Book Review: Charlotte’s Web

Charlotte’s Web by E. B. White

Children’s Classic. 184 Pages. 4 Stars

Synopsis:

This beloved book by E. B. White, author of Stuart Little and The Trumpet of the Swan, is a classic of children’s literature that is “just about perfect.” This high-quality paperback features vibrant illustrations colorized by Rosemary Wells!

Some Pig. Humble. Radiant. These are the words in Charlotte’s Web, high up in Zuckerman’s barn. Charlotte’s spiderweb tells of her feelings for a little pig named Wilbur, who simply wants a friend. They also express the love of a girl named Fern, who saved Wilbur’s life when he was born the runt of his litter.

E. B. White’s Newbery Honor Book is a tender novel of friendship, love, life, and death that will continue to be enjoyed by generations to come. This edition contains newly color illustrations by Garth Williams, the acclaimed illustrator of E. B. White’s Stuart Little and Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House series, among many other books.

My Review:

If you haven’t taken the time to pick up this little children’s classic, you should! It’s adorable.

I haven’t read this book since I was so little I don’t even remember when I first read it. But I’ve been wanting to read through a stack of Newbery books on my shelves recently and this was on the list! Because of the season of work I’m in, I chose to listen to the audiobook, and when I saw it in my library app, I found a positively delightful surprise: there’s a version narrated by the author!

I genuinely enjoyed hearing White’s narration so very much. His voice was perfect for it, and who best to emphasize the right inflections than the one who wrote the words?! Listening almost felt like I’d gone back in time. It was a breath of fresh air. (Additionally, there was a fun afterword with some intriguing bonus facts about White and the story.)

Of course, the story itself helps. In a world where things didn’t spin so fast and things were far simpler, Charlotte’s Web invites readers to pause and rest. From the very beginning where Fern sees her father with his axe to the bittersweet ending, this story explores the value of life, growing up, and friendship. In a way, it’s a coming of age story for Fern and Wilber both.

And both the plot of the animals and that of the humans intertwine beautifully. The juxtaposition of adulthood vs childhood is also something brilliantly displayed in both threads. We see a unique cast of characters that keeps readers engaged. The light humor will put a smile on your face. And I particularly enjoy the threads of wit and faith.

Honestly, there isn’t much more to say but that it’s time for a reread if you haven’t touched this one in a while!