Curious George 2: Follow That Monkey! Parent Guide
TL;DR: Curious George 2: Follow That Monkey! is a rare "safe bet" sequel. It’s gentle, colorful, and replaces the frantic energy of modern "brain rot" content with a sweet story about empathy. It’s perfect for the 2-6 age range when you need 80 minutes of peace without worrying about jump scares or questionable "influencer" behavior.
- Best for: Preschoolers and early elementary (Ages 2-6)
- Themes: Empathy, homesickness, persistence, and friendship
- Where to watch: Usually available on Peacock, or for digital rental/purchase
- Pairs well with: Curious George (the TV show) and Bluey
If you survived the toddler years, you’re likely already well-acquainted with the Man in the Yellow Hat (Ted) and his impulsive, non-verbal primate roommate. While the first Curious George movie from 2006 felt like a big-budget theatrical event (complete with that iconic Jack Johnson soundtrack), the 2009 sequel, Follow That Monkey!, feels a bit more like a high-quality, extended version of the Curious George show on PBS Kids.
The plot is simple: George meets Kayla, a baby elephant at a traveling magic show in the city. When George realizes Kayla is "sad" (homesick for her family in California), he decides to help her get home. This sparks a cross-country journey involving trains, buses, and a very stressed-out Ted chasing after them. It’s a classic road trip movie, just with more bananas and a 100-pound pachyderm.
At an age where kids are still figuring out that other people have feelings too, George is the ultimate relatable protagonist. He doesn't use words; he uses actions, facial expressions, and a lot of "ooh-ooh-ahh-ahhs" to communicate.
- The Physical Comedy: George’s curiosity always leads to mild chaos, which is peak humor for a four-year-old. Whether he’s accidentally starting a train or hiding an elephant under a tarp, the stakes are low but the "silly factor" is high.
- The Animal Bond: There is something deeply compelling to kids about the idea of a monkey and an elephant being best friends. It taps into that pure, uncomplicated sense of loyalty that kids feel toward their own pets or stuffed animals.
- The Independence: George just... goes. He sees a problem and he tries to fix it. For a preschooler who has to ask permission to get a juice box, watching George navigate the world (even if he’s doing it "wrong") is total wish fulfillment.
Ask our chatbot for more movies featuring animal friendships
We talk a lot about "digital wellness," and usually, that conversation is about what to avoid (like the weirdly aggressive pacing of some YouTube Kids channels or the consumerist trap of Roblox). But digital wellness is also about what we choose to let in.
Curious George 2: Follow That Monkey! is an "empathy engine." The entire plot is driven by George recognizing that Kayla is unhappy and deciding to do something about it. He isn't looking for a reward; he just wants his friend to be okay. For parents, this is a massive opening to talk about:
- Recognizing emotions: "How can George tell Kayla is sad?"
- Helping others: "What would you do if a friend was homesick?"
- Persistence: George doesn't give up, even when things get difficult.
This movie is squarely in the "Green Light" zone for almost every family.
Ages 2-4
This is the sweet spot. The colors are bright, the music (featuring Carbon Leaf and Brian Wilson) is upbeat but not grating, and the "villain"—a security animal control guy named Danno—is more of a bumbling caricature than an actual threat. There is zero chance of nightmares here.
Ages 5-7
Older kids might find the plot a bit slow compared to the high-octane energy of The Super Mario Bros. Movie, but it’s still a "comfort watch." If they have a younger sibling, this is a great "bridge" movie that won't bore the older one to tears but won't scare the little one.
Safety Considerations
- Imitative Behavior: The biggest "risk" with George is always the same: he does things kids shouldn't do. He wanders off, he boards trains without adults, and he "borrows" things. If you have a "runner" or a particularly adventurous toddler, it’s worth a quick chat about how George is a monkey and monkeys don't always know the rules, but humans need to stay with their grown-ups.
- Screen Overload: While the movie is gentle, it’s still 80 minutes. If your family is strict about the "no more than 30 minutes" rule, you might want to break this into two sittings. It has natural "chapters" that make it easy to pause.
Learn more about setting screen time boundaries for preschoolers
If you’re comparing this to the first movie, lower your expectations for the soundtrack. You won't be humming "Upside Down" for a week. However, the voice acting remains top-tier, with Frank Welker (the legend) voicing George and Jeff Bennett taking over as Ted.
Also, be prepared for the "I want an elephant" phase. It’s coming.
How to Talk About It
After the credits roll, you can keep the "Screenwise" momentum going with a few quick questions:
- "George was a really good friend to Kayla. What’s one thing you’ve done to be a good friend this week?"
- "Ted was really worried when George disappeared. Why do you think grown-ups get worried when they can't see you?"
- "Kayla missed her family. What do you miss most when we are away from home?"
If your kid finishes this and wants more of that same gentle, inquisitive vibe, skip the "recommended" sidebar on YouTube and try these instead:
This is the ultimate "low-stimulation" show. It’s narrated by Chris O'Dowd and follows a family of puffins. It’s beautiful, educational, and won't make your kid act like they’ve had three espresso shots.
Available on Netflix, this show follows a little boy and his best friend—who happens to be a giant, honking trash truck. It captures that same "unlikely friendship" magic found in Curious George 2.
If you want to double down on the emotional intelligence (EQ) themes, Daniel Tiger is the gold standard for teaching kids how to handle big feelings like disappointment or jealousy.
If your child is on the older end of the preschool spectrum (5 or 6) and you’re looking for a read-aloud book that deals with animals, friendship, and "fish out of water" stories, this is a modern masterpiece.
Check out our guide on the best low-stimulation shows for toddlers
Curious George 2: Follow That Monkey! isn't going to win an Oscar for its complex narrative, and it’s not trying to. It’s a "palate cleanser" movie. In a world of "Skibidi Toilet" memes and "Ohio" jokes that preschoolers are somehow already picking up, George is a reminder of a simpler kind of storytelling. It’s about being curious, being kind, and helping a friend get home.
It’s safe, it’s sweet, and it’s a great way to spend a rainy Saturday morning without feeling like you’ve surrendered your child’s brain to the algorithm.
- Check your streaming services: See if it's currently on Peacock or Hulu.
- Grab the books: If they love the movie, head to the library for the original Curious George books.
- Talk about empathy: Use the "Kayla is homesick" plot point to discuss feelings at dinner tonight.
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