Monkey Business: The Adventures of Curious George's Creators

Parents need to know that Monkey Business: The Adventures of Curious George's Creators is a documentary that uses interviews, archival footage, and animation to tell the story of Hans and Margret Rey, German artists who escaped the Nazi occupation of Paris in 1940. Their grand creation -- Curious George -- is a curious, funny little monkey who has graced the pages of storybooks and delighted children for more than half a century. The Reys' true tale is handled in a gentle, positive way. Making the story even more accessible, charming animation by artist Jacob Kafka is superimposed on the newsreel film, so that young audiences see Hans and Margret as cartoon heroes amid the crowds. In spite of the horrors of European wartime and occupation, the film can serve as a manageable introduction to the rise of Nazism and onset of World War II. There are no frightening or graphic scenes, no atrocities shown or referenced. Still, expect some shots of bombs falling, the aftermath of battles, and Hitler leading his followers. Much of the actual footage focuses on the exodus of citizens from the city. For middle grades and up, the film is recommended for family viewing and should provide ample opportunity for discussion of a critical historical era, as well as a celebration of two unique people whose life journey left an indelible mark on children's literature.