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Curious George Goes to a Bookstore: A Delightful Look at the Magic of Books Featuring Everyone's Favorite Curious Monkey
George’s favorite author is doing a signing at the new bookstore in town. Waiting in line is hard when you’re as curious as our little monkey, especially when surrounded by so many great books! Children will love his silly antics as George explores the wonderful world that is the local bookstore. With art in the style of H. A. Rey, this latest monkey tale is for book lovers, lovers of George, and especially lovers of curiosity! Includes a storytelling activity and a reading log for kids to keep track of their reading!
24 pages, Paperback
First published October 7, 2014
6 people are currently reading
99 people want to read
About the author
H.A. Rey
597 books215 followersHans Augusto Rey was born on September 16, 1898, in Hamburg, Germany. He grew up there near the world-famous Hagenbeck Zoo, and developed a lifelong love for animals and drawing. Margarete Elisabeth Waldstein (who would be known to most of the world as Margret Rey) was also born in Hamburg on May 16, 1906. The two met briefly when Margret was a young girl, before she left Hamburg to study art. They were reunited in 1935 in Rio de Janeiro, where Hans was selling bathtubs as part of a family business and Margret was escaping the political climate in Germany. Margret convinced Hans to leave the family business, and soon they were working together on a variety of projects.
Hans and Margret were married in Brazil on August 16, 1935, and they moved to Paris after falling in love with the city during their European honeymoon. It was there that Hans published his first children’s book, after a French publisher saw his newspaper cartoons of a giraffe and asked him to expand upon them. Raffy and the Nine Monkeys (Cecily G. and the Nine Monkeys in the British and American editions) was the result, and it marked the debut of a mischievous monkey named Curious George.
After Raffy and the Nine Monkeys was published, the Reys decided that Curious George deserved a book of his own, so they began work on a manuscript that featured the lovable and exceedingly curious little monkey. But the late 1930s and early ’40s were a tumultuous time in Europe, and before the new manuscript could be published, the Reys—both German Jews—found themselves in a horrible situation. Hitler and his Nazi party were tearing through Europe, and they were poised to take control of Paris.
Knowing that they must escape before the Nazis took power, Hans cobbled together two bicycles out of spare parts. Early in the morning of June 14, 1940, the Reys set off on their bicycles. They brought very little with them on their predawn flight — only warm coats, a bit of food, and five manuscripts, one of which was Curious George. The Nazis entered Paris just hours later, but the Reys were already on their way out. They rode their makeshift bicycles for four long days until reaching the French-Spanish border, where they sold them for train fare to Lisbon. From there they made their way to Brazil and on to New York City, beginning a whole new life as children’s book authors.
Curious George was published by Houghton Mifflin in 1941, and for sixty years these books have been capturing the hearts and minds of readers throughout the world. All the Curious George books, including the seven original stories by Margret and Hans, have sold more than twenty-five million copies. So popular that his original story has never been out of print, George has become one of the most beloved and recognizable characters in children’s literature. His adventures have been translated into many languages, including Japanese, French, Afrikaans, Portuguese, Swedish, German, Chinese, Danish, and Norwegian.
Although both of the Reys have passed away — Hans in 1977 and Margret in 1996—George lives on in the Curious George Foundation. Established in 1989, this foundation funds programs for children that share Curious George’s irresistible qualities—ingenuity, opportunity, determination, and curiosity in learning and exploring. Much consideration is given to programs that benefit animals, through preservation as well as the prevention of cruelty to animals. The foundation supports community outreach programs that emphasize the importance of family, from counseling to peer support groups.
Hans and Margret were married in Brazil on August 16, 1935, and they moved to Paris after falling in love with the city during their European honeymoon. It was there that Hans published his first children’s book, after a French publisher saw his newspaper cartoons of a giraffe and asked him to expand upon them. Raffy and the Nine Monkeys (Cecily G. and the Nine Monkeys in the British and American editions) was the result, and it marked the debut of a mischievous monkey named Curious George.
After Raffy and the Nine Monkeys was published, the Reys decided that Curious George deserved a book of his own, so they began work on a manuscript that featured the lovable and exceedingly curious little monkey. But the late 1930s and early ’40s were a tumultuous time in Europe, and before the new manuscript could be published, the Reys—both German Jews—found themselves in a horrible situation. Hitler and his Nazi party were tearing through Europe, and they were poised to take control of Paris.
