For 75 years, children have been captivated by “Curious George.” Much is known about “George,” but little is know about his creators. The lived of Margret and H.A. Rey are as interesting as the little monkey they created-if not more so. This presentation will examine their lived- telling of their lives in Hamburg, Germany, as well as the journeys that brought them to the United States. The de Grummond Children’s Literature Collection at The University of Southern Mississippi holds the Rey’s literary archive, containing diaries, correspondence, autobiographical sketches, original illustrations, audio and video tapes, and their creative process.
Training and experience as a librarian, educator, grant writer, and instructor of children’s literature gives me the background for my topic. Currently serving as the Curator of the de Grummond Children’s Literature Collection with the University of Southern Mississippi Libraries.