Why We Chose This Book - The Journey that Saved Curious George

Everyone loves Curious George, including the PJ Our Way Book Selection Committee, so we were delighted to receive a book about George’s Jewish ‘parents’, the author-illustrator team Margarete and Hans Reyersbach, better known as H.A. and Margret Rey. The Journey that Saved Curious George by Louise Borden tells the story of how the German-Jewish couple fled the Nazis, escaped from Paris on a homemade bicycle, and eventually arrived safely in the United States, all the while carrying with them their manuscript about a mischievous monkey.

When we read The Journey that Saved Curious George we knew immediately that it would be a great book for our lineup. This tale of the couple’s escape contains only mild danger of the type you’d find in a kids’ adventure story, and the simple narrative style and charming watercolor illustrations reminiscent of H.A. Rey’s are just right for our 8- and 9-year-old subscribers.

Although this is a quick and easy read, the book has something for everyone. Its many fascinating photos, letters, and diary entries will give older children – and parents! -- scope to delve into the story in greater depth. Whether kids choose to read the text quickly or linger over the details, the book works well for a wide range of interests and reading abilities.

A true story with adventure and Curious George. What could be better?