"It feels ridiculous to be thinking about children’s books.”

Another day, another fascinating New York Times article found simply by typing "Children's Books" into Google News. This one, entitled "Monkey Business in a World of Evil," reviews the current Jewish Museum exhibit “Curious George Saves the Day: The Art of Margret and H. A. Rey” as well as telling the story behind the Curious George books.

Curious George is one of those characters who I think anyone and everyone would recognize. Everyone has either read these stories or been read them, or at least is familiar with who he is. I think there is even a live-action movie in the works. The seven Curious George books have sold over 30 million copies.

What many people may not know is the story of the creators of Curious George, the husband and wife team Margret and H.A. Rey. The Reys began their stories while they were taking refuge in a French chateau as World War II began, with H.A. writing to a friend, "it feels ridiculous to be thinking about children’s books.” Even so, their illustrations saved them more than once:

When suspicious villagers reported the strange couple in the old castle to the authorities, gendarmes searched the place for expected bomb-making material, but the studio with pictures of the mischievous monkey convinced them of the Reys’ innocence.

Apparently, Fifi/George served much the same function when, in more serious straits in June 1940, his creators fled Paris on bicycles Hans Rey built from parts. As Louise Borden described in her 2005 picture book, “The Journey That Saved Curious George,” they left two days before the Nazis entered Paris and rode 75 miles in three days. Their four-month journey on bicycle, train and boat led them to Lisbon, then to Rio de Janeiro and New York, the drawings offering proof of their occupations when they sought American visas.

Who knew Curious George was such a hero? I don't remember ever being to attached to these books, but I know I read them. Obviously, they are tremendously popular if their sales exceed 30 million. I loved this anecdote as well:

The Reys never had any children themselves, though many young readers may have pledged familial allegiance. Later in life, we read, Margret Rey told of a little boy who came to meet them, thinking they were the parents of Curious George. With “disappointment written all over his face,” the boy said, “I thought you were monkeys too.”

“Curious George Saves the Day: The Art of Margret and H. A. Rey” is on view through Aug. 1 at the Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Avenue, at 92nd Street; (212) 423-3200, thejewishmuseum.org.