Co-creator of the beloved children's book series Curious George, bringing joy and curiosity to young readers worldwide with endearing illustrations and stories. Iconic character's adventures have become a cultural phenomenon.
H. A. Rey, born Hans Augusto Reyersbach, was a renowned German-American illustrator and author, best known for creating the beloved children's book series about Curious George, alongside his wife Margret Rey.
Hans Augusto Reyersbach was born on September 16, 1898, in Hamburg, German Empire. He met his future wife, Margret, at her sister's 16th birthday party in Hamburg, and they reconnected in Brazil, where Rey was working as a salesman of bathtubs. They married in 1935 and moved to Paris, France, where they lived in the artistic hub of Montmartre.
In June 1940, as the Nazi occupation of Paris loomed, the Reys fled the city on bicycles, carrying the Curious George manuscript with them. This daring escape, undertaken just hours before the Nazi invasion, would become a defining moment in their lives and careers.
In Paris, Rey's animal drawings caught the attention of a French publisher, who commissioned him to write a children's book. The characters in Cecily G. and the Nine Monkeys included an impish monkey named Curious George, and the couple soon decided to create a book focused entirely on him.
The outbreak of World War II interrupted their work, but the Reys persevered, and their odyssey took them to Bayonne, France, where they were issued lifesaving visas. They crossed the Spanish border, bought train tickets to Lisbon, and eventually made their way to New York, where the first Curious George book was published in 1941 by Houghton Mifflin.
The Curious George series has since become a beloved classic, with over 75 titles published worldwide. The Reys' collaborative work has been translated into numerous languages, entertaining and educating children across the globe.
The Reys' work embodies a philosophy of curiosity, exploration, and empathy. Through Curious George, they encouraged children to ask questions, explore their surroundings, and learn from their mistakes.
"I think children's books should be full of imagination, humor, and a sense of adventure."
Throughout their careers, the Reys remained committed to inspiring creativity and joy in children, leaving behind a legacy that continues to enchant and educate new generations of readers.
Born in 1906
Creator of the beloved Curious George children's book series, bringing joy and curiosity to generations of young readers.
98 Years Old
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Award-winning author and illustrator of imaginative children's books, including "Jumanji" and "The Polar Express", which have been adapted into beloved films.
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Creator of colorful, collage-style children's books that teach valuable lessons, such as counting, sharing, and growing up. His iconic illustrations have become synonymous with early childhood education.
Born in 1910
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76 Years Old
Creator of beautifully illustrated children's books, often featuring animals in intricate settings, with a distinctive style that has captivated readers of all ages. Her work has become synonymous with winter wonderlands and festive storytelling.
