This is George. He is a good little monkey and always very curious. “Today is a special day,” the man with the yellow hat told George at breakfast. “I have a surprise planned and a lot to do to get ready. You can help me by staying out of trouble.” George was happy to help.
Later, while George was looking out the window and being very good, he heard some enjoyable music. It was coming from an ice cream truck! George watched as a whole line of children enjoyed eating ice cream. It looked like fun. But when the ice cream truck moved on, George forgot all about staying out of trouble and went to have some fun.
In the living room George found noisemakers— and hats— and games! Were they a part of his friend’s surprise? He found some balloons and colored tissues. He wanted to do something— Decorating was easy for a little monkey! Still, George was curious about the surprise. And what was that good smell coming from the kitchen! George followed his nose.
Mmm! It was a cake and it looked delicious. All it needed was designing. George had seen his friend designing cakes before. But today his friend was busy. Maybe George could help. He could design the cake himself! First, George put a little cream and chocolate in the mixing bowl. Then he turned the mixer on. But when George tried to stop the mixer, it only went faster and faster and faster! And suddenly the cream flew everywhere.
Poor George! He didn’t mean to make such a mess. He had only wanted to help. Now how could he clean up the kitchen! Just then George heard the music again. The ice cream truck was coming back up the street and George had an idea. Quickly he opened up the door— and invited in all of the dogs. In a short time, the kitchen was as clean as before.
When the dogs finished their snack, George took them back outside. The ice-cream truck was still there and so was his friend. “George!” said the man with the yellow hat. “I’ve been looking for you. It’s time for your surprise!” George had found hats, games, decorations, and a cake. He was curious. Was the surprise a party?
Yes, it was a party! George was happy to see all of his friends. They were happy to see George, too. “What great decorations,” Bill said. “A lot of presents!” said Betsy. “Why don’t you play some games with the guests, George?” the man with the yellow hat suggested. “I have one more thing to do.” When George’s friend came back, he was carrying a cake covered in candles. This wasn’t just a party. It was a birthday party! But George was still curious. Whose birthday was that? He watched to see who would blow out the candles.
Then the man with the yellow hat put the cake down right in front of George. That was a surprise! It was George’s birthday. The party was for him! Everyone sang “Happy birthday!” Then George took a deep breath— and made a wish. “Happy birthday, Curious George!”
5.1. George liked to help people.