Today marks the 60th anniversary of the publication of the beloved classic Charlotte’s Web by E. B. White. Anyone who has read the book understands the timelessness of the story and can appreciate the beauty of the language. Even the most reluctant listeners will surely be drawn in by the first sentence.“Where’s Papa going with that ax?” said Fern to her mother as they were setting the table for breakfast."
We Mainers claim E. B. White as our own. In 1933, he purchased a farm in Blue Hill and lived there until his death. The idea for his famous story, which won a Newbery Honor in 1953, came about because of his life on the farm. Animals on a farm are not raised as pets, but as food for the table. But, what would happen if a pig’s life could be saved from the dastardly farmer’s plan? Who would step up to the task?
The book follows the story of the pig Wilbur who becomes desolate when he discovers that he is destined to become the farmer’s Christmas dinner. He is saved by Charlotte, the amazing spider who uses her common sense -- and her impressive weaving skills -- to let the world know Wilbur is “Some Pig.” For many children, listening to Charlotte’s Web is the first time they make the connection between what they eat and where it comes from.
If you haven’t shared this book with your children, do so now. Regardless of their age, this is one story you don’t want them to miss. I love everything about the book, the characters, the black & white drawings done by Garth Williams, but mostly, I love the language. Charlotte’s Web is one of those rare stories that once you get to the ending, you want to go right back to page one and read it all over again. It is unforgettable.
“Wilbur never forgot Charlotte. Although he loved her children and grandchildren dearly, none of the new spiders ever quite took her place in his heart. She was in a class by herself. It is not often that someone comes along who is a true friend and a good writer. Charlotte was both.”
I agree.
Other children’s books by E. B. White: Stuart Little and Trumpet of the Swan.
To learn more about the life of E. B. White for adults, read The Story of Charlotte’s Web by Michael Sims. To hear his interview on NPR, go here.
