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Curious George New Adventures
Curious George and the Birthday Surprise
When the man with the yellow hat tells George that he is planning a surprise, of course George is curious. Before long George finds a hat, noisemakers, decorations, and games. It must be a birthday! But whose birthday is it? That’s the surprise!
24 pages, Hardcover
First published August 31, 2003
About the author
Margret Rey
247 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 36 reviews
November 17, 2018
this isn't cheating. this is just reading the books i bought for my cousin's baby's birthday party tomorrow in advance to make sure they're appropriate for her. that's all.
January 23, 2016
Strange things are happening at Curious George's house. Decorations appear, the man with the yellow hat is off running errands, there's a cake in the kitchen. Could there be a party in the making. George creates and gets out of trouble in his time honored fashion.
February 12, 2022
Cute, pretty and fun!
March 19, 2026
When the man with the yellow hat tells George that he is planning a surprise, quite naturally George is curious. And when the man with the yellow hat tells George he is going out to make some arrangements, George decides that he will have a look round to see if he can work out what is happening.
It is not long before George finds a hat, noisemakers, decorations, and games and he realises that it must be somebody's birthday! Whose birthday is it, he wonders?
And after he plays with all the accoutrements, creates havoc in the kitchen, the man in the yellow hat returns, complete with other items that befit a birthday.
So that’s the surprise, George thinks! And what it is does, indeed surprise George very much ...
Footnote: I am a big fan of Curious George and love the style of illustration (created by the husband and wife team of Margaret and H.A. Rey), which in this modern series of books is based on the originals by Hans Augusto Rey. Indeed, among my extensive art collection I have two Curious George large size prints that adorn my walls alongside other more perhaps well-known artists' work!
It is not long before George finds a hat, noisemakers, decorations, and games and he realises that it must be somebody's birthday! Whose birthday is it, he wonders?
And after he plays with all the accoutrements, creates havoc in the kitchen, the man in the yellow hat returns, complete with other items that befit a birthday.
So that’s the surprise, George thinks! And what it is does, indeed surprise George very much ...
Footnote: I am a big fan of Curious George and love the style of illustration (created by the husband and wife team of Margaret and H.A. Rey), which in this modern series of books is based on the originals by Hans Augusto Rey. Indeed, among my extensive art collection I have two Curious George large size prints that adorn my walls alongside other more perhaps well-known artists' work!
July 15, 2020
This latest revamping of the classic monkey story by H A Rey has Curious George excited about an upcoming party. It's his birthday, only George, being a monkey, doesn't know that yet. Once again Yellow Hat tells CG to stay out of trouble with his insatiable curiosity. Famous.....last......words. Soon as Yellow Hat leaves for work, CG goes ape (of course! He's a monkey! Duh!) and keeps finding party streamers, party horns and chocolate cake icing, which he splatters everywhere in the kitchen! Now he has to get it clean before Yellow Hat comes home! Think fast, Georgie....GOT IT! Let the dogs inside to lick the floors spotless!!! Real creative, George! The Curious One continues to enchant, though on a lesser scale since H A Rey has passed on. No matter. Let George have his cake, and eat the icing too!
Three stars
Yo Georgie, it's yo birthday!
Three stars
Yo Georgie, it's yo birthday!
November 26, 2018
5/5!!
2003
Modern fantasy
K-3rd
This serious if books has always been an all time favorite of mine because of the main character George!
This book in particular is a short story that offers many words to a page that can be very helpful when it comes to sight words! The book offers tons of beginning words for students to start reading and the illustrations are perfect for applying context clues! This is a book I would keep on the bookshelf and use during literacy circles and mini lessons for reading aloud! The book offers short sentences that really help break up what’s occurring throughout the story to make it easier for beginning readers!
2003
Modern fantasy
K-3rd
This serious if books has always been an all time favorite of mine because of the main character George!
This book in particular is a short story that offers many words to a page that can be very helpful when it comes to sight words! The book offers tons of beginning words for students to start reading and the illustrations are perfect for applying context clues! This is a book I would keep on the bookshelf and use during literacy circles and mini lessons for reading aloud! The book offers short sentences that really help break up what’s occurring throughout the story to make it easier for beginning readers!
May 25, 2025
Curious George makes a mess of his house when the Man in the Yellow Hat turns his back to arrange a surprise birthday party for him. Maybe tMitYH should have just thrown him a birthday party without the surprise? He should know by now that he can't let George out of his sight without that monkey causing chaos.
Bill and Betsy from original Rey stories attend the party. So does Mrs. Needleman, whose existence confused me in "Curious George Rides a Train".
