H. A. Rey

Mrs. Greene

Introduction

Not everyone recognizes the name H. A. Rey, but they do recognize his books. He is the author of the Curious George series. Even though his books are better known than he is, H. A. Rey lived an interesting life and his legacy will continue for generations.

Birth

Hans Augusto Rey was born in Hamburg, Germany in 1898.

Childhood.

One of his favorite pastimes was drawing the animals at Hagenbeck Zoo.

Becoming an author

Curious George made his debut in the first children’s book H. A. and Margaret Rey wrote, Cecily G. and the Nine Monkeys .

The book was called Raffy and the Nine Monkeys in France.

Curious George was published by Houghton Mifflin in 1941.

Escape

Both Margaret and H. A. were German Jews. Hitler was about to seize France.

H. A. made two bikes out of spare parts. They left Paris before dawn. Only a few hours later, Hitler stormed into Paris. The only items the Reys took were warm clothes, a little food, and five manuscripts. Of course, one of the manuscripts was Curious George.

H. A. and Margaret Rey

First books

Curious George

A movie was made in 2005.