Curious George, the mischievous monkey who goes on all sorts of adventures, began delighting children's book readers in 1941. Created by a husband-and-wife team of animal lovers, George was often accompanied on his escapades by his faithful friend, the man in the yellow hat. His adventures have sold more than twenty million copies worldwide and inspired a line of toys, clothes, and greeting cards.

Hans Augusto (H. A.) Rey (1898–1977) was a talented German illustrator who spent many days visiting the local zoo as child. His wife Margaret (1908–1996), also an animal lover, was a writer. Together they ran a successful advertising business in the 1930s. Hoping to work together on a children's book, the couple created Curious George just as World War II (1939–45) was breaking out across Europe. In fact, when Germany invaded France in 1940, the authors reportedly had to flee Paris on bicycles with their manuscripts for...