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4.08 AVERAGE
4.08 AVERAGE
I read this to the girls-- my girls and it was great.
I had a lot of fun reading all the parts. And there are a lot of parts. I don't know how well you remember the story but there are 5 main adults, three named children, and a few other side characters filling out a couple of B-plots. The whole thing is really overstuffed with humans, especially considering the story is about a pig and a spider and a slew of other farm animals.
This is a great book to perform because it needs you to sell the phrase "some pig." It... kinda falls flat on the page since "some" isn't often used as a positive intensifier now like it (apparently) used to be. Plus the goose is, in particular, fun to act out.
I had a lot of fun reading all the parts. And there are a lot of parts. I don't know how well you remember the story but there are 5 main adults, three named children, and a few other side characters filling out a couple of B-plots. The whole thing is really overstuffed with humans, especially considering the story is about a pig and a spider and a slew of other farm animals.
This is a great book to perform because it needs you to sell the phrase "some pig." It... kinda falls flat on the page since "some" isn't often used as a positive intensifier now like it (apparently) used to be. Plus the goose is, in particular, fun to act out.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
One of my favorites as I child. Reread as an adult - bittersweet.
I don't remember the first time I read this book...I just remember always knowing the story. I naturally loved this book as a child and surprisingly enough loved it with the same enthusiasm as I read it today. Not much else to be said. Its is a perfect childrens book.
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Read for 52 Book Club Challenge 2025 31) Audiobook has multiple narrators.
Can't believe it has taken me more than 50 years to read this children's classic. It is a timeless tale exploring death, friendship, growing up and the power of words and a friend's belief in you. It is utterly charming and poignant. The audiobook narrated by Meryl Streep and a full cast was also brilliant - highly recommended.
Can't believe it has taken me more than 50 years to read this children's classic. It is a timeless tale exploring death, friendship, growing up and the power of words and a friend's belief in you. It is utterly charming and poignant. The audiobook narrated by Meryl Streep and a full cast was also brilliant - highly recommended.
I read this book as a kid and loved it. Even as an adult, rereading it with my daughter, I thought it was very funny. It is a great read-a-loud that kids enjoy and learn from.
****
I was just thinking about this book again, and trying to figure out why I like it so much. I can think of two very worthwhile themes in this book that I am glad my daughter has been exposed to.
1: Life is beautiful. From the very beginning of the book, when Fern saves Wilber from death, the book celebrates life. Wilbur is a kind and lively creature, and Charlotte is a wise spider, who attempts to teach him (and all of us) that life is worth preserving. Even the Doctor, who is not a major character, shares some valuable information about how miraculous life is, how beautiful and how worth preserving.
2. Life is short, and death is a part of it. This book introduces death to children in a very meaningful yet harmless way. Readers learn about life, yes, but also about how it ends.
It is a beautiful book. There are many reasons why it is such a beloved classic that is read every generation.
****
I was just thinking about this book again, and trying to figure out why I like it so much. I can think of two very worthwhile themes in this book that I am glad my daughter has been exposed to.
1: Life is beautiful. From the very beginning of the book, when Fern saves Wilber from death, the book celebrates life. Wilbur is a kind and lively creature, and Charlotte is a wise spider, who attempts to teach him (and all of us) that life is worth preserving. Even the Doctor, who is not a major character, shares some valuable information about how miraculous life is, how beautiful and how worth preserving.
2. Life is short, and death is a part of it. This book introduces death to children in a very meaningful yet harmless way. Readers learn about life, yes, but also about how it ends.
It is a beautiful book. There are many reasons why it is such a beloved classic that is read every generation.
Read aloud to my daughters. We just loved the relationship between Wilbur and Charlotte.
How have I never read this? Freaking adorable. Sometimes, you read the "classics," and they don't always hold up to the hype. This children's book certainly did. I hope this book stays on shelves for years to come and children keep wanting to pick it up.
Had only ever watched the cartoon as a kid and the live-action film as an adult, never read the book. It's good and so very English. It's sad and funny and poetic and the illustrations are great.