Curious George Rides a Bike



Last updated Thursday, January 3, 2008

Author: H. A. Rey
Illustrator: Margaret Rey
Date of Publication: 2001
ISBN: 039516964X
Grade Level: 2nd    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Jan. 2008

Synopsis: From Amazon.com: When George sets off on his new bicycle, little does he know that he'll soon be delivering newspapers, building a navy of paper boats, and joining a circus! Originally published in 1952, this book is one of the best known and best-selling of all of the Curious George titles.

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  Do you know how to ride a bike?
•  Can monkeys ride bikes?
•  Have you ever seen that? Where could you see that? (Circus)
•  Do you have a pet? What kind of animal is it? What is its name?
•  What is the man giving George? Do you know how newspapers are delivered?
•  What does it mean to be curious?

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  Note: Almost everything George does is either unsafe or a bad idea. As you are reading, stop and ask the children if they would do what George is doing.
•  Can you ride your bike without hands? Is it safe to ride your bike like this?
•  What does it mean to be proud?
•  Should you talk to strangers in the street?
•  Count the ducks on pages 14 and 15.
•  What is a fleet? Why is it a bad idea for George to make a fleet of boats out of newspaper?
•  Is George watching where he is riding his bike? (Pg 21) Can you see the ant warning him? What could happen to George if he doesn't look where he's going?
•  What kind of animals are there (page 30 and 31)? Have you ever seen these types of animals?
•  What do you think the bugle in the ostrich sounded like? Make sounds like the ostrich.
•  Have you ever gotten in trouble and had to sit by yourself? How did that make you feel?
•  What is an emergency? What do you do in an emergency? Who can you ask for help?

Craft ideas:
•  Make the boat out of newspaper. First make a newspaper hat and then follow the directions on how to turn it into a boat on page 18. You can draw and cut out ducks and/or George and put them in the boat. (Bring ahead your own newspaper)
•  Make a baby bear in the bag (page 40). Fold a piece of paper in half and cut out the shape of the newspaper bag. Glue the sides. With another piece of paper cut out the baby bear and put it in the bag.

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!