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Curious George Board Books
Curious George: Are You Curious?
Introducing "Curious Are You Curious?" by H.A. Rey, a beloved children's book featuring the adventures of Curious George. Written by H.A. Rey, this hardcover edition was imported and published on January 1, 2004.
18 pages, Board book
First published January 1, 1941
1 person is currently reading
322 people want to read
About the author
H.A. Rey
595 books214 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 - 26 of 26 reviews
May 30, 2020
This is the first of the seven Curious George books produced by husband and wife team of Hans Augusto and Margaret Rey, although only Hans (the illustrator - Margaret was the writer) was initially credited with the work.
Being the first in the series the reader is introduced to George as a 'good little monkey and always curious' and then is shown what George can do.
He balances a ball on his head and feels happy, he blows a trumpet so that he can be loud, he is scared and cries when a bundle of balloons whips him off the ground, he is proud when he has won a medal and disports it in the mirror, he is dizzy when he spins round on the record turntable and he is sad when he goes to bed and cries.
He also does silly things and can occasionally be naughty and mischievous after which he needs time out! And more than anything else he is curious ... are you?
Being the first in the series the reader is introduced to George as a 'good little monkey and always curious' and then is shown what George can do.
He balances a ball on his head and feels happy, he blows a trumpet so that he can be loud, he is scared and cries when a bundle of balloons whips him off the ground, he is proud when he has won a medal and disports it in the mirror, he is dizzy when he spins round on the record turntable and he is sad when he goes to bed and cries.
He also does silly things and can occasionally be naughty and mischievous after which he needs time out! And more than anything else he is curious ... are you?
October 1, 2025
We are so proud of you for reading about Curious George! You learned something wonderful - that asking questions and being curious helps us discover amazing things about the world. Just like George, when you wonder "why" or "how," you learn and grow. Remember, sweetie, it's always okay to ask questions because that's how we become smarter! You worked so hard reading this book, and we love seeing you enjoy stories. Keep being curious, our little explorer!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 23, 2017
This works well with children who are changing stages of comprehension. It is short and the pictures are engaging if they are at that level, but as they start listening more the questions asked and pictures work well to reinforce the child's own emotions and connections. Sometimes you are naughty and need a time out.
December 30, 2017
Maybe I liked this one because my four-year-old niece answered all the questions aloud as I read. And at "Are you ever scared?" she giggled and said, "Of course."
March 3, 2019
Really liked this one. Colors of the pages really pop. Drawings are fun.
October 21, 2019
It was a good read.
April 14, 2020
Curious George the monkey is about an about in town meeting people and inquiring about stuff. Preschool and up
November 20, 2021
The question is poised to the reader, and most will see that just like George, they are just as curious as George is at times.
August 8, 2017
This books is not as some reviewers state one of the original 7 books attributed to H.A. Rey and his wife. It is available as a standalone board book or part of the 'Curious Gorge Box of Books' which contains the following titles:
Curious George's Opposites
Curious George's 1 to 10 and Back Again
Curious George's ABC's
Curious George's Are You Curious?
My youngest and I recently read this book through a number of times. The first time through I helped her a bit. Buy the third or fourth time through she was reading the whole book to me. I am not sure where my daughter picked up this board book edition. We have 2 copies of the complete Curious George at home, and I have read them to all three children and even my oldest has taken to reading it to the younger children.
This book fills a different niche. It is a simple board book with familiar characters , it helps to explain feelings and will give some children a greater context to be able to express themselves. It is a fun little book, and my daughter loves it.
The Original Stories by HA. Rey:
Curious George (1941)
Curious George Takes a Job (1947)
Curious George Rides a Bike (1952)
Curious George Gets a Medal (1957)
Curious George Flies a Kite (1958)
Curious George Learns the Alphabet (1963)
Curious George Goes to the Hospital (1966)
A Second Series of Books was released between 1984-1993 and were based on the Tv adventures. The newest incarnation The New Adventures of Curious George have been appearing since 1998.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More.
Curious George's Opposites
Curious George's 1 to 10 and Back Again
Curious George's ABC's
Curious George's Are You Curious?
My youngest and I recently read this book through a number of times. The first time through I helped her a bit. Buy the third or fourth time through she was reading the whole book to me. I am not sure where my daughter picked up this board book edition. We have 2 copies of the complete Curious George at home, and I have read them to all three children and even my oldest has taken to reading it to the younger children.
This book fills a different niche. It is a simple board book with familiar characters , it helps to explain feelings and will give some children a greater context to be able to express themselves. It is a fun little book, and my daughter loves it.
The Original Stories by HA. Rey:
Curious George (1941)
Curious George Takes a Job (1947)
Curious George Rides a Bike (1952)
Curious George Gets a Medal (1957)
Curious George Flies a Kite (1958)
Curious George Learns the Alphabet (1963)
Curious George Goes to the Hospital (1966)
A Second Series of Books was released between 1984-1993 and were based on the Tv adventures. The newest incarnation The New Adventures of Curious George have been appearing since 1998.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More.
March 27, 2008
My three year old and I read this at bedtime *along with several others*. I must say it's not my favourite Rey book. I appreciate the book relays a range of feelings to small children; however, not thrilled with the naughty page and subsequent time out - as this is a board book whose primary market is presumably the young toddler set? Do we really need to encourage naughty behaviour - don't they get into enough of that without assistance? Then again, he is a cheeky monkey! My youngest son seems to love this, so it shall certainly continue to be read in our house.
September 4, 2016
This is a good picture-board book to help your child understand his-her feelings. Each page has an illustration of George the monkey doing something that corresponds with his feelings and then askes something like "you ever feel sad" "you ever feel silly" etc.
February 2, 2008
My daughter likes all the Curious George books that we have. This one is not my favorite. I'm not sure how I feel about some of the language. In this book it asks if you are mischievious and naughty.
December 29, 2011
This book would be good if it weren't for the "Have you ever been naught so that you need a time out?" I don't believe in punishing children, and children who have parented consentually and with respect may very well find George sitting all alone on a bench very sad.
February 24, 2008
Adorable book about feelings.
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January 23, 2010I read this with both my children.
May 1, 2011
Part of a set we got for Christmas from Grandma Weezie.
August 8, 2011
If I had a nickel for every time we read this book at bedtime, I'd be a rich woman!
July 6, 2012
Part of a set we got for Christmas from Grandma Weezie.
August 16, 2012
Gift for my one year old, but oh so appropriate for my three year old!
April 19, 2013
Eli loves anything George related.
October 31, 2016
My first book
I love re-reading the books that I loved reading as a child, books like this and Charlotte's Web. I still remember my emotions
I love re-reading the books that I loved reading as a child, books like this and Charlotte's Web. I still remember my emotions
November 17, 2016
Sweet, cute little George!
December 10, 2016
I like the curious George show. Our toddler hasn't watched any. He couldn't much relate to the character or the illustrations. He quietly looked at the feelings of George while I read.
February 5, 2017
In Africa lived little monkey but he was very curious. One day a man with yellow hat come in the Africa and see little monkey . He wanted to take little monkey with him I the big city
December 27, 2025
Learn about feelings and emotions with Curious George.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
January 13, 2015This book has some nice pictures of a monkey.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews