I think it’s safe to say that Curious George and Winnie-the-Pooh are two of the most famous animal characters in children’s literature and their illustrations are instantly recognizable. What you may not know is that both characters have dramatic wartime backstories. Here are two picture books that let you see behind the scenes.
The Journey that Saved Curious George: The True Wartime Escape of Marget and H.A. Rey by Louise Borden, illustrated by Allan Drummond (Clarion Books, 2005)
This 70-page picture book biography recounts the lives of the authors of Curious George, H.A. Rey (1898-1977) and Marget Rey (1906-1996). Part one (“Two Artists”) begins with their childhoods in Germany, then moving to Brazil, then Paris, and writing picture books. Part two (“Escape from Paris”) focuses on their escape from the Nazis. The writing is detailed and dramatic, capturing the chaos in France as people fled and showing all the paperwork and money needed to escape.
Although it’s a long picture book, the text is presented as free verse with headings. The varied illustrations include ink and coloured sketches, photographs, and reproductions of some of the Reys’ illustrations. The book ends with two author’s notes, one about Louise Borden’s research and one on what happened after the Reys escaped to Brazil and then New York City. There is also list of books written/illustrated by the Reys. Recommended for ages 7 to 10.
Finding Winnie: The True Story of the World’s Most Famous Bear by Lindsay Mattick, illustrated by Sophie Blackall (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2015)
After Harry Colebourn, a veterinarian from Winnipeg, enlisted for World War I, he found a black bear cub on a train platform in White River, Ontario. He bought her for $20, named her “Winnie,” took her to England with him, and eventually gave her to the London Zoo. This bear was visited by A.A. Milne and Christopher Robin and of course inspired the famous character Winnie-the-Pooh. (Read more in this post.)
This picture book has an interesting frame narrative, as the author tells the story of Winnie to her son (the great-great-grandson of Harry Colebourne). The book has gentle illustrations and ends with a six-page album of photographs and diary with typewritten captions. Recommended for ages 4 to 8.