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The Stories Behind the Stories

Regular price
$21.99
Sale price
$21.99
96 pages • 9 in x 11 in • Ideal for kids 7-11 years old
Quantity must be 1 or more
+ We'll donate a book to kids in need!
Free shipping with 4 books

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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 alert: he drew wild things instead). It’s a celebration of children’s literature, and you’re invited!

We love our books so much, they come with our Easy-Peasy 100% Money-Backed Guarantee. 

We hope you fall in love with our books. But if for any reason you don't, we'll issue you a full refund—no questions asked. Just let us know the problem, and boom, done! Do you have to mail the book back? No need! (Life is too busy already, don't you think?) All we ask is that you donate the unwanted book to someone in need.

How fast do orders ship? In-stock books ship within 1-2 business days! 

Do you accept returns? If for any reason you don't love the book, let us know and we'll issue you a full refund, no questions asked. And no need to mail the book back! (Life is too busy already, don't you think?) All we ask is that you donate the unwanted book to someone in need.

What about pre-orders? When do those ship? Pre-ordered books ship as soon as we receive the physical books from the printer. To find the estimated shipping date for any pre-order title, just look above the "Pre-Order" button on the book's product page. Estimated shipping dates update based on the latest information we have on when books will arrive from the printer. 

How do I track my order? Once your order ships, you'll automatically receive tracking information by email. It's super quick and accurate!

Behind the Book
Danielle Higley

Danielle Higley is a children’s book author, editor, and fan girl. Her own backstory is far less interesting than that of Curious George, but she did manage to write this book while parenting during a global pandemic! She lives in Boise, Idaho, with her husband, infant son, and two doodle dogs. Follow her on Instagram at @bookishinboise.

David Miles

David Miles is an award-winning and bestselling author and illustrator of over 40 books, including ​The Side-by-Side Declaration of Independence, Book, The Interactive Constitution, Allegro, Unicorn and Horse, and other titles. He has worked as a designer, illustrator, and creative director, and he now runs Bushel & Peck Books with his wife, Stephanie. He's been named a CYBILS Award Finalist, Publishers Weekly Star Watch Nominee, Trvst Changemaker, New York Book Show Award Winner, and Bill Fisher Award Finalist, among other accolades. He lives in Fresno, California, with his family.