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Curious George Joins the Team: A Heartwarming Story About Friendship on the Basketball Court Featuring Everyone's Favorite Mischievous Monkey
In this Curious George story, George learns that a wheelchair doesn't stop his friend Tina from anything — even joining a basketball team! Now in paperback.
Curious George has a playdate at a park designed for children of all abilities, perfect for his new friend, Tina, who uses a wheelchair. While they are playing together, Tina spots some kids playing her favorite game: basketball. George jumps right into the action, but Tina is too shy to ask to join. George suspects Tina is just as good—even better—than the other kids. Can he come up with a way to show the players she's got game and help her overcome her shyness? This story celebrates how kids of all abilities can play together!
Curious George has a playdate at a park designed for children of all abilities, perfect for his new friend, Tina, who uses a wheelchair. While they are playing together, Tina spots some kids playing her favorite game: basketball. George jumps right into the action, but Tina is too shy to ask to join. George suspects Tina is just as good—even better—than the other kids. Can he come up with a way to show the players she's got game and help her overcome her shyness? This story celebrates how kids of all abilities can play together!
24 pages, Paperback
First published January 5, 2016
About the author
H.A. Rey
598 books224 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 - 16 of 16 reviews
November 23, 2018
Neo is back on a Curious George binge... watch out!
George is excited to explore a new playground in his community. The Man with the Yellow Hat tells him all about it, but cannot do it justice. With its large play structures, accommodating swings, and basketball courts, it is perfect for his active lifestyle. George’s friend, Tina, is just as excited. She won’t be letting her wheelchair slow her down. When George shows off his skills on the basketball court, the other children are impressed. Tina hopes to do the same, ensuring everyone that her wheelchair is no impediment. George and Tina show just how talented they are, earning a few new friends in the process. Neo enjoyed this book, which explores playground and basketball, two things he enjoys the most. While a large portion of the book does not completely address Tina’s altered mobility, there is a moment of uncertainty by the other children, which is quickly discussed and put to rest. A great book to end the day!
George is excited to explore a new playground in his community. The Man with the Yellow Hat tells him all about it, but cannot do it justice. With its large play structures, accommodating swings, and basketball courts, it is perfect for his active lifestyle. George’s friend, Tina, is just as excited. She won’t be letting her wheelchair slow her down. When George shows off his skills on the basketball court, the other children are impressed. Tina hopes to do the same, ensuring everyone that her wheelchair is no impediment. George and Tina show just how talented they are, earning a few new friends in the process. Neo enjoyed this book, which explores playground and basketball, two things he enjoys the most. While a large portion of the book does not completely address Tina’s altered mobility, there is a moment of uncertainty by the other children, which is quickly discussed and put to rest. A great book to end the day!
May 12, 2022
5/12/22 Read with Julia and Andres
December 23, 2022
I really love the emphasis on including people with disabilities, and on having remorse and taking responsibility when you've emotionally hurt someone. And not judging by appearance.
May 25, 2025
This doesn't feel like a Curious George book at all.
It's all about being inclusive to children with disabilities. The author is afraid to show the girl with a disability facing any difficulty. The closest it comes is Tina, the girl in a wheelchair, frowning at the thought of asking to play basketball with other kids when her grandmother suggests it. Just alluding to without stating that Tina has an unfounded fear that others won't play sports with her is the closest thing we get to conflict. George never misbehaves at all.
Compare how sensitive this George knows to be to how the original made friends with Bill: by flying his kite when told not to (and needing to be rescued by helicopter when the wind blew his lightweight body away).
If the Man in the Yellow Hat was self-aware, he'd adopt Tina because being around her is the only thing that stops George from stealing and being destructive.
It's all about being inclusive to children with disabilities. The author is afraid to show the girl with a disability facing any difficulty. The closest it comes is Tina, the girl in a wheelchair, frowning at the thought of asking to play basketball with other kids when her grandmother suggests it. Just alluding to without stating that Tina has an unfounded fear that others won't play sports with her is the closest thing we get to conflict. George never misbehaves at all.
Compare how sensitive this George knows to be to how the original made friends with Bill: by flying his kite when told not to (and needing to be rescued by helicopter when the wind blew his lightweight body away).
If the Man in the Yellow Hat was self-aware, he'd adopt Tina because being around her is the only thing that stops George from stealing and being destructive.
February 13, 2018
Curious George Joins the Team by Cynthia Platt is an insightful story about disability, acceptance, and self-confidence.
In the book, George meets his friend, Tina, who uses a wheelchair, at an accessible playground. After George and Tina try all the ramp slides, games, and swings, George runs off to join a basketball game with some other kids. When Tina asks if she can play too, the other kids’ preconceptions of disability evolve.
Through their descriptive writing and detailed illustrations, Platt and Mary O’Keefe Young successfully acknowledge Tina’s disability while retaining her humanity, a perspective which children’s issue books often lack.
Written for 4-7-year olds, this book introduces children to the concept of disability and offers young readers with physical disabilities a relatable storyline.
In the book, George meets his friend, Tina, who uses a wheelchair, at an accessible playground. After George and Tina try all the ramp slides, games, and swings, George runs off to join a basketball game with some other kids. When Tina asks if she can play too, the other kids’ preconceptions of disability evolve.
Through their descriptive writing and detailed illustrations, Platt and Mary O’Keefe Young successfully acknowledge Tina’s disability while retaining her humanity, a perspective which children’s issue books often lack.
