Reading children's classics as an adult is truly one of the things I cherish the most. I firmly believe that it has the remarkable ability to impart much more profound lessons in the simplest of ways, something that many adult books struggle to achieve despite their often convoluted approaches.

Take Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, for example. It tells the heartwarming story of a pig, Wilbur, who, after being abandoned by his only friend Fern, discovers a true friend in his loneliest days. Wilbur, the farm pig, is terrified when he learns that he is likely to be slaughtered during Christmas. His new friend Charlotte vows not to let him die and devises a clever plan to save him.

I was deeply moved by this story. I have a great affection for reading children's classics. The friendship between Charlotte and Wilbur is unconditional and pure. I become extremely sensitive whenever the story involves the death of an animal. Charlotte's Web is a timeless tale that explores the themes of friendship, life, and death.

Just like Wilbur, this book is also 'TERRIFIC', 'RADIANT', and 'HUMBLE' (if you catch my drift). Moreover, the illustrations enhance the reading experience. It was my first book of the year, and I must admit, I never expected to be so devastated by the death of a spider. A good book is a good book, regardless of its intended audience.

I wholeheartedly recommend this book to you. However, for children, I would be cautious in my recommendation. If you believe that exposing them to the topics touched upon in this book will help them better understand the realities of life, then this is definitely a book worth picking up.

I would gladly rate it 4.75 stars.

"Charlotte's Web" is truly some remarkable book!

It has always been a childhood favorite of mine. Every time I think of it, it brings back a flood of wonderful memories.

This book is not just a story; it's a classic that has stood the test of time. The friendship between Wilbur the pig and Charlotte the spider is so touching and heartwarming.

The author's vivid descriptions and engaging plot make it a joy to read. It teaches us valuable lessons about loyalty, kindness, and the power of true friendship.

"Charlotte's Web" is a book that will always hold a special place in my heart and is definitely worth reading again and again. :)

Almost two weeks ago, I unfortunately sprained my ankle. It was a painful incident that left me with limited mobility.

Yesterday, due to the fact that I felt myself decompensating from the lack of sweaty exercise, I made an attempt at a tiny bit of an aerobic warmup. However, this ill-advised action had a negative consequence as it set back my healing process by about a week.

So today, I have decided to try and do nothing but rest and ignore the pain as much as possible.

What better time then to listen to my fantasy father, E. B. White, reading me the story of Charlotte's Web, perhaps one of the greatest books ever written for readers of all ages.

To my ears, his voice and diction are truly sublime. There is just the right amount of Maine drawl, with a love for the consonants and a pleasurable yawning of the vowels.

I was completely unaware of the existence of this recording (three 50th anniversary CDs, Random House/Listening Library, 1970) until I came across a mention of it in another book. This book, Some Writer!: The Story of E. B. White by Melissa Sweet, is ostensibly aimed at kids but is just as appropriate and maybe even more appreciated by adults. (And I would not have known about that book and its universal appeal without my Goodreads friend Julie Grippo's review.)

So despite my bum ankle and lousy attitude, I was completely mesmerized for more than three hours, and the only pain I felt was that of losing Charlotte. Oh, my heart!

County fair season always brings me into the mood for this wonderful book. The midway with its thrilling rides and the somewhat scary carny folk. The agriculture buildings filled with prize-winning giant produce and beautifully crafted quilts. And the delicious scents of frying dough mingling with the earthier smells from the livestock tents.
It smelled of hay and it smelled of manure. It smelled of the perspiration of tired horses and the wonderful sweet breath of patient cows. It often had a sort of peaceful smell - as though nothing bad could ever happen again in the world.
I always visit the cows, sheep, and pigs temporarily housed there, trying not to think about their fate, already auctioned off to local restaurants. With this sad thought in mind, it's no wonder this fanciful tale can capture the imagination and touch the heart. The story of Zuckerman's Famous Pig - Wilbur, the Pig Who Lived!
The book starts with our hero narrowly escaping the ax, saved by a young girl who vows to raise him. He grows and flourishes under her care, but soon finds himself sentenced to a lonely life in a pen at her uncle's farm. But don't worry, for he soon meets Charlotte, a large grey spider with an amazing vocabulary.
It is truly the beginning of a beautiful and unforgettable friendship.
I know this is a childhood favorite for many, but I was introduced to these characters through the 1973 animated film. Because of this, I will always associate Paul Lynde's snarky voice with Templeton the rat.
I should be ashamed to admit that I didn't read the book until 2011, but I'm not. I think I appreciated it more as an adult. Having lost friends and both parents, I understand how fleeting life is and how important it is to cherish every experience and memory. It's strange that the wisdom of a spider reminds us of what matters most in life.
No pig ever had truer friends, and he realized that friendship is one of the most satisfying things in the world.
The sweet illustrations by Garth Williams add to the joy of the book.
So thank you, Mr. White, for your most marvelous book. I can think of no other author who could make an arachnophobe like me cry over the death of a spider.

