**Neskaityta vaikiška klasika - A Smart Book about the Friendship of a Pig and a Rat (Title!!! ♥️)**

A pig named Wilbur is born the weakest runt. The farmer's daughter begs her father to let the piglet live. Then it grows and fattens up. But there is a threat that it will become a Christmas ham. Then a rat named Charlotte, who has befriended Wilbur, starts weaving various words in her web that refer to the pig (such as "SHINING", "PUPPET", etc). And the pig is treated as a wonderful and unkillable creature. So the book is about friendship, sacrifice, and empathy.

However, while reading, I couldn't get rid of the thought of how sad the whole premise of the book is. Everything in the book goes against the "usual" (traditional?????) way of life. The other farm animals sadly hint to Wilbur about his future fate. The farmer's daughter, upon learning about this, cries and can't find a place for herself. The farmer, on the contrary, skeptically values the daughter's stories about life and goes to the doctor to consult if the child will not grow up abnormal because she talks about animals all the time. In the end, for that one (one!) animal not to be slaughtered, the whole book turns into a miracle. But only an unrealistic miracle - a rat, learning to make letters from suggestions, can change that fate. But also - only if you are the weakest runt, small, cute, bright, and cheerful, and if the farmer's daughter befriends you, and if you attract the attention of a rat. Practically impossible under the conditions of the real world.

Maybe this is a beautiful story about friendship and how true friendship can change hard fates. But paradoxically, that friendship just supports what should be the status quo (if the creature can talk, then maybe we won't kill it like this). And where do those who the rat didn't choose end up? I feel sorry for the other pigs. I'm sorry that not being slaughtered / not being killed is not a choice but just a matter of an unrealistic miracle. Maybe it was like that only in 1952 when the book was written?.. All pigs matter!!!

This is some truly remarkable audiobook.

I am absolutely overjoyed to award this newly released version a whopping five radiant, terrific stars.

Meryl Streep, along with a full cast, narrates in such a captivating way that it truly brings the book to life.

The note of appreciation written and read by Melissa Sweet is like the perfect sprinkles on a delicious cupcake, adding an extra touch of charm.

Even if you have read "Charlotte's Web" multiple times, you will discover that listening to this audio version is four hours extremely well spent.

It contains such a simple yet profound message that resonates through all time: "With the right words you can change the world."

This audiobook is not just a listening experience; it's a journey that takes you deep into the heart of the story and leaves you with a lasting impression.

Whether you're a fan of the book or new to the tale, this audio version is definitely one that you don't want to miss.

So, sit back, relax, and let the enchanting voices and beautiful story transport you to a magical world.

You won't be disappointed!

**"The Unexpected Love for Charlotte and the Tale of Arachne"**

\\n  ”’My name,’ said the spider, ‘is Charlotte.’
‘Charlotte what?’ asked Wilbur, eagerly.
‘Charlotte A. Cavatica. But just call me Charlotte.’”\\n

Like many, I loathed spiders. Their creepy crawly nature made me recoil in horror. Just a picture could send me into a panic. But then came Charlotte. In third grade, when introduced to her story, I was initially skeptical. How could I like a book about a spider? But as I read, something magical happened. Charlotte was not the horrible creature I expected. She was funny, smart, and compassionate. I began to love her and root for her to help Wilbur. By the end of the novel, her loss was devastating. It felt like I too had lost a dear friend. This book taught me a valuable lesson: don't judge people by their appearances. Sometimes the scariest looking can have the kindest hearts.

This novel also had another impact on me. Since learning Charlotte was a daddy long legs, I vowed never to kill one again. Now, whenever I see one, I smile and walk on by, seeing them all as Charlotte.

The Story of Arachne and Athena
Long ago in Greece, Arachne was a talented weaver. Her tapestries were renowned. But her pride led her to challenge Athena, the goddess of war and also a skilled weaver. Athena, enraged, disguised herself as an old woman to test Arachne. After enduring Arachne's bragging, she revealed herself and challenged Arachne to a weaving contest. The contest was intense. When they finished, Athena was furious to see Arachne's tapestry showing the gods misbehaving. She attacked Arachne, who, overcome with guilt, committed suicide. Athena, taking pity, turned her into a spider, giving birth to the arachnid. This ancient myth adds a romantic and interesting layer to the origin of the spider.