HATTIESBURG – With the children’s book character Curious George gaining renewed fame with the recent release of his own movie, the staff at the University of Southern Mississippi’s de Grummond Children’s Literature Collection believe now is a good time to show off its collection of artifacts depicting the famous monkey.

The “Curious George Goes Hollywood” party is set to for Saturday, Feb. 25 on the second floor of Cook Library at the university’s Hattiesburg campus from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Refreshments will be served. Parents are urged to bring their children for a visit and a camera to take pictures with the collection’s large Curious George doll.

The party will also feature readings of selections from Curious George books by celebrity guests, including WDAM-TV’s Colleen Donovan and Brenda Parker; Hattiesburg Public School teacher Paul Van Zandt; and Southern Miss President Dr. Shelby Thames, among others.

“We’re excited about this renewed interest in Curious George,” said de Grummond Collection curator Ellen Ruffin.

When the de Grummond Collection was founded in 1966, H.A. and Margret Rey, the creators of Curious George, were among its earliest contributors. Featured on the cover of the exhibit’s catalog is a drawing of George bringing his books and pictures to Hattiesburg, with the title “Curious George Comes to Hattiesburg: The Life and Work of H.A. and Margret Rey.”

H. A. drew the cover illustration on the letter to Lena Y. de Grummond telling her of his intention to send the Collection some of his original work. More materials were added over the years, and in 1996, upon the death of Margret, the remaining literary estate was given to the Collection.

“This is a great opportunity for local fans of Curious George, young and old alike, to enjoy this special collection,” said Peggy Price, head of special collections for University Libraries.

For more information about this event, call the de Grummond Collection at 601.266.4349.

Curious George

Click to enlarge

Last updated: 02/21/06