Who Were They Really?: The True Stories Behind Famous Characters

by Susan Beth Pfeffer

Includes: archival B&W photographs, selected bibliography, selected list of works cited
In a heavily illustrated, scrapbook format, readers will learn about the real-life people behind the beloved book characters they've come to know. From Christopher Robin and Peter Rabbit to Peter Pan's Lost Boys and Alice in Wonderland, award-winning author Susan Beth Pfeffer explores the real lives of the real people who inspired the creation of literature's greatest characters. There are even a few surprises about Mother Goose!
Grades: 4-6

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Historical, Biography

72 pages, Library Binding

First published January 1, 1999

About the author

Susan Beth Pfeffer was an American author best known for young adult and science fiction. After writing for 35 years, she received wider notice for her series of post-apocalyptic novels, officially titled "The Life as We Knew It Series", but often called "The Last Survivors" or "Moon Crash" series, some of which appeared on The New York Times Best Seller list.

Reviews

[Rosa Cline · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book! Collection of various books and the beginnings behind them. Some will may you go “wow!” Others will make you sad, and others will leave you with a smile on your heart. It’s small chapters, two or three pages. So you don’t have to read it as a novel, but you can pick it up read about Mother Goose. Then put it down next day pick it up and read about Alice in Wonderland. So much interesting and wonderful stuff in this book.

It does have a Bibliography at the end of the book so if a school aged child needs to use this as a reference they can.

[Charmaine · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was interesting

[Stasia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, this was really depressing. 😂

[Holly L'Heureux · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this book! There is such good information about where the idea for many classic books came from. I am so glad I picked it up. Now to read more books that were mentioned in this one!

[James M · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ok book. Not that interesting

[Inhabiting Books]

A very kid-friendly (and adult-friendly) introduction to the inspirations behind 12 classic children's books. Interesting and well-written, with lots of photos to go along with it. My 7-year-old even picked this book up and read several entries, enthusiastically sharing her findings.
For ages 7 and up.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book to give me some ideas for some articles I am writing for a Children's Literature source. It was interesting and had delightful photographs of the subjects. My eldest child loved it because she recognized many of the character's without being told who they were.

[Krista the Krazy Kataloguer · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was interesting to read about the real-life inspirations behind some of my favorite children's book characters.

[Kristeen]

Recommended during our local story time. The true identities behind Mother Goose and other literary characters.

[Barb Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Little snippets tell us a little about the real people who inspired characters such as Peter Pan and The Little Mermaid. Interesting stuff to know.

[Gena Lott · Rating 5 out of 5]

This charming little book chronicles the lives behind many of the most well-loved characters in children's fiction. Well written and fun, it is a very quick read but has great facts and heart.

[pati · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would have liked a more indepth look at these famous writers and their characters.