Knowing that they must escape before the Nazis took power, Hans cobbled together two bicycles out of spare parts. Early in the morning of June 14, 1940, the Reys set off on their bicycles. They brought very little with them on their predawn flight — only warm coats, a bit of food, and five manuscripts, one of which was Curious George. The Nazis entered Paris just hours later, but the Reys were already on their way out. They rode their makeshift bicycles for four long days until reaching the French-Spanish border, where they sold them for train fare to Lisbon. From there they made their way to Brazil and on to New York City, beginning a whole new life as children’s book authors.
Curious George was published by Houghton Mifflin in 1941, and for sixty years these books have been capturing the hearts and minds of readers throughout the world. All the Curious George books, including the seven original stories by Margret and Hans, have sold more than twenty-five million copies. So popular that his original story has never been out of print, George has become one of the most beloved and recognizable characters in children’s literature. His adventures have been translated into many languages, including Japanese, French, Afrikaans, Portuguese, Swedish, German, Chinese, Danish, and Norwegian.
Although both of the Reys have passed away — Hans in 1977 and Margret in 1996—George lives on in the Curious George Foundation. Established in 1989, this foundation funds programs for children that share Curious George’s irresistible qualities—ingenuity, opportunity, determination, and curiosity in learning and exploring. Much consideration is given to programs that benefit animals, through preservation as well as the prevention of cruelty to animals. The foundation supports community outreach programs that emphasize the importance of family, from counseling to peer support groups.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
August 31, 2020
It doesn’t take long for George to discover how much there is to see and enjoy at a bookstore. His energy, playfulness, and curiosity have him exploring everything. And of course, his natural ability to know just where help is needed soon turns his mischievous ways into kindly deeds. Another delightful read in the series!
March 19, 2019
George goes to a bookstore for a book signing and has a really chill adventure. A little boring with some clunky language, but my kid loves it and it's very pro bookstore.
December 4, 2018
George is a very curious monkey and finds himself very excited to visit the newest bookstore in town. Not only will he be able to see tons of books, but his favourite author is signing her newest addition to the Penny the Penguin series. While the Man in the Yellow Hat is off on his own, George peruses the books, but is soon lured into some trouble. While he means no harm, his curiosity gets him into a few major issues, culminating in what some might call a towering situation. Thankfully, George and those around him can figure it all out, saving the day and leaving this monkey with a smile from ear to ear. Neo quite enjoyed this piece as a bedtime story. There are so many wonderful things that come from these books and I can only hope that Neo will be able to share them with his family in the years to come!
July 1, 2017
Who could not love a monkey who acts like a human? This little creature is up to silly shenanigans all the time, and he doesn't realize what he's doing when everything is taking place. I have found that my children love to see and hear what this little guy has been up to and where he is going next, they find it so cool that even he loves to read.
June 2, 2017
Did I casually read this while shelving books in the empty children's section at the library this afternoon? YES.
And then did I realize that it was not empty and someone was sitting behind me the entire time? ALSO YES.
But it's chill. I'm pretty sure she was looking at her phone the entire time it took me to read the book (approx. 3 minutes or less). Also if I want to read a picture book that's my prerogative!!! (Actually it's not since I wasn't on break, but shhhhh.)
And then did I realize that it was not empty and someone was sitting behind me the entire time? ALSO YES.
But it's chill. I'm pretty sure she was looking at her phone the entire time it took me to read the book (approx. 3 minutes or less). Also if I want to read a picture book that's my prerogative!!! (Actually it's not since I wasn't on break, but shhhhh.)
April 24, 2015
A classic Curious George story. Always fun to see him get himself into trouble and then get himself right back out of it. In this story, George is in the bookstore waiting to get a book signed. He smells banana bread and wanders off. He is about to get himself into big trouble until the manager of the bookstore finds him and actually thanks him for his work. He is pleasantly surprised, but even more excited that he finally gets to meet his favorite author. This is a great book for new readers, 2nd-3rd grade. There are many detailed pictures, but there is at least a paragraph of writing on each page. Very cute little book, I enjoyed this and would recommend reading it with your children.