Bill and Betsy from original Rey stories attend the party. So does Mrs. Needleman, whose existence confused me in "Curious George Rides a Train".
September 27, 2025
"We're so proud of you for reading about Curious George! What a wonderful story about friendship and surprises. You learned that helping others plan special things makes everyone happy - just like George helped make the birthday party amazing.
You can use this idea when it's someone's birthday at school or when grandma visits. Maybe you could help mommy and daddy plan a surprise for someone special too!
Keep reading, little bookworm. You're getting so good at it!"
You can use this idea when it's someone's birthday at school or when grandma visits. Maybe you could help mommy and daddy plan a surprise for someone special too!
Keep reading, little bookworm. You're getting so good at it!"
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 1, 2026
The Man with the Yellow Hat, what a sneak! Makes this monkey decorate for his own party. Of course he vanished for most of the story. What is George to this man; an instrument of Chaos, a child of a neglectful father, is he waiting to see how long it will take George to go King Kong on the town who knows? But this man needs to be reported.
That said cute story, love when George shows his love for animals. I also believe that characters for other stories appear.
That said cute story, love when George shows his love for animals. I also believe that characters for other stories appear.
November 21, 2021
George was told by the man with the yellow hat, that he had a surprise planned, and would be busy preparing for it. George was curious as always, but heard the ice cream truck outside, and went to see what was happening. Later George made a big mess in the kitchen, after cleaning it up the man with the yellow hat returned and revealed the surprise.
March 27, 2019
I gave this book 5/5 because a classical Curious George book never really fails you. This story was quick and one of my daycare kids liked this one. The pictures were very colorful and George was silly and curious as always.
Reading Levels:
LEXILE - 490L
ATOS - 2.5
Traits:
Voice
Reading Levels:
LEXILE - 490L
ATOS - 2.5
Traits:
Voice
February 4, 2018
E loves the scene with the dogs cleaning up the kitchen.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 5, 2021
The Man in the Yellow Hat tells George that he is planning a surprise, but George is unable to resist getting into trouble and making a mess while he is waiting.
May 15, 2023
I liked how he a little bit tiny helped with the cake. Even though he made a mess, he was a good little monkey.
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July 4, 20267/4/26
June 23, 2017
This is another very silly and fun Curious George book. In this one our favorite monkey gets a party he pretty much plans himself without knowing. George doesn't know the party is his until he's the one who has to blow out the candles. Don't despair there will definitely be some trouble in this book too, Because what's a Curious George book without a bit of trouble? Happy Reading Families:)
December 11, 2014
This version of Curious George is one of my favorites. I love the storyline and how the man with the yellow hat introduces George to what birthdays are by throwing him a surprise party. This could definitely be useful when parents are introducing the idea of birthdays to young children. I also loved how the illustrations remain true to the originals.
May 2, 2012
I actually liked this better than the original story. Its cute and mischievous, without any of the less sensitive moments. And the best part is its a great introduction to birthdays or birthday parties. Wish I has this much sooner for Natalie.
July 11, 2015
This was a cute George book, he didn't know anything about birthday's or parties...however when the friend with the yellow hat tells him there will be a surprise and it ends up being George's birthday with all his friends he loves it! One of the better Curious George books, in my opinion.
July 30, 2010
I just want to know how they know when Curious George's birthday is.
August 22, 2012
What The Five-Year-Old Thought: "I like it. I love it bc Curious George's birthday and he got a birthday cake from the man in the yellow hat."
November 7, 2012
Celebrate Georges surprise birthday adventure in this amazing George book.
March 13, 2013
Never leave supplies out with a monkey around
October 10, 2013
Dr. office read. Emma enjoyed this so much it was ridiculous. Every time she saw the dogs she got so excited. She worked at them, patted them, and just loved them.
February 17, 2015
a smart monkey's birthday.
January 21, 2016
The man in the yellow hat share with George he is planning a surprise. George tries to uncover the surprise by exploring the house and discusses items for a party.
March 8, 2016
George gets a big surprise :)
May 15, 2016
Great classical Curious George story. I think this could be for kids of all ages. Excellent illustrations draw one's eyes to the print. It also can teach narrative skills with a good story line.
September 24, 2016
Just like the others this Curious George book is silly and will keep the kids interested and guessing what George will do next.
October 2, 2016
I'll love it. Buy it on nooooow!
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Get it I love it . curious George. Rocks. It so cool!:-) anyways I hope that you
Love my review.
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Get it I love it . curious George. Rocks. It so cool!:-) anyways I hope that you
Love my review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews