Curious George

Book review by Mary Dixon Weidler, Common Sense Media
Curious George Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 3+

Michievous monkey's antics will have kids laughing.

H. A. Rey Adventure 1973
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Parents say

age 8+

Based on 5 reviews

Kids say

age 4+

Based on 11 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this book.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Curious George is the first book in a series that's been popular for generations and has spawned an animated TV show and apps. George's antics will have kids laughing. The writing is simple and direct, and the art is charming in this adventure tale, first published in 1941. Some kids may be a little troubled by George's sad expression when he's whisked away from his jungle home -- as well as when he lands in jail for accidentally calling the fire department. Parents will want to reassure them that they won't get locked up for minor infractions.

Community Reviews

mrsLiz
mrsLiz Adult
December 8, 2020
age 18+

Allegory in favor of slavery.

A white man goes and takes a brown sentient being from Africa, brings him to America, and makes it assimilate and punishes it when is makes mistakes. Sound familiar? Curious George is an allegory in favor of slavery. My daughter received it as a baby. I read it to her once and was appalled it was still in circulation. No thank you.

This title has:

Too much violence
1 person found this helpful.
Abigail Z.
Abigail Z. Adult
June 5, 2022
age 10+

Avoid colonialism for kids

We removed the book from our home and don’t watch the show because I feel it desensitizes our kids to the historically violent mistreatment of both humans and animals that happened on the African continent by explorers, colonizers and slave traders. Explaining the Curious George origin story to my 5 yr old son, he was appalled because his other shows teach him proper care of animals. He clearly sees how kidnapping an animal is not acceptable even if they seem to “have fun” later on.
See all 5 parent reviews

What's the Story?

What happens when you take a curious monkey out of the jungle and set him loose in the big city? When the monkey is Curious George, the answer is chaos ... and a whole lot of fun! It's one adventure after another until he is arrives happily at the zoo.

Is It Any Good?

George's insatiable curiosity -- and children's understanding of what could go wrong -- make this book such a fun read. This classic from 1941 has been criticized in recent times for seeming to condone colonialism, as it portrays the white Man in the Yellow Hat taking George from the African jungle to the big city with intentions of "civilizing" him.

Author-illustrator H. A. Rey takes care to fill every other page with a colorful cartoon-like drawing. One outstanding picture shows an aerial view of George holding balloons and floating over the city. However, sometimes a series of thumbnail pictures appears on one page and can confuse young children.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how George keeps getting into trouble. Why do you think he does?

  • What other George stories have you read or seen on TV? Why do kids love him so much?

  • Why is George in such serious trouble after the fire-station incident? What would happen if you accidentally summoned a fire truck in real life?

Book Details

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