to share.
As for Parker, he was fascinated. But, maybe it was his Auntie B that drew all his attention. Olive seemed to enjoy the story, too.
Anyway, Parker’s first day of school is a ways away. We can most certainly learn about school a little later while we enjoy the many adventures of one curious little monkey.
As for Parker, he was fascinated. But, maybe it was his Auntie B that drew all his attention. Olive seemed to enjoy the story, too.
Anyway, Parker’s first day of school is a ways away. We can most certainly learn about school a little later while we enjoy the many adventures of one curious little monkey.
November 16, 2025
Guilty pleasure read
Sometimes, you just have to take a break from day to day adulting and read a fun silly kids book. Curious George always makes me laugh and smile so it was a given to visit a few minutes with him and The Man in the Yellow Hat.
Sometimes, you just have to take a break from day to day adulting and read a fun silly kids book. Curious George always makes me laugh and smile so it was a given to visit a few minutes with him and The Man in the Yellow Hat.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews