Charlotte's Web is an outstanding piece of children's literature. It was first published in 1952 and remains as fresh and beloved today as it was then. I have read this book numerous times, both alone and to countless children. It never fails to delight, entrance, and tug at the heartstrings.
The story begins powerfully with 8-year-old Fern stopping her father from killing a runt piglet with an ax. This immediately hooks the reader. However, the book is not just about Fern and her love for animals. In fact, she still eats bacon and shows no distress when the animals or her family discuss slaughtering Wilbur. Instead, the book is about the true friendship between Wilbur and Charlotte, a big grey spider.
Despite their differences, Wilbur and Charlotte form a deep bond. Charlotte, who is genteel, cultured, intelligent, and innovative, saves Wilbur's life by writing words about him in her web. The book also shows how animals can work together in unlikely ways to improve their lives under the tyranny of humans.
The side characters in the book are also delightful. Templeton, the gluttonous and self-serving rat, is especially hilarious. The goose and the wise old sheep are also well-developed. E.B. White is a skilled author who is great at creating different characters and adding humor to the story.
Overall, Charlotte's Web is a touching and engaging book that is suitable for both children and adults. It may not be what you expect, but it is definitely worth reading. If you have children or care for children, I highly recommend reading it aloud to them with voices. It will spark discussions about the value of animal life, friendship, and more.
My 8-year-old self would have absolutely adored this book. For years, I had been searching for an excuse to read it. And just this week, while in a bookshop, I finally realized that I didn't need an excuse. I could simply pick it up and immerse myself in the fascinating world of little animal behavior. And that's exactly what I did, and I thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful story of a livestock pig named Wilbur and his heartwarming friendship with a barn spider named Charlotte.
This book is written in such a beautiful and engaging way. The illustrations in the copy I have are just amazing and add an extra layer of charm to the story. Friendship and love are the central themes of Charlotte's Web, and it is truly a wonderful children's book. I believe that many adults, like myself, will also appreciate the story. I am going to cherish this copy and hope that in the future, perhaps a long distant future, I can take it out again and read it to my grandchildren.
It seems that I missed out on so many great books that I should have read as a child. But as the saying goes, "better late than never." It's so nice to be able to choose one to read every now and then and discover the magic that these books hold.
Look at me reading about spiders again.
It's not exactly the same thing as Children of Time, but still, it has its own charm. This was part of my "Reading Children Classics for the First Time as an Adult" Challenge for January. And you know what? I'm pleasantly surprised!
The book is a cute one about friendship. It tells a story that is both simple and heartwarming. As I was reading it, I could easily imagine myself as a kid, being completely engrossed in this wonderful world of spiders and their friendships. The characters are well-developed and the plot is engaging. It's the kind of book that makes you smile and feel good inside.
I'm sure I would have loved it as a kid! But even as an adult, it has managed to touch my heart and bring back memories of my childhood. It just goes to show that some classics are timeless and can be enjoyed by people of all ages. I'm glad I took on this challenge and discovered this little gem of a book.