This is one of my favorite books from childhood. I read it around the time I read Stuart Little and The Wind in the Willows, and it won hands down.

It’s the one I reread many times from age eight to the present. It’s a beautiful fable that doesn’t talk down to kids. Even young kids (as long as they’ve been introduced to the concept of death) can enjoy it.

All the characters are interesting, and I thoroughly enjoy the story. However, it sure didn’t help me be any less frightened of spiders. I also believe it did not help me on my eventual path to vegetarianism and veganism.

Even when I was nine and was introduced to another favorite book, Meet The Austins, where after the family reads Charlotte’s Web, the nine-year-old daughter Suzy refuses to eat pig. If that made an impression on me about not eating animals, I was not conscious of it at age nine.

But this is one book I have no reservations recommending to everyone. It has beautiful language, an ingenious plot, humor, and pathos.

And, in my opinion, the very best second to last line of any book ever written: “It is not often that someone comes along who is a true friend and a good writer.” What’s not to love?!

Very little needs to be said about this one. It's truly a classic. Even my jaded kid-self, who had seen so many things, loved the original cartoon. However, it took ALL THIS TIME for me to finally get around to reading the book.

Tisk, tisk, right? In reality, it's a story that delves into the concept of a con job and the rise of the PR firm, "Charlotte's Web". It evolves into a cottage industry for all the fat pigs out there. Just because it's heartwarming doesn't mean that we can't interpret it with an evil bent. :) Oh, and my daughter loved it too. :) This classic tale has something for everyone, whether it's the innocent charm that appeals to children or the deeper layers that can be explored by adults. It's a story that has stood the test of time and continues to capture the hearts and imaginations of readers of all ages.

Within just 3 minutes of glancing at The Modern Library's Top 100 Novels Written in English List, it became blatantly clear to me that it was lacking in significance. The reason? It failed to include the literary masterpiece, CHARLOTTE'S WEB. I understand that children's literature is often dismissed as unimportant by many intellectuals, but let's be serious here. In my view, anyone who reads this story and doesn't recognize its sheer greatness simply doesn't have a true love for books.

CHARLOTTE'S WEB not only boasts one of the most ingenious plots in all of literature, but its prose is also truly breathtaking. Just take a moment to notice how White so beautifully evokes the arrival of winter on the Zuckerman farm in a single short paragraph. He describes how the autumn days grow shorter, how Lurvy brings in the squashes and pumpkins, and how the maples and birches change colors and drop their leaves. He also mentions the wild apple trees in the pasture, the little red apples on the ground, and the various animals that come to eat them. And then, he describes the first snowfall of the season, covering everything in a blanket of white. Wilbur, the main character, has never seen snow before, and this adds an element of wonder and excitement to the scene.

I mean, what could be more evocative or sensual than this? And the fact that White is able to do all of this with such simple language only serves to enhance his reputation as a great writer. If you have fond memories of CHARLOTTE'S WEB from your childhood, I highly recommend that you read it again. I only wish that the people at The Modern Library had done the same before compiling their list.

Update 6/2018: I will boldly assert here that I think this is the greatest children's book ever written. It is truly a masterpiece. And today, I am embarking on my 4th read of this classic. It's my youngest child's turn to discover the joys and sorrows of friendship and of life, as presented by one of my favorite writers, Mr. E. B. White. Rest in peace, Andy, you beautiful man.


