Margret Elizabeth Rey (May 16, 1906 – December 21, 1996) was a German-born, Jewish-descended writer and illustrator best known as the co-creator of the Curious George series of children's picture books. Working closely with her husband, H. A. Rey, she helped produce a long-running collection of stories distinguished by simple, direct prose and lively line drawings.

Early life and background

Margret Rey was born in Germany and spent her early years in a German cultural context before the rise of Nazism. Her family background and European upbringing shaped her early education and artistic interests. As political conditions in Europe deteriorated in the 1930s, Margret and her future husband left the continent; their migration and resettlement were formative episodes in their lives and careers. Readers interested in the Reys' origins may consult sources that describe their German roots and later identity as American authors.

Meeting H. A. Rey and escape from Europe

Margret met Hans Augusto Rey while the two were living abroad. They were together in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil during a period when many artists and intellectuals sought refuge from the threat of Nazism. The Reys' departure from Europe, and the dramatic circumstances under which early drafts and sketches of their signature character were evacuated, form a notable part of their shared biography.

Creation and publication of Curious George

Beginning around 1939, Margret and H. A. Rey developed the character Curious George, a mischievous, inquisitive monkey whose adventures emphasized curiosity, learning, and consequence. The Reys jointly shaped text and image: their books are known for economical language, episodic structure, and approachable illustrations that support early literacy. The original series of picture books was created and published over several decades, and the pair collaborated closely on storylines, design, and artwork.

Style, themes, and audience

The Reys favored short sentences, clear narration, and a gentle humor that appealed to young readers and caregivers alike. Recurrent themes include exploration, problem solving, friendship, and the sometimes unexpected results of curiosity. Educators and librarians have long used the books as tools for introducing narrative sequencing and cause-and-effect thinking to children.

Legacy and influence

  • Curious George became a cultural touchstone, adapted into radio, television, film, stage, and educational materials, and remains widely read in homes and schools.
  • Margret Rey is remembered for her partnership with H. A. Rey and for contributing to a body of work that helped define mid-20th-century picture books.
  • The Reys' personal history of exile and resettlement adds historical resonance to their creative achievements.

Margret Rey continued to be associated with the books long after their first publication, and she and her husband maintained archival materials and correspondence that later became resources for scholars and curators. Their work is represented in library collections and retrospective exhibitions that explore children's literature, illustration, and immigrant artists.

For readers seeking additional information about Margret Rey's life, collaborations, and the publication history of Curious George, consult biographical studies, library special collections, and dedicated museum exhibits. The Reys are often discussed in contexts that cover European émigré artists, mid-century American children's publishing, and the cultural history of illustrated books for young audiences.

Selected references and further reading are available in many public and academic libraries and through curated online collections; some resources emphasize the Reys' early years in Europe, their time in Rio de Janeiro, and their broader contributions as American children's authors. Additional archival material may be found via institutional catalogs and specialized repositories that document the Reys' correspondence, drafts, and artwork, and that note their responses to the rise of Nazism and their subsequent relocation. Researchers may also follow institutional links to obtain digitized items and exhibition information using library finding aids and catalog entries linked to the Reys' papers (German background, H. A. Rey, children's literature).

Margret Rey's work endures through continued publication of the original volumes and their presence in childhood reading. Her contribution to a collaborative creative practice with H. A. Rey remains an important chapter in the history of picture books and early-reader literature.