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The Stories Behind the Stories: The Remarkable True Tales Behind Your Favorite Kid’s Books
"Entertaining . . . A lovely keepsake celebrating books that remain key parts of childhood for people all around the world."― Foreword Reviews Did you know that the Very Hungry Caterpillar was originally just a fat worm named Willi? Or that the author of Charlotte’s Web hatched real spiders on top of his dresser? In The Stories Behind the Stories , you’ll hear the incredible behind-the-scenes tales of twenty-nine beloved children’s classics. Discover the childhood inspiration behind Charlie and the Chocolate Factory , the original name of Curious George, the mysterious origin of Mother Goose, and what happened when Maurice Sendak told his editor he couldn’t draw wild horses (spoiler he drew wild things instead). It’s a celebration of children’s literature, and you’re invited! From the Author's In my research of these authors, I began to see that our most treasured children’s books weren’t just built on creativity and imagination―many were born from extraordinary persistence and grit. Considering Benjamin Franklin’s quote, that a person should either write something great or do something great, it’s clear to me that the authors we admire most have done both. And perhaps it’s this secret ingredient that’s made their writing so genuine, so engaging, and so enduring.
96 pages, Hardcover
Published November 2, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
May 11, 2022
I received this book to review for my column in the Idaho Press. Here it is in full:
As most people grow up, they cruise right past the children's section and head to the adult books.
That's where the good stuff is, right? Those are the stacks with books about complex humans navigating even more complex situations, mysteries with grisly murders and stories that show us dark sides of history. Who has time to sit down and glance at fairy tales or illustrated picture books when there are all of these pages full of more entertaining and challenging material sitting there on the shelves? Us readers waited years of our lives to be given the keys to the adult section. Why squander it?
Boise-based author Danielle Higley tells us to put all of those feelings aside and turn back to the stories of our childhood in her new release "The Stories Behind the Stories: The Remarkable True Tales Behind Your Favorite Children's Books." The stunningly illustrated collection explores the backstories of 29 beloved children's classics, ranging from the unknown origins of Mother Goose all the way to the irreverent and wildly popular Diary of Wimpy Kid series. Each page includes a short entry about the creation of the story, a fun fact or two about the writer and a gorgeous collage-style illustration to match.
If you have kids, this is a must-have to stock your home library with. It might not be a big hit with young readers right away, but as children grow older and learn more about the process of creating art and storytelling it's sure to pique their curiosity. It certainly never occurred to me as a child who the authors of my favorite books were and what they were inspired by when they created my favorite books. I simply loved that they existed and I could visit them whenever I wanted, like old friends. But as I learned more about famous writers in my English classes, I started to wonder exactly where these wild ideas came from.
"The Stories Behind the Stories" does an excellent job answering that question. The entries aren't long or exhaustive, but they bring to life the interesting worlds and inspiration that brought these stories to life. It includes the tale of how E.B. White got the inspiration for Charlotte's Web by letting a colony of spiders grow in his home, Rick Riordian's bedtime stories to his ADHD son that became Percy Jackson and the Olympians and how A.A. Milne's visits to the zoo to see a beloved bear with his son became the Winnie the Pooh we all know and love.
This collection is a testament to how inspiration can truly come from anywhere. As a child, I always enjoyed reading and later loved nothing more than going to see movies. I long dreamed about what it would be like to create stories to capture viewers' imaginations on my own, but I resigned myself to only consuming these stories instead of telling them because I thought I simply wasn't creative enough. But, this book shows any aspiring young writer or storyteller that inspiration can come from even the smallest moments in your life or your biggest personal challenges if you look hard enough. Anything can become a story.
These authors got their spark of inspiration from unexpected places. Some of the writers found their gem of an idea in moments of joy and comfort, like Ronald Dahl taste-testing chocolate bars as a student for a nearby candy factory or Margaret Wise Brown's nightly childhood ritual of saying goodnight to her belongings. Others found their story ideas rooted in immense pain, like Harper Lee's childhood in deeply segregated Alabama and the grief behind James Barrie's Peter Pan. The range of stories, and the kinds of people and circumstances behind them, described here says so much about the range of emotions powering children's books.
As I write this, my review copy is already in the mail on its way to a friend of mine who recently had a baby and is working to build up her library of children's books for her son. I hope their family finds this book as delightful as I do, both now and into the future.
As most people grow up, they cruise right past the children's section and head to the adult books.
That's where the good stuff is, right? Those are the stacks with books about complex humans navigating even more complex situations, mysteries with grisly murders and stories that show us dark sides of history. Who has time to sit down and glance at fairy tales or illustrated picture books when there are all of these pages full of more entertaining and challenging material sitting there on the shelves? Us readers waited years of our lives to be given the keys to the adult section. Why squander it?
Boise-based author Danielle Higley tells us to put all of those feelings aside and turn back to the stories of our childhood in her new release "The Stories Behind the Stories: The Remarkable True Tales Behind Your Favorite Children's Books." The stunningly illustrated collection explores the backstories of 29 beloved children's classics, ranging from the unknown origins of Mother Goose all the way to the irreverent and wildly popular Diary of Wimpy Kid series. Each page includes a short entry about the creation of the story, a fun fact or two about the writer and a gorgeous collage-style illustration to match.
If you have kids, this is a must-have to stock your home library with. It might not be a big hit with young readers right away, but as children grow older and learn more about the process of creating art and storytelling it's sure to pique their curiosity. It certainly never occurred to me as a child who the authors of my favorite books were and what they were inspired by when they created my favorite books. I simply loved that they existed and I could visit them whenever I wanted, like old friends. But as I learned more about famous writers in my English classes, I started to wonder exactly where these wild ideas came from.
"The Stories Behind the Stories" does an excellent job answering that question. The entries aren't long or exhaustive, but they bring to life the interesting worlds and inspiration that brought these stories to life. It includes the tale of how E.B. White got the inspiration for Charlotte's Web by letting a colony of spiders grow in his home, Rick Riordian's bedtime stories to his ADHD son that became Percy Jackson and the Olympians and how A.A. Milne's visits to the zoo to see a beloved bear with his son became the Winnie the Pooh we all know and love.
This collection is a testament to how inspiration can truly come from anywhere. As a child, I always enjoyed reading and later loved nothing more than going to see movies. I long dreamed about what it would be like to create stories to capture viewers' imaginations on my own, but I resigned myself to only consuming these stories instead of telling them because I thought I simply wasn't creative enough. But, this book shows any aspiring young writer or storyteller that inspiration can come from even the smallest moments in your life or your biggest personal challenges if you look hard enough. Anything can become a story.
These authors got their spark of inspiration from unexpected places. Some of the writers found their gem of an idea in moments of joy and comfort, like Ronald Dahl taste-testing chocolate bars as a student for a nearby candy factory or Margaret Wise Brown's nightly childhood ritual of saying goodnight to her belongings. Others found their story ideas rooted in immense pain, like Harper Lee's childhood in deeply segregated Alabama and the grief behind James Barrie's Peter Pan. The range of stories, and the kinds of people and circumstances behind them, described here says so much about the range of emotions powering children's books.
As I write this, my review copy is already in the mail on its way to a friend of mine who recently had a baby and is working to build up her library of children's books for her son. I hope their family finds this book as delightful as I do, both now and into the future.
October 21, 2022
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader along with a Q&A with the author.
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WHAT'S THE STORIES BEHIND THE STORIES ABOUT?
It's right there in the subtitle, isn't it? "The Remarkable True Tales Behind Your Favorite Kid's Books." Higley takes 29 well-known and well-loved children's classics—most from the Twentieth-Century, with a couple from before and a few after it.
We get roughly two pages on each book, with a full page of art to go along with them—although one of those pages will be heavily illustrated, too. The text will give a little biographical information about the author and then talk about the book itself—maybe how it was written, or received, or what inspired it. There's also a sidebar with a little trivia about the book, too.
The books discussed range from Curious George to The Boxcar Children to Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief, books written for children too young to read through books for Middle Grade readers.
THE DESIGN AND THE ART
This is a wonderfully put-together book—let's start with the cover design, a giant "Little Golden Book" look is an inspired choice for this. The collages used to illustrate the rest of the book are equally well done. They jump off the page and are well-paired with each book discussed.
Sure, the text of the book is my focus—and it should be here, too. But when it comes in a package this great to look at? That's just a bonus.
SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT THE STORIES BEHIND THE STORIES?
I sat down to read about one or two of the books before starting something else one day, and read five before I realized it and had to force myself to stop. I ended up reading the rest of the book in one sitting. It's the literary equivalent of Lay's Potato Chips, "bet you can't read just one."
I've read 24 of the books talked about, and meant to read most of the others, so I was primed and ready for this—many readers in the target range (7-11 will be familiar with at least half, and this might inspire them to read more of them).
I think I learned a little about each of the books selected for this—except maybe Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, because that's been covered so well for so many years. Some of what I learned surprised me—The Boxcar Children was controversial? (okay, I probably should've guessed that one) Rawls almost didn't get Where the Red Fern Grows published, and once it was, it took a lot of work to get it read—or put another way, I almost didn't get my heart ripped out by it.
It's engaging with a little dash of mild humor, nothing over-the-top—just enough to bring the occasional grin while not distracting from the point. It's written in such a way that the target audience will have no problem reading it, and it'll keep the attention of older readers, too—anyone who likes children's books will find something to enjoy here. And you put that in an attractive package? It's a win all the way around. I strongly recommend this book.
---
WHAT'S THE STORIES BEHIND THE STORIES ABOUT?
It's right there in the subtitle, isn't it? "The Remarkable True Tales Behind Your Favorite Kid's Books." Higley takes 29 well-known and well-loved children's classics—most from the Twentieth-Century, with a couple from before and a few after it.
We get roughly two pages on each book, with a full page of art to go along with them—although one of those pages will be heavily illustrated, too. The text will give a little biographical information about the author and then talk about the book itself—maybe how it was written, or received, or what inspired it. There's also a sidebar with a little trivia about the book, too.
The books discussed range from Curious George to The Boxcar Children to Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief, books written for children too young to read through books for Middle Grade readers.
THE DESIGN AND THE ART
This is a wonderfully put-together book—let's start with the cover design, a giant "Little Golden Book" look is an inspired choice for this. The collages used to illustrate the rest of the book are equally well done. They jump off the page and are well-paired with each book discussed.
Sure, the text of the book is my focus—and it should be here, too. But when it comes in a package this great to look at? That's just a bonus.
SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT THE STORIES BEHIND THE STORIES?
I sat down to read about one or two of the books before starting something else one day, and read five before I realized it and had to force myself to stop. I ended up reading the rest of the book in one sitting. It's the literary equivalent of Lay's Potato Chips, "bet you can't read just one."
I've read 24 of the books talked about, and meant to read most of the others, so I was primed and ready for this—many readers in the target range (7-11 will be familiar with at least half, and this might inspire them to read more of them).
I think I learned a little about each of the books selected for this—except maybe Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, because that's been covered so well for so many years. Some of what I learned surprised me—The Boxcar Children was controversial? (okay, I probably should've guessed that one) Rawls almost didn't get Where the Red Fern Grows published, and once it was, it took a lot of work to get it read—or put another way, I almost didn't get my heart ripped out by it.
It's engaging with a little dash of mild humor, nothing over-the-top—just enough to bring the occasional grin while not distracting from the point. It's written in such a way that the target audience will have no problem reading it, and it'll keep the attention of older readers, too—anyone who likes children's books will find something to enjoy here. And you put that in an attractive package? It's a win all the way around. I strongly recommend this book.
July 2, 2022
This is such a lovely book about books! I really appreciate the research that went into this, and I liked learning about how some of my favorite books came to be. The author is from Idaho, and she did this state proud with this!
August 15, 2024
Excellent and inspiring read. Many family favorites mentioned and many more put on the to-read list. We read this one aloud. It was a multiple sitting read aloud.
February 14, 2026
I learned a lot of new things about classics I have loved, and added a few new titles to my "to read" list. Would be a great morning time addition - my kids enjoyed it!
Note: One bad word on the page about Madeline L'Engle.
Note: One bad word on the page about Madeline L'Engle.
October 17, 2022
Fascinating stuff! There’s a lot of stuff I had planned to include in this review, but I forgot it all when I read the line “UNDERWEAR IS NOT FUNNY!” As an avid Captain Underpants fan and a guy who thinks the idea of a talking toilet is compelling, I was thrilled to hear this story of the underdog author.
Like every successful person on earth makes up these weird amalgamated phantasms who “always said I won’t amount to nothing,” but Pilkey was a guy who truly had that, and truly believed in his product: a guy in underpants who fights toilets and toilet paper and stuff. That’s a victory we can all stand behind.
Also, the author gave a great speech at the Idaho Historical Society, where I had the chance to meet her and get my book signed. She couldn’t have been more cordial, and her speech was compelling and engaging. Thanks!
Like every successful person on earth makes up these weird amalgamated phantasms who “always said I won’t amount to nothing,” but Pilkey was a guy who truly had that, and truly believed in his product: a guy in underpants who fights toilets and toilet paper and stuff. That’s a victory we can all stand behind.
Also, the author gave a great speech at the Idaho Historical Society, where I had the chance to meet her and get my book signed. She couldn’t have been more cordial, and her speech was compelling and engaging. Thanks!
December 15, 2021
This review was originally written for The Baby Bookworm. Visit us for new picture books reviews daily!
Hello, friends! We’re continuing our bonus gift guides with today’s review: The Stories Behind the Stories by Danielle Higley, an awesome look at the inspirations, stories, and histories of some of the world’s most popular children’s stories.
Did you know that Winnie the Pooh was based on a real-life bear resident of the London Zoo? Or that Nancy Drew’s name was originally Stella Strong? Or that a change to the title of Where The Red Fern Grows nearly resulted in the story being lost to history? Fans of children’s literature can learn the history behind the creation of these stories and dozens more, including The Hobbit, The Giving Tree, and A Series of Unfortunate Events.
A visually stunning look at how timeless stories are made. This incredibly informative volume includes fairly comprehensive looks at the different ways stories can come to be, with each subject covered in one to three pages of well-researched material that includes quotes, dates and figures, and even a short “Did You Know?” factoid in the margins. The text itself is compelling on its own, but the beautifully-arranged mixed-media collages by David Miles elevates the book to a piece of art, and one that children’s book lovers from elementary school to adulthood will adore. I loved combing over the articles, and JJ was fascinated by the artwork. This would make a fantastic gift for any fan of kidlit; it’s as beautiful to look at as it is entertaining to read, and we loved it. Baby Bookworm approved!
(Note: A copy of this book was provided to The Baby Bookworm by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)
Be sure to check out The Baby Bookworm for more reviews!
June 25, 2023
This had some entertaining nuggets of information, and I really liked the graphics and illustrations. I was unpleasantly surprised, however, to arrive at the end and learn the author had completed 100% of her research online, seemingly through Google search. The book was published during COVID, if that's any excuse, but that shallow of a research effort shouldn't pass muster in a middle school English class, let alone a publishing house. In contrast, flip to the back of "The World of Little House" by Carolyn Strom Collins and Christina Wyss Eriksson. In the pre-internet era those ladies WORKED IT, criss-crossing the country and talking to every available expert on their subject, in addition to what they could find in the library. A study in contrasts, with correspondingly richer results. If anything can be said for "The Stories Behind the Stories" its that it may pique your interest enough to inspire further research.
May 26, 2022
I liked this collection. I was disappointed at how white it was. The author did go in chronological order, so near the end, she did highlight two Black writers. I know it's not her fault that the publishing world was less diverse in the 60s. But she could have at least included Ezra Jack Keats. Even with that, there were no Asians, no Hispanic writers, and no Native writers. Again, not her fault that the publishing world was so homogenous, but still kind of painful to read just HOW white it was for SO LONG! I'm glad that in 60 years from today, if someone is writing about writers from OUR era, there will be so many to choose from!
March 3, 2022
Local Boise author shares the story behind how some of our beloved Children’s classics came to be! Some of the stories I had heard, a handful of the books were brand new to me, and I came away with three tidbits that blew my mind. I won’t ruin the surprise but here are some hints:
- Who is Carolyn Keene?
- Stuart Little is the second son
- What does Shel Silverstein have in common with Johnny Cash?
Great read for adults or to share with your kids as you reread your childhood favorites and learn more about the authors and their history.
- Who is Carolyn Keene?
- Stuart Little is the second son
- What does Shel Silverstein have in common with Johnny Cash?
Great read for adults or to share with your kids as you reread your childhood favorites and learn more about the authors and their history.
August 19, 2025
A book made all the more special due to the long wait after requesting it at the library. Bushel and Peck, the publishers, provide lovely and unique books—this being one of them.
The combination of the short, yet informative text combined with the colorful collage illustrations creates a special reading experience. This book which gives insights to the children’s stories readers love is very much like the special features found on a DVD.
Not all beloved stories are included (Where is Little House on the Prairie?) which inches forward a hope a second volume will appear in the future.
The combination of the short, yet informative text combined with the colorful collage illustrations creates a special reading experience. This book which gives insights to the children’s stories readers love is very much like the special features found on a DVD.
Not all beloved stories are included (Where is Little House on the Prairie?) which inches forward a hope a second volume will appear in the future.
April 8, 2022
Delightful collection of the inspiration and creation of some of the most famous children's books. Both old classics and new are represented. The book is presented as an oversized storybook, complete with the golden binding. Full-color collages, often using the original artwork, complete the experience.
December 18, 2022
I absolutely loved this book! I learned so much about stories I already knew and the authors that wrote them. I was introduced to books I never heard of and are now on my "Books to Read" list. I will be reading this book again and again! I look forward to more books about the stories behind the stories !!
September 30, 2024
My daughter and I glanced at this at the bookstore and, later, when I had time to kill, I went back to read through some of it. I ended up buying it so I could read it all and share with my daughter. I loved the collage-style illustrations and the 1-2 page essays about how each beloved book came to be. I also think this would be a great inspiration to any aspiring writer, no matter the age!
December 31, 2021
Ugh, the art though!! I could die and go to art heaven just after looking at the index alone! It goes in-depth into the author's lives and reasonings behind their stories and tales. It's fun, enjoyable, and even a bit quirky at times. I cannot suggest enough that you check this book out.
September 6, 2023
This book is filled with fun and interesting details behind all our most well loved classics paired with eye catching artwork. If you want to be the person who knows a little something that everyone else doesn't, this book is for you!
June 3, 2024
What a wonderful way to learn more about the books and stories I loved as a child, as well as several modern ones that my boys enjoy! I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the stories behind their favourite stories!!
December 29, 2024
This was a great idea for a book, and the illustrations were really beautiful. However, I don't feel like it gave any more information that a quick Google search could have provided me regarding the back stories behind these books. But, at least all the stories are compiled in a pretty little book!
January 8, 2022
So interesting and nostalgic! The art is amazing. Loved this! It made me want to go re-read all my favorite childhood books.
February 17, 2022
Short (1-2 pages) stories about how famous books came to be. Charming, informative, and not too long, some would be good to use during storytime or book talks.
February 21, 2022
I wish it was longer. My edition says author's last name is Higley which is probably why I couldn't find it in here at first.
April 20, 2022
Lots of fun—well-researched text with some surprising facts and stories about well-loved stories! The artwork is also really cool. It’d make a great gift for a book lover.
May 4, 2023
Fascinating backstories.
May 9, 2024
Loved the background information about these books and authors
June 19, 2024
Beautiful illustrated book for younguns. Better illustrations than the actual info.
August 5, 2024
A beautiful book to add to your collection of the books this features. Authors and stories you may know plus works of theirs you may not.
October 7, 2024
A cute book telling you facts about how some of the greatest children’s stories were created.
December 20, 2024
I really enjoyed this! There was only 3 (I think) books in here I haven’t read, so I found this fascinating.
Read
December 29, 2024This was so delightful to read about how my beloved childhood stories came about and the history of them!
March 8, 2025
A scrumptious look at the origin of so many books. This peak into the heart of each author is inspiring.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews