Charlotte’s Web by E. B. White

Charlotte’s Web by E. B. White
Publisher/Year: Dell Publishing Co., Inc./1969 (Dell Yearling)
Format: Paperback
Pages: 184
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Goodreads

 

 

 

Summary

This is the story of a little girl named Fern who loved a little pig named Wilbur–and of Wilbur’s dear friend Charlotte A. Cavatica, a beautiful large grey spider who lived with Wilbur in the barn. With the help of Templeton, the rat who never did anything for anybody unless there was something in it for him, and by a wonderfully clever plan of her own, Charlotte saved the life of Wilbur, who by this time had grown up to be quite a pig.

What I thought

What is there to say about this wonderful book that hasn’t been said?

It’s absolutely a children’s classic, and I’m one of the fortunate ones who first encountered this book as a child. I remember very vividly my first elementary school library, just a small trailer that sat outside the school. And I remember that this book was hard to find because it was ALWAYS checked out.

Thankfully, I’m an adult now, and I have my own copy of this book that I hope to pass down to my kids someday. I’ve had this book on my “currently-reading” shelf for about a month now. I could have absolutely finished it in a day, but I love it so much that I wanted to stretch it out by reading just a couple pages each night before bed.

For as sad as this ending is (I definitely cried over this as a kid), this book just fills me with so much joy. I have always had a soft spot for animals, and especially animal stories, so this is right up my alley. It hearkens to a simpler time, both in the story & in my own life.

Besides nostalgia, I think everyone can agree that the best part of this book is the sweet friendship between Wilbur & Charlotte. It teaches what it means to truly be someone’s friend.

I also really loved E. B. White’s writing, and I’m a fan of many of his books. His writing is simple, but intelligent & evocative. It begs to be read aloud. I personally loved how White wrote about nature & the changing of seasons & how precious life is.

Overall, I could go on & on about this little book, but seriously, just go read it. It is the one & ONLY time you’ll ever hear me speak fondly of a spider. With an unforgettable cast of characters and a dear friendship that will bring tears to your eyes, Charlotte’s Web is a children’s classic that is not to be missed!