Yes, it is based on a real story. The story of 'Coraline' has that touch of reality in it. For example, the relationship between Coraline and her parents. In real life, children often feel neglected or not fully understood by their parents, which is reflected in the story. Also, the idea of finding something that seems better at first but turns out to be dangerous is a common real - life experience, just like in the story where Coraline discovers the other world that initially looks appealing but is full of perils.
Well, it is. The real - life elements in 'Coraline' are there. Gaiman took the idea of a child's perception of the world around them, how they might feel trapped or alone at times, and turned it into this dark, fantastical story. He might have also drawn from his own childhood fears and curiosities, which made the story feel so real in a sense.
Yes, 'Coraline' is based on a real story to some extent. Neil Gaiman was inspired by his own experiences and the idea of a child exploring a strange, parallel world. The concept of a seemingly idyllic but ultimately creepy alternate reality has roots in real - life feelings of unease and the unknown that many people can relate to.