The Stories Behind the Stories

The incredible behind-the-scenes tales of twenty-nine beloved children’s classics.

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Bushel & Peck Original
96 pages • 9 in x 11 in • Ideal for kids 7-11 years old
Created by
author Danielle Higley

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About the book

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!

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As frequent online shoppers ourselves, we know what a hassle it is to mail products back! To keep things simple for everyone, we offer a no-hassle return policy. If for any reason you don't love one of the books you receive, 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! All we ask is that you donate the unwanted book to someone in need.

Life-proof guarantee

We know life happens. Permanent marker, potty accidents—books can go through a lot! That's why we guarantee our books for life. If anything happens and you need a replacement copy, just email Nicholle at help@bushelandpeckbooks.com, and she'll get you a new copy pronto!

One-for-one giving

Did you know that for every book we sell, we pledge to donate one to kids in need? We call it our Book-for-Book Promise!

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Meet the makers

  • 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.

    Danielle Higley 

  • 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.

    David Miles 
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