Charlotte's Web- E.B. White

White, E.B. (1952). Charlotte's web.  New York:  Harper & Row Publishers, Inc.

"Wilbur burst into tears.  "I don't want to die", he moaned.  "I want to stay alive right here in my comfortable manure pile with all my friends.  I want to breathe the beautiful air and lie in the beautiful sun" (White, 1952).  I honestly adore Wilbur, the main character in this beloved tale (who couldn't after reading quotes like the one noted above).  Charlotte's Web steals the reader's heart by telling the story of Wilbur, a pig who, destined for the slaughterhouse, is saved by a wise, caring spider.  Charlotte (the spider) saves Wilbur in an unusual, but intelligent way.  After Charlotte's work, Wilbur is no longer seen as pork chops and bacon, but instead as a famous pig worthy of entering the pig contest at the County Fair. 

Almost everyone is familiar with this classic example of notable children's literature.  Charlotte's Web was one of my all-time favorites as a young child, which is why I chose to read E.B. White's treasured tale again this past week.  White does an excellent job describing the settings in the story.  As you read, you can picture the exact time and place in your mind.  The use of complex characterization in the story allows the reader to feel the moods and emotions of each character, especially the main characters.  In Charlotte's Web, the main characters are animals and keep their physical characteristics throughout the story.  The way they communicate and interact as real people do makes this an excellent example of an animal fantasy. 

Young readers enjoy animal fantasies, such as Charlotte's Web.  Some students are fascinated with the talking animals, or the farm life in general.  Due to the characterization used in the story, almost every student can relate to one or more of the characters.  This story would be great to use when teaching story elements.  Have students identify and describe the rich settings and how characters respond to situations during the plot.  In addition to describing story elements, you could have students compare characters, compare the book to the movie (adorable movie by the way), or compare this story to Babe the Gallant Pig by Dick King-Smith. 

This illustration could be used to discuss the relationship between Wilbur and the old sheep, specifically focusing on the character's expressions.

Food for thought (and great to ask your students):

• Describe Wilbur's personality.
• Why do you think Charlotte wanted to help Wilbur?
• Describe the relationship between Wilbur and the old sheep.
• Considering how the story began, what does this tell you about Fern?
• Which character are you most like?  Why?