by Donna Teresa
The abundance of quality, classic children’s literature has graced our lives for generations. I am grateful for the authors who today, continue to keep that flame going and remind us that having an imagination is nothing to be ashamed of. Regardless of how old you are, you remember those books and they will always have a special place in your heart. So many books have special meanings. The messages may be obvious, some transparent to many of us. For the authors that write these books, the entire story is not the book you hold in your hand, but another story that began long before the final product.
Author Louise Borden and illustrator Allan Drummond created a remarkable book in 2005, "The Journey That Saved Curious George: The True Wartime Escape of Margret and H.A. Rey." It is the inspiring story of the German-born, Jewish artists who were living in France at the outbreak of World War II. With Adolph Hitler’s invasion of Paris, the Reys made a harrowing escape by bicycle. Taking few belongings with them, they managed to escape with their treasured drawings and manuscripts of what would eventually become the most famous mischievous monkey in children’s literature.
The book chronicles their journey from their life in Paris and their narrow escape right before the Nazi’s seized control of the city. Included in the book are archived materials, diaries, photographs, train ticket stubs, letters and cards.
The Reys were fortunate to have safely left France and made their way to America on Oct. 14, 1940. They landed in the New York Harbor in view of the Statue of Liberty, a symbol of freedom that was given to the United States by France as a gesture of friendship. A year after arriving in America, their first book was published, "Fifi" was now "Curious George" and the Reys would become famous. The Curious George books have been translated into more than 14 languages and have sold more than 27 million copies.
The Reys became American citizens on April 8, 1946 and lived in New Hampshire, New York and Massachusetts. H.A. Rey died in Boston on Aug. 26, 1977, and his beloved Margret died on Dec. 21, 1996. They left behind a legacy in their extraordinary contribution to children’s literature and to the many causes that supported children and animals.
Although published more than 60 years ago, the Curious George books continue to enchant readers of all ages. Whether on television or in a book, my favorite line has always been "George was curious …" I enjoy reading the George books to children. I love the thrill they get anticipating the trouble George gets himself into. For me, Curious George brings back a time when life was simple and uncomplicated. I wish I could say that in today’s world, life was uncomplicated for our young people. Perhaps that is why he remains a favorite with young people to this day. They may be young, but they also search for a peaceful escape and a chance to laugh and enjoy a good, simple book.
I dedicate this to the Reys, to George and his friend — the man with the yellow hat — who never grow old in my mind, because I refuse to let them. And I dedicate this to those who had the courage to make their own brave escape during the war and to all the World War II vets who liberated so many people. My own personal hope is that the world will finally find an end to all wars and human suffering and hate.
Donna Teresa can be reached at donnateresa@sbcglobal.net
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