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Curious George New Adventures
Curious George and the Dinosaur
While visiting the museum with Jimmy's class, Curious George can't resist climbing onto one of the exhibits. The director of the museum isn't very happy about that, but George sure knows how to make a field trip interesting!
30 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1989
12 people are currently reading
163 people want to read
About the author
Margret Rey
241 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 - 30 of 31 reviews
October 16, 2024
It has a dinosaur skeleton and George, Tot is delighted.
March 29, 2019
I just love Curious George (perhaps because he is mischievous!) and he is one of my favourite animal characters so following him on a school field trip to a museum was sure to be interesting, to say the least.
And so it proved. It was Jimmy's class that the teacher Mr Chauncy was taking to the museum and George went along with them. Mr Chauncy told George at the outset, '... don't get into any trouble'. That was a waste of his breath for George soon became bored listening to the teacher's explanations of the exhibits and he decided to wander off on his own. Immediately we know that spells trouble!
And it did. George found a huge skeleton of a dinosaur and while the attendant was not looking he jumped onto the dinosaurs long tail. He climbed up until he reached the dinosaur's head at which point the class entered the room and spotted him … as did the attendant!
Mr Chauncy began telling the children about dinosaurs just as the director of the museum rushed in as he had heard that a monkey was climbing all over one of his exhibits. He nearly exploded, telling the attendants to get the monkey down immediately. But Mr Chauncy stopped that act as he explained that his children were fascinated by the story of dinosaurs because George's appearance on its head had made it much more interesting.
And, although the director initially wanted to ban George from his museum, Mr Chauncy persuaded him that it was a good move George climbing on the dinosaur. So George came down to a great ovation and he took a bow! Even the director seemed quite pleased!
When George got home his owner, the man in the yellow hat, picked him up and said, 'I hope you kept out of trouble today.' George simply smiled!
Lovely illustrations, a fun story and a delightful character, all of which makes the book a most enjoyable read.
And so it proved. It was Jimmy's class that the teacher Mr Chauncy was taking to the museum and George went along with them. Mr Chauncy told George at the outset, '... don't get into any trouble'. That was a waste of his breath for George soon became bored listening to the teacher's explanations of the exhibits and he decided to wander off on his own. Immediately we know that spells trouble!
And it did. George found a huge skeleton of a dinosaur and while the attendant was not looking he jumped onto the dinosaurs long tail. He climbed up until he reached the dinosaur's head at which point the class entered the room and spotted him … as did the attendant!
Mr Chauncy began telling the children about dinosaurs just as the director of the museum rushed in as he had heard that a monkey was climbing all over one of his exhibits. He nearly exploded, telling the attendants to get the monkey down immediately. But Mr Chauncy stopped that act as he explained that his children were fascinated by the story of dinosaurs because George's appearance on its head had made it much more interesting.
And, although the director initially wanted to ban George from his museum, Mr Chauncy persuaded him that it was a good move George climbing on the dinosaur. So George came down to a great ovation and he took a bow! Even the director seemed quite pleased!
When George got home his owner, the man in the yellow hat, picked him up and said, 'I hope you kept out of trouble today.' George simply smiled!
Lovely illustrations, a fun story and a delightful character, all of which makes the book a most enjoyable read.
September 3, 2015
My 3 year old loves Curious George. He watches all TV shows on all 6 seasons on Netflix. He watches many reruns on TV. And I read him some books that I can find at the library. He learns a lot from it. Great series, books and TV shows.
April 29, 2021
This is an option for my dinosaur storytime. It has short, simple text so will be good for preschool.
August 1, 2017
Check out more picture book reviews @ Perspective of a Writer...
Curious little George goes with the kids on a trip to the museum and breaks the rules making the trip more fun for the kids who thought their teacher was boring.
My nephew loves Curious George and will read every single one if I'd let him. Today was his day to choose so we went with curious George. I'm not sure I approve of a role model who breaks the rules all the time and then gets rewarded for it. My nephew adored the fact George climbed onto the dinosaur's head. He thought it was so funny. I don't think the breaking the rules part is very apparent to him at this point, but I do think it will inform who he is as he ages.
I'm not trying to be a stick in the mud but I wish that George could have won over the kids and it not be because he was touching old animal bones that are one of a kind. Still you can't change the appeal for children.
BOTTOM LINE: Dinosaurs are always a favorite for boys!
______________________
You can find this review and many others on my book blog @ Perspective of a Writer. See my picture book reviews in a special feature called Boo's Picture Gallery...
Curious little George goes with the kids on a trip to the museum and breaks the rules making the trip more fun for the kids who thought their teacher was boring.
My nephew loves Curious George and will read every single one if I'd let him. Today was his day to choose so we went with curious George. I'm not sure I approve of a role model who breaks the rules all the time and then gets rewarded for it. My nephew adored the fact George climbed onto the dinosaur's head. He thought it was so funny. I don't think the breaking the rules part is very apparent to him at this point, but I do think it will inform who he is as he ages.
I'm not trying to be a stick in the mud but I wish that George could have won over the kids and it not be because he was touching old animal bones that are one of a kind. Still you can't change the appeal for children.
BOTTOM LINE: Dinosaurs are always a favorite for boys!
______________________
You can find this review and many others on my book blog @ Perspective of a Writer. See my picture book reviews in a special feature called Boo's Picture Gallery...
September 3, 2013
The Curious George series is always fun for children. The book is a little lengthy, so I would be concerned about the children's attention span when reading the book.
February 4, 2018
devalues science
I would prefer a more science-positive message than I found in this book. The premise is that science museums must be boring unless safety rules are recklessly broken. Most young children are thrilled by dinosaurs, contrary to this book's main plot point.
I would prefer a more science-positive message than I found in this book. The premise is that science museums must be boring unless safety rules are recklessly broken. Most young children are thrilled by dinosaurs, contrary to this book's main plot point.
October 13, 2023
“What’s this about a monkey on our dinosaur?”
a cute little story about george’s adventures with a dinosaur at a museum. we had a lovely time reading this together as a family to celebrate a dino-themed birthday 🐒🌸🦖
ebook ~ borrowed ~ libby
a cute little story about george’s adventures with a dinosaur at a museum. we had a lovely time reading this together as a family to celebrate a dino-themed birthday 🐒🌸🦖
ebook ~ borrowed ~ libby
September 19, 2018
George creates mischief on a trip to the museum when he climbs on top of the skeleton of a dinosaur.
His antics help the other students on the trip get interested in dinosaurs so all is forgiven.
His antics help the other students on the trip get interested in dinosaurs so all is forgiven.
February 13, 2019
Silly George. 3/5 stars.
February 25, 2020
Was ok. But having a kid say he wouldn’t listen to the teacher unless George did this naughty thing...
April 13, 2019
We love Curious George books!
August 20, 2016
I normally don't review the children's books we read unless they are so good, I want to remember them. I often check goodreads though when choosing gifts though so want to warn buyers---this is the worst George book we've read.
George joins a class on a trip to the museum. The kids all complain and find rocks "boring" and ask "when's lunch?" Then George breaks the rules, as Curious monkeys do, by climbing on a dino exhibit, and suddenly the kids are interested. So he is thanked for helping the teacher.
There's no real information about dinosaurs or rocks, just the typical---Look, he's being naughty thing. We love George and don't expect books to always be informative. But this one informs in a very weird way about learning, boredom and rules. Weird.
Thanks to Nolie and Sean who helped me write this review:)
George joins a class on a trip to the museum. The kids all complain and find rocks "boring" and ask "when's lunch?" Then George breaks the rules, as Curious monkeys do, by climbing on a dino exhibit, and suddenly the kids are interested. So he is thanked for helping the teacher.
There's no real information about dinosaurs or rocks, just the typical---Look, he's being naughty thing. We love George and don't expect books to always be informative. But this one informs in a very weird way about learning, boredom and rules. Weird.
Thanks to Nolie and Sean who helped me write this review:)
April 25, 2016
** spoiler alert **
George ikut rombongan anak-anak sekolah berkunjung ke museum. Di museum, anak-anak merasa bosan. Sama sekali tidak mendengarkan sewaktu guru mereka menerangkan benda-benda yang ada. George juga bosan. Tapi di ruangan sebelah ada sesuatu yang sangat menarik perhatiannya. Tulang rangka dinosaurus.... George terpesona pada ekornya yang sangat panjang. George pun memanjat ekor dinosaurus itu, naik naik naik hingga ke kepala. Seorang anak melihatnya. Jadi rame deh, anak-anak dan George pengin tahu segala hal tentang dinosaurus.
Keusilan George ternyata bisa mengenyahkan kebosanan anak-anak.
George ikut rombongan anak-anak sekolah berkunjung ke museum. Di museum, anak-anak merasa bosan. Sama sekali tidak mendengarkan sewaktu guru mereka menerangkan benda-benda yang ada. George juga bosan. Tapi di ruangan sebelah ada sesuatu yang sangat menarik perhatiannya. Tulang rangka dinosaurus.... George terpesona pada ekornya yang sangat panjang. George pun memanjat ekor dinosaurus itu, naik naik naik hingga ke kepala. Seorang anak melihatnya. Jadi rame deh, anak-anak dan George pengin tahu segala hal tentang dinosaurus.
Keusilan George ternyata bisa mengenyahkan kebosanan anak-anak.
November 30, 2014
I loved all of the great tales of Curious George growing up. His adventures always put you on the end of your seat throughout the entire story and gave you a different perspective of everyday things. I love this one when he adventures to the dinosaur museum, and learns all about these prehistoric creatures. This is suh a fun loving information book, that is fun to read for all ages! The illustrations used with colored pencils throughout the book just show the amazing classic work done by Margret Rey, and how she does such a wonderful job with such a great story.
December 7, 2014
There are so many interesting adventures Curious George goes on. In this adventure George goes to a museum. While visiting the museum with Jimmy's class George can't resist climbing onto one of the exhibits. The director of the museum isn't very happy about that, but George sure knows how to make a field trip exciting. This is a wonderful book with many different mishaps along the way. Children can learn about friendship mistakes acceptance and best of all we can teach forgiveness. I remember watching Curious George cartoons as a child.
February 19, 2015
Not so great. Getting away with mischief, ok. Assuming no one can have fun at a museum without causing trouble? Yikes. And one review I saw called this book lengthy. Really? I'm disappointed in this one.
January 23, 2016
The Curious George books based on the cartoon just aren't as good as the ones written and illustrated by H.A. Rey. This one is yet another example of that.
Story is uninspired. Illustrations look like screen shots taken from a cartoon.
Story is uninspired. Illustrations look like screen shots taken from a cartoon.
December 12, 2016
I've loved Curious George books since elementary school, and I've passed my love to my girls.
May 13, 2009
I thought this was a cute story about George making a field trip to the museum more interesting.
August 6, 2009
The plot is very basic and short--good choice for younger kids.
June 24, 2010
This is a cute, though somewhat bland, book in the Curious George series. These books were favorites of mine as a child, and our girls enjoy them too.
August 17, 2010
I cringe when my 23-mo-old son requests this. It's super lame.
November 20, 2010
Taught Andrew a new word...skeleton. He's been to the dinosaur museum at least 50 times, and I think he just realized that dinos aren't just bones.
Read
August 3, 2011good
October 10, 2011
Curious George has always been one of my favorite series of books. Such a mishevous little monkey! Bored at the museum, he climbs up on a dinosaur. The kids become curious and ask about dinosaurs.
December 18, 2014
A clever book but I found the writing tough at times and I wouldn't want my kids getting the idea they can be naughty at important places like museums and get away with it.
October 25, 2015
Not bad - the newer stories just can't compare with the classic books.
March 10, 2016
A good read. Interesting story. Definitely a good book to read with your child especially younger ones.
July 8, 2016
Rey, M., & Rey, H. A. (2008). Curious George and the dinosaur. London: Walker Books.
His misdemeanors go unpunished again.
His misdemeanors go unpunished again.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews