For, in the story, he included step-by-step directions for how to make the boats George put into the river. Not only would we hope our daughters would be curious and self-directed enough to experiment in such a way, but we suspect Curious George’s creator, H.A. In one of the classics, Curious George Rides a Bike, George, shirks his paper route duties to play in a nearby river, deciding to fold the undelivered newspapers, origami-style, into boats and set them sail. He may get himself into trouble, but he always learns something and makes friends along the way.

He is personable, optimistic, self-directed, persistent and, of course, curious.

Although a dubious role model, Curious George has many qualities we would love for our kids to emulate.