Original review:
This is quite ridiculous. Here I am, 42 years old, reading this book for the third time in my life, and I end up blubbering hot tears all over my face and down the front of my shirt. I just can't seem to hold back the emotions.

I'm amazed that my youngest, who is only 5 years old, sat through the entire book this week. She was completely mesmerized by the brilliant and timeless story-telling. She giggled frequently at the funny passages, and then she even laughed at me, her grown mother, crying a river for the last 40 pages. I was crying so hard that I was physically incapable of reading out loud.

And then, as Charlotte's babies drifted away shouting "Good-bye! Good-bye! Good-bye!", my daughter's face contorted strangely. The next thing I knew, she was face down on the floor, sobbing uncontrollably. This story has such a powerful impact. It touches the hearts of both children and adults alike. It makes us think about the meaning of friendship, the circle of life, and the importance of珍惜 every moment. It's a book that will stay with you long after you've finished reading it.

This was just as charming as an adult as it was when I was a child.

However, this time around, there was a realization. Once again, it seemed that the female does all the work, while the males get the credit.

It was also interesting to note why it was easier to believe in supernatural forces than that a spider could write.

These were just minor quibbles, though, for a novel that was truly a joy to re-read.

The story still had the power to capture my imagination and transport me to another world.

It was filled with endearing characters and a heartwarming plot that left me with a smile on my face.

Despite the few flaws that I noticed this time, I would highly recommend this novel to anyone looking for a charming and engaging read.

It is a classic that will continue to be beloved by generations to come.

I don't give a fig if it is a kid's book.

Charlotte's Web is truly one of the most exquisitely well-crafted stories ever penned. This classic children's tale merits a full 5 stars for its remarkable story craft and masterful language usage alone! (One should read Strunk & White to truly understand the author's talents in this regard.) The fact that it is both a heart-warmer and a heart-wrencher simply seals the deal. Never in my life have I been made to love pigs and spiders to such an extent.

Charlotte's Web will forever hold a high position among my all-time favorites. But why, for the love of god, did they subject us to watching the cartoon version of this tear-jerker in school? Did they have the intention of making us weep embarrassingly in front of one another? If that was indeed their aim, then mission accomplished, you sadistic school district!

It's a wonder how a story about a pig named Wilbur and a spider named Charlotte could have such a profound impact on readers of all ages. The bond that develops between them is both touching and unforgettable. The author's ability to bring these characters to life and make us care so deeply about them is a testament to his literary genius.

Whether you're a child or an adult, Charlotte's Web is a must-read. It will make you laugh, it will make you cry, and it will leave you with a sense of wonder and appreciation for the power of storytelling.

Another classic read with the kids! I truly love reading to them.

They look forward to a chapter every evening, and it provides us with some wonderful, quality family time. It's quite remarkable to see how disappointed they get if we don't have the time to read.

As for Charlotte's Web, if you don't remember it from your childhood, did you really have a proper childhood?

Although it may seem a bit dated now, even more so than when I read it as a kid, it remains a timeless tale of life, death, and friendship.

This little book written for children has so many amazingly deep aspects. I'm quite certain that a group of adults could still engage in a very profound discussion about its themes, plot points, and characters.

I mentioned that death is a crucial part of this book. Some might think it could be too much for kids, but I believe White presented it in the perfect way.

It shows that death and rebirth are integral parts of life, in a manner that doesn't upset the kids and allows them to explore their curiosity on the subject.

If you have never read Charlotte's Web, you really should give it a try!

A children's book is a wonderful thing. It can take young minds on adventures, teach them valuable lessons, and introduce them to new worlds. One particular children's book that stands out is a story about friendship.

In this book, we follow the journey of a group of friends. They face many challenges together, but they always support and fight for each other. Their friendship is tested when one of them experiences a loss.

The book beautifully explores the themes of friendship, loyalty, and the pain of loss. It shows children that even in the face of difficult times, true friends will always be there. It also teaches them how to deal with their emotions and find strength within themselves.

This is definitely a great book to read to the children in your life. It will not only entertain them but also help them develop important life skills. So, pick up a copy today and share the magic of this wonderful story with the little ones.