May 10, 2016
George goes to the bookstore with the Man in the Yellow Hat to get a book signed by his favorite author. Of course, we know George can't go anywhere without merriment and mischief following along! George is distracted by banana bread, dinosaur books, and boxes that look like presents. He opens the presents to find the book he was going to purchase. He decides to make a fabulous display. The author is thrilled signs a book just for George.
A fun read for those who love Curious George!
A fun read for those who love Curious George!
June 22, 2023
Sometimes I feel sorry for the man in the yellow hat. For instance, given the antics of his (let's face it, somehow his adopted CHILD) George the curious little monkey in a bookstore.
Of course, there's a happy ending.
Of course, this ending strains credulity.
Nonetheless, this imitation of a Curious George book has more of the flavor of the original than I've seen lately. Quite delightful this story, and pretty darned funny!
Yes, FIVE STARS.
* And thanks for your clever, George-like, narrative, Julie M. Bartynski.
* Thanks for your illustrations, Mary O'Keefe Young, pictures both lighthearted and precise.
Of course, there's a happy ending.
Of course, this ending strains credulity.
Nonetheless, this imitation of a Curious George book has more of the flavor of the original than I've seen lately. Quite delightful this story, and pretty darned funny!
Yes, FIVE STARS.
* And thanks for your clever, George-like, narrative, Julie M. Bartynski.
* Thanks for your illustrations, Mary O'Keefe Young, pictures both lighthearted and precise.
October 27, 2023
I get a daily newsletter of ebook deals and this in my letter today. I always loved Curious George as a kid and, so, decided to give this somewhat newer title a try. It was a delight!
I actually hadn’t realized that newer authors and illustrators had been keeping the series going for the past several decades until I read this—not really the sort of thing I would have payed attention to as a child. At any rate, the writing and illustrations felt familiar, charming, and as comfortable as any of the Curious George titles I used to bring home from the school library.
I actually hadn’t realized that newer authors and illustrators had been keeping the series going for the past several decades until I read this—not really the sort of thing I would have payed attention to as a child. At any rate, the writing and illustrations felt familiar, charming, and as comfortable as any of the Curious George titles I used to bring home from the school library.
May 25, 2025
Curious George meets the author of his favorite picture book series when the Man in the Yellow Hat takes him to a local bookstore for a signing.
Man in the Yellow Hat irresponsibly gets absorbed in a bird-watching guide while his metaphorical toddler runs unsupervised around the bookstore. I got a chuckle out of how the young woman working the coffee shop is painted making a distressed face at George eating all the free samples instead of taking ONE.
Man in the Yellow Hat irresponsibly gets absorbed in a bird-watching guide while his metaphorical toddler runs unsupervised around the bookstore. I got a chuckle out of how the young woman working the coffee shop is painted making a distressed face at George eating all the free samples instead of taking ONE.
October 18, 2025
We're so proud of you for reading about Curious George! What a fun book. George taught us that being curious and asking questions helps us learn new things, just like when he explored the bookstore. You learned that books can take us on amazing adventures, even when we're sitting at home. Next time you're curious about something - animals, space, or anything - you can find a book about it! Keep being curious like George, sweetie. You're doing such a wonderful job reading!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 14, 2020
A preschool and up book about Curious George going to a bookstore and meeting an author.
April 24, 2021
God forbid this little tweaker learn to stop messing with other peoples crap man. But it wasn't a huge deal this time - unlike the very repetitive nature of the newer books.
November 20, 2021
George and the man with the yellow hat goes to a grand opening of a book store to attend the book signing of George's favorite author. George gets the opportunity to help out.
May 11, 2022
5/11/22 Read with Julia
November 3, 2023
Curious George Goes to a Bookstore by Margret Rey - The world's most beloved monkey has an adventure perfect for your little reader (and future book hoarder lol)! Happy Reading!
May 3, 2025
This was a fun one to read, but I thought it was a bit ridiculous. That's all of these stories for ya though!
July 9, 2025
In Curious George Goes to a Bookstore, the lovable and rambunctious George brings his usual playful energy to a quiet bookstore, causing a series of adorable mishaps. His curious nature leads to chaos—but in classic George style, it all ends with him becoming the unexpected hero. This charming story is a delightful reminder of how curiosity and kindness can brighten any place.
