Keep Curious and Carry a Banana

February 1, 2016
In a project reminiscent of Everything I Need to Know I Learned From a Little Golden Book, Martin and Charlesworth deliver a book of wisdom inspired by the Curious George stories. Rey’s images from various Curious George books appear throughout, paired with brief, generic truisms relating to daily life. “Unlock the potential in others,” the authors write as George releases a pen full of pigs; as George crosses a telephone wire, readers are advised that “Life can be a high-wire act—the trick is keeping your balance.” It’s a book most likely to find a home as a gift purchase for graduates and adults, though the enjoyment mostly derives from the playful charm of Rey’s artwork, rather than anything the text contributes. Ages 12–up.