Curious George Withstands the Test of Time and Technology

Without glitz, glamour, fuss or fanfare, Curious George has withstood the test of time. Curious George has proven that curiosity prevails as an ideal educational tool. While other characters have come and gone, Curious George is one of the few who has consistently educated and entertained people throughout his adventures. Whether at the library, in a classroom or at bedtime, he has enriched the lives of children worldwide with books in 14 different languages by making reading and learning both fun and exciting. Children can relate to Curious George because like him, they are eager to learn, they love adventure and are constantly curious!

Today many children are brought up in front of the television, surfing the Internet or playing computer games. Curious George offers a different way of thinking and learning through stories that inspire adventure and through traditional games and toys that spark creativity and encourage interaction. Parents find comfort in knowing that by spending time with their child and a Curious George adventure, they are doing something beneficial for that child.

"In the wake of today's high-speed and hectic pace, there is tremendous value in spending quality time with children. Whether it's reading, piecing a puzzle together or creating a homespun adventure, time is a precious investment in a parent/child relationship that can foster creativity," says Tim Rothwell, senior vice president, licensing, merchandising and retail development, USCPG. "Given Curious George's strong family appeal, we are proud to support such an important character."

Along with the well-known book collection, Curious George has also inspired the minds of young kids and adults through toys that encourage children to learn, create and interact. Kids can learn to spell with the Curious George Scrabble Jr. Game, enjoy hours of entertainment with the Curious George Circus Train Set, create their own puppet shows with Curious George plush and hand puppets, along with a host of classic wooden toys, blocks, puzzles coloring and activity books, as well as arts and crafts.

The educational aspects of Curious George have not gone unnoticed. An extensive in-school curriculum is in place in a number of schools around the country. Teachers use Curious George and his imagination to excite kids about learning and to help them learn through curiosity.

In honor of Curious George's 60th anniversary, USCPG together with some of their promotional partners are hosting events and sponsorships throughout this year. MasterCard's popular "Priceless" ads highlighted the value of a parent and child reading a Curious George story together. A very special Curious George traveling exhibit entitled "Celebrating 60 Years of Curious George: The Art of H.A. and Margret Rey" kicks off at the Children's Museum of Manhattan this month, and a special anniversary edition of The Complete Adventures of Curious George has just been published.

Created by H.A. and Margret Rey and first published in 1941 by Houghton Mifflin, Curious George has endeared himself to generations of children and adults. Curious George is the world's most beloved, adventurous monkey with an insatiable curiosity that lands him in one humorous predicament after another. Through amazing ingenuity, a bit of luck and some help from his guardian, the Man with the Yellow Hat, Curious George emerges from every escapade unscathed and wiser. But like most curious children, Curious George can never quite resist the opportunity to take on one more adventure.

Universal Studios Consumer Products Group is a unit of Universal Studios (), a part of CANAL+, the TV and Film division of Vivendi Universal, a new global leader in media and communications.

Curious George and related characters, created by Margret and H.A. Rey, are copyrighted and trademarked by Houghton Mifflin Company and used under license. Licensed by Universal Studios Licensing, Inc. All rights reserved.

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