And always very curious

Nov. 11, 2010

For the last few years, the main television show in our house has been Curious George, who is (as you may well know) a “good little monkey, and always very curious”.  I am thankful to Ron Howard for directing a show that has been so easy for me to love (as parent and as a connoisseur of plot) and so helpful for Owen.  Curious George is indeed very curious, but he is also genuine and never mean-spirited.  The antagonist is never scary, but rather is often his own naiveté or inexperience.  Since Owen had been able to talk, we have referenced Curious George as we attempt to explain all sorts of tough concepts–from leverage to metamorphosis. 

I knew that someday Owen would outgrow Curious George, if nothing else because we have seen every episode multiple times.  George is still a great comfort to Owen, and to be truthful, to me too.  Just yesterday, though, on the way to school, Owen asked from the back seat:  “Mama, what is cynicism?”  I found myself referencing his new favorite show, Phineas and Ferb, to explain the difference between cynicism and optimism.  And it worked.  I don’t think Curious George has much to say about cynicism, and I’m glad.  And I’m also glad that Phineas and Ferb are the older, human versions of that curious monkey.  If George has to be replaced, Phineas and Ferb seemed poised to take up where he left off, with their happy adventures, their curious optimism, and their enthusiasm. 

Thanks, George, for being such a big part of our house for these past few years.  And has anyone seen Perry?

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