Cecily G. and the 9 Monkeys: Original Illustration by H. A. Rey

An original book illustration from Cecily G. and the 9 Monkeys (Rafi et les 9 singes [1939]) by H. A. Rey features the accommodating Cecily Giraffe assisting a family of nine monkeys in making an island crossing. One of these monkeys would go on to become Curious George in subsequent books. Far below, two fish observe the proceedings with obvious pleasure, just as we do.

"Do you want to get across?"
H. A. Rey
Original book illustration
Cecily G. and the 9 Monkeys, 1939

H. A. Rey
Swann GalleriesIllustration Art, December 6, 2018
Sale 2495 Lot 40
Hammer Price $14,000

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Erica's Copy of Cecily G. and the 9 Monkeys by H. A. Rey

Cecily G. and the 9 Monkeys (1939) by H. A. Rey represents the first appearance in print of the monkey today known as Curious George. A delightful copy of the fourteenth printing of the American edition (1942) signed and inscribed by the author with a  pen and color pencil drawing of a giraffe failed to find a buyer at Bonhams New York last year. Possibly the robust $2,000 to $3,000 auction estimate kept otherwise-interested bidders away. The drawing is inscribed "To Erica." The German-born H. A. Rey started to use the German spelling Erika before attempting to turn the k into a c.

Inscribed "To Erica/with best wishes/H. A. Rey"
with a drawing of a giraffe

H. A. Rey
Bonhams Sale December 5, 2018
Bought In

https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/24899/lot/216/?category=list&length=10&page=22

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