April 1, 2016
When George’s favorite picture book author comes to the opening of a brand new bookstore, the man with the yellow hat takes him to meet her and get a book signed. But waiting in such a long line is tough for a curious little monkey, and George inevitably finds himself exploring the store. He discovers a cafe with free samples, an exciting display of dinosaur books, and a pile of mysterious boxes, which just so happen to contain copies of the newest Penny the Penguin picture book! But shouldn’t they be on display too? George decides to rectify that situation…
As always, Curious George is a delight that both parents and children will enjoy. This latest installment, "Curious George Goes to a Bookstore," is written and illustrated in the style of the original creators of Curious George, Margret & H.A. Rey. The pictures are darling, and children will delight in watching as their favorite adventurous monkey explores and gets into his usual brand of harmless trouble, while parents will enjoy this gentle introduction of the magical place that is a bookstore. All children seem to love Curious George, and this book will be a much-loved addition to your home library.
Review originally written for San Francisco Book Review.
As always, Curious George is a delight that both parents and children will enjoy. This latest installment, "Curious George Goes to a Bookstore," is written and illustrated in the style of the original creators of Curious George, Margret & H.A. Rey. The pictures are darling, and children will delight in watching as their favorite adventurous monkey explores and gets into his usual brand of harmless trouble, while parents will enjoy this gentle introduction of the magical place that is a bookstore. All children seem to love Curious George, and this book will be a much-loved addition to your home library.
Review originally written for San Francisco Book Review.
March 20, 2015
Synopsis: "George's favorite author is signing at the new bookstore in town. Waiting in line is hard when you're as curious as our little monkey, especially when surrounded by so many great books! George has fun browsing but then takes organizing some open boxes of books into his own hands, with surprising results. At the end of the day, lucky George finally gets some time with his favorite author. Children will love his silly antics as George explores the wonderful world that is the local bookstore."
My Review: I picked this book up for Munchkin since we tend to go to bookstores at least once a month and are frequenting author signings a little more often now that he is getting older. The use of a familiar and beloved character for this subject was fantastic and Munchkin seemed to be interested and is a little curious about a signing we will be going too soon. I am hoping that this will also teach him the special value of a book signed personally by the author.
My Review: I picked this book up for Munchkin since we tend to go to bookstores at least once a month and are frequenting author signings a little more often now that he is getting older. The use of a familiar and beloved character for this subject was fantastic and Munchkin seemed to be interested and is a little curious about a signing we will be going too soon. I am hoping that this will also teach him the special value of a book signed personally by the author.
October 14, 2014
George visits a bookstore to meet the author of his favorite books and get one signed. While there, he opens all of the boxes of books for the author visit and builds a display. In the end, his busy hands are put to good use assisting the author with the event.
I liked the brief highlight of ways a bookstore is different than a library, and I appreciated the realistic view of an author visit. PreK-2.
I liked the brief highlight of ways a bookstore is different than a library, and I appreciated the realistic view of an author visit. PreK-2.
December 8, 2014
This is a great story book for any child that loves to visit their local bookstore. As a Barnes & Noble employee I had a great time reading this to the kids as we could visually point out the similarities between George's visit and theirs all around our children's department. They really related to both George and the excitement of meeting his favorite author as well. May have to add this to my personal library.
November 30, 2016
This book is not our favorite of the Curious George series – it's a self serving tome for the author who wants to encourage kids to go see picture book author signings. That said, the illustrations are still cute and we can't get enough of this monkey. It was the only 'George' title left at our local library on a recent visit.
October 2, 2014
Curious George finally get to a bookstore :)
October 20, 2014
I loved reading this book with my son. we are big fans of Curious George...a great addition to our library.
March 19, 2015
"George loved his new book. It was special and one of a kind."
March 13, 2015
This was okay, but lacking in George's usual shenanigans. Plus, the man with the yellow hat was not as cute in this book as in others. (Hey. We all have our things.)
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April 13, 2016Another fun Curious George book. My kids enjoyed it.
January 22, 2015
fun book!
March 29, 2017
I love the Curious George books and always have. They're really good and I don't think I ever came across one I didn't like. This one is where George goes into a bookstore (I love bookstores so I was pretty excited when I saw this book) to meet his favorite author and get her new book signed, but along the way George of course has a mini adventure before he gets to meet her. It's an adorable read. Illustrations are cute as always.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews