The Stories Behind the Stories: The Remarkable True Tales Behind Your Favorite Children’s Books by Danielle Higley offers a fascinating look at the authors and circumstances that combined to create some of the most beloved works of children’s literature. This book answers questions such as:

Who was Mother Goose?

Who was the real bear behind Winnie the Pooh?

What was the original name of Curious George?

Who are the author(s) behind the Nancy Drew Mysteries?

What was the inspiration for The Hobbit?

and more about such famous stories as To Kill a Mockingbird, Charlotte’s Web, Goodnight Moon, The Boxcar Children and many more!

The Stories Behind the Stories is great for middle-schoolers through adults. It would be a wonderful addition to a study of children’s literature. It is also helpful for any teens/adults interested in becoming children’s books writers to learn some of the process that went into creating these books. The full-page illustrations are colorful collages which complement the text well.

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