Written for 4-7-year olds, this book introduces children to the concept of disability and offers young readers with physical disabilities a relatable storyline.
June 21, 2023
I love how, as described here at Goodreads: This story celebrates how kids of all abilities can play together!
Exploring this park built especially to accomodate all children, including kids with disabilities, George's friend Tina found a ton of fun things to do, wheelchair and all. As for Curious George, guess which activity was his favorite?
First he climbed the monkey bars.
He was very good at this!
Also, I just love how George helped Tina convince the other kids that she was a great basketball player. Read this book and you'll see what he and Tina did.
FIVE STARS. Joyfully!
Exploring this park built especially to accomodate all children, including kids with disabilities, George's friend Tina found a ton of fun things to do, wheelchair and all. As for Curious George, guess which activity was his favorite?
First he climbed the monkey bars.
He was very good at this!
Also, I just love how George helped Tina convince the other kids that she was a great basketball player. Read this book and you'll see what he and Tina did.
FIVE STARS. Joyfully!
October 4, 2025
We're so proud of you for reading "Curious George Joins the Team!" Just like George learned, being on a team means helping your friends and working together. You discovered that everyone has special skills to share! You can use this at home with your family and at school with your classmates. When you play or do projects together, remember to help each other like George did. You're such a wonderful reader, and we love watching you learn new things every day!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 8, 2018
Fun book about Curious George and his friend Tina! While Tina and George are playing at the playground they decide to join a game a basketball with other kids. Even though Tina is in a wheel chair she was a great player! Great books to help children become comfortable with kids in wheel chairs and include them in activities.
September 19, 2018
George visits a new playground that accommodates children with disabilities and makes friends with Tina, a girl who is in a wheelchair.
As George plays with her he learns all of the things she is good at despite being in a wheelchair. Tina is instituted by George to get over her fears of rejection and join the other kids as they play basketball.
As George plays with her he learns all of the things she is good at despite being in a wheelchair. Tina is instituted by George to get over her fears of rejection and join the other kids as they play basketball.
Read
May 10, 2021.Curious George Joins the Team - H. A. Ray
Genre - Fiction
This is a great story about George and his friend Tina ,who is in a wheelchair, and their basketball game. It gives children an important perspective about children with different abilities. It teaches them that all children can play together. This is a great Book.
Genre - Fiction
This is a great story about George and his friend Tina ,who is in a wheelchair, and their basketball game. It gives children an important perspective about children with different abilities. It teaches them that all children can play together. This is a great Book.
February 15, 2018
Dropped it down a bit because it seemed forced.
July 25, 2023
George joins a basketball team with his friend.
January 27, 2016
I loved this book for two reasons.
1) There is no mess! George isn't really even that naughty in this book. He forgets about his friend for a minute, but that's it. It was such a pleasure to read a Curious George book without it causing me additional stress.
2) Curious George is having a playdate at a new park, which has an all-inclusive playground. He is meeting his friend Tina, who is in a wheelchair. We read this book last week, and it was very timely. Our town playground was just torn down, and they're building an all-inclusive playground. They talked about it a lot at school last week because the designer came to school on Wednesday to have the kids help with the design.
It was purely coincidental that we got this book out of the library. We found it on the new book shelf, and Christopher was drawn to it because it was Curious George. I expected it to be about sports (based on the cover and title), and there is a basketball team in the story. It was so great to be able to discuss all-inclusive playgrounds and wheelchairs with Christopher. I didn't know what his thoughts were about disabilities. I didn't even know that he knew that word, but he'd just learned it last week.
If you're looking for a good book on diversity or disabilities for your kids, I recommend this book. If you're a Curious George lover, then definitely don't miss this one. Or if you just like a good story about friendship and inclusion, check out this book. I really enjoyed it...more than any other Curious George book I've ever read.
http://www.momsradius.com/2016/02/kid...
1) There is no mess! George isn't really even that naughty in this book. He forgets about his friend for a minute, but that's it. It was such a pleasure to read a Curious George book without it causing me additional stress.
2) Curious George is having a playdate at a new park, which has an all-inclusive playground. He is meeting his friend Tina, who is in a wheelchair. We read this book last week, and it was very timely. Our town playground was just torn down, and they're building an all-inclusive playground. They talked about it a lot at school last week because the designer came to school on Wednesday to have the kids help with the design.
It was purely coincidental that we got this book out of the library. We found it on the new book shelf, and Christopher was drawn to it because it was Curious George. I expected it to be about sports (based on the cover and title), and there is a basketball team in the story. It was so great to be able to discuss all-inclusive playgrounds and wheelchairs with Christopher. I didn't know what his thoughts were about disabilities. I didn't even know that he knew that word, but he'd just learned it last week.
If you're looking for a good book on diversity or disabilities for your kids, I recommend this book. If you're a Curious George lover, then definitely don't miss this one. Or if you just like a good story about friendship and inclusion, check out this book. I really enjoyed it...more than any other Curious George book I've ever read.
http://www.momsradius.com/2016/02/kid...
February 1, 2016
Good for opening up discussion about how kids in wheelchairs and kids without wheelchairs can all play together. 3 year old loves it.
June 2, 2016
read for my diverse children's literature class
November 18, 2016
Friendships formed and shaped via teammates and teamwork.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews