The Story of Curious George

Curious George stories about a very loveable monkey that seems to always get into mischief are loved by both children and adults, thanks to George's spirit of adventure and openness to learning about the world around him. Never a dull moment in the books, George lets his curiosity take control and sometimes creates a little chaos. When George seems to be getting a little too out of control, his dear friend ‘Man in the Yellow Hat' is always nearby to help George out of a pickle and to learn valuable lessons. Since the series debut over 90 years ago, caregivers have been eager to share the tales of Curious George to help kids remember to stay children as long as possible and to stay hungry for knowledge.

The Authors

Hans Augusto and Margaret Rey were illustrators and writers living in Paris in the late 1930s. Their first book Raffy and the 9 Monkeys was a success in Paris. Shortly after that book release, the couple decided to spin off and create more children’s books focused on the youngest monkey, Fifi. While these books were being written and published, Hitler was growing stronger and taking over larger parts of Europe. Both Hans and Margaret were German Jews who felt their safety was at risk, so they fled to New York City along with just the coats on their backs — and five manuscripts, including one about Fifi. In New York City, the couple met with publishers who fell in love with the stories of Fifi, but felt that Fifi was not a normal name for a male monkey and instead suggested George. Hans and Margaret agreed to the name change, and the rest is history. 

Curious George Foundation

Both authors have passed away, but the love and memory of Curious George live on in their books and memory. The Curious George Foundation was established in 1989, and it provides monetary donations to programming for children that share in the loveable traits that George possesses – ingenuity, determination, and curiosity of learning in the world around him. Many programs that have been funded have been focused on helping animals through preservation and stopping animal cruelty. 

Curious George lives on in his exploration through the big and small screens. You can find Curious George on the small screen at PBS and watch over nine seasons of exploration and adventure anytime you like. Also, check out the animated movie adventure featuring Will Ferrell and Drew Barrymore.

No matter your age, everyone reading or watching Curious George can see a little part of themselves in George’s antics. As George gets into trouble and ‘The Man in the Yellow Hat’ helps George out, one can’t help but laugh and remember a time when they to fell into some childhood mischief and received some help from family.

Keep the laughter and mischief alive by shopping for one of our Curious George graphic tees here.