photo credit: Mouse via photopin cc

When I was a child my sister and I would lay in our parents’ bed reading Curious George, together. I remember. I can visualize the feety pajamas we were wearing, and still hear the silly laughter as we responded to Curious George’s adventures. The man with the yellow hat had an influence on me then as he does today, now, with my own children and many other children and families. I have a vivid recollection of the yellow book; it was a hardcover copy. Don’t ask me how these memories of yesteryear were suddenly unlocked in my subconscious but they were unrolling and rapidly releasing little emotional tidbits all day. In fact, I enjoy remembering and writing about them as well as thinking about my sister, my family, and how this all relates to my life today, and my littles.

This morning, my almost 2 year old son and I attended a wonderful event promoting and premiering two incredible episodes of Curious George’s newest adventures one of which take place in the beautiful Australian outback. Both the “Monkey Down Under” and “Bright Lights, Little Monkey” were enjoyable and educational (two essential components). Since my son is not verbal yet, I clued into his behavior during the premiere. First of all, he is an active child; however, he remained calm, relaxed, focused, and on my lap during the episodes. When it ended, he frantically started signing “more, more, more.” Looking back at me, eyes wide open with a full smile, he continued signing “more, more, more” again and again, expecting it to start over. Lights on. Applause. Disappointed that it was actually over, my son immediately went back to his typically active self and wanted to move and play. If that’s not a glowing endorsement of Curious George and PBS Kids then I don’t know what else could he could have done to be more decisive about his feelings for George and his new adventures. My son loved the new episodes as did I. I also appreciate that Curious George appeals to children of various ages and adults alike. Thanks George, that’s most certainly a difficult task.

Here are a few specifics that deserve applaud (in my humble opinion):

“Monkey Down Under” and “Bright Lights, Little Monkey” introduces young children not only to math and science but varied vocabulary words, interesting animals, different places, an exciting musical instrument called the DIDJERIDU, the excitement of discovering shooting starts, and finally creating a fun and practical flashlight communication system. If you are curious about what I am referring to then you and your family will have to tune into PBS Kids starting Monday, December 3rd through Wednesday, December 5th, 2012 to learn for yourself about George’s newest adventures with Bindi Irwin and so many others. Excited and can’t wait, then check out George’s adventures by watching the trailer below.

Curious George is timeless, and PBS Kids and all the writers and producers should be commended for keeping this adorable little monkey, the man with the yellow hat, and all of their friends likeable, intelligent, playful, and educational. Keep up the great work, and congratulations on your seventh season.

Photograph Credit: Lollie at the Fortuitous Housewife, http://www.fortuitoushousewife.com/ – Thank you!

SIDE NOTE | POST PREMIERE:
My 4 year old daughter was at school this morning so I did not tell her about our exciting adventures to see Curious George post-preschool drop off. This afternoon, I ended up showing my daughter the photographs of her brother and I with Curious George. She gasped. She sighed. She quickly inquired, “What? What is that? Where are you? What are you doing? When was this?” I waited to respond. Explaining, I told her what we did; her disappointment immediately surfaced. Although my daughter understood it was a school day, she also recognized that she missed something (that she told me she did not want to miss). My little Love Bug proved to be patient and understanding, and after reading Curious George: Dinosaur Tracks together (multiple times), I allowed her to watch the promotional DVD (thank you 360PR and PBS Kids). Before the closing credits, she quickly and enthusiastically reported back to me, ever-so-loudly: I LOVE GEORGE. Sweet, sweet double endorsement from my littles. There you have it folks, my children LOVE CURIOUS GEORGE. There’s no denying it.

Photograph Credit: Lollie at the Fortuitous Housewife, http://www.fortuitoushousewife.com/ – Thank you!

DISCLOSURE:The expressed opinions about this premier are my own and they are not unduly influenced by any outside sources. Thank you.

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