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4.08 AVERAGE
4.08 AVERAGE
Some books get to be classics for mysterious reasons that I can not fathom (Moby Dick anyone?), and others deserve to stick around to be read by future generations. This is one of the latter, and I'm really glad it's still in print.
This book starts with a heck of a hook, and interest will be piqued after the first sentence. It's amazing how much of this is relevant today, and how many of the humorous bits still work.
I didn't read this as a kid. Instead, I watched the animated movie about once a year before I even started kindergarten. After seeing the Children's Theater perform it, I figured it was probably time to actually read it. For an adult, it's a quick read, and I expect the newer readers in my house will be able to manage this as one of their earlier chapter books. They've already been paging through to look at chapter titles and drawings. I expect I'll have to explain the "miracle" language.
This book starts with a heck of a hook, and interest will be piqued after the first sentence. It's amazing how much of this is relevant today, and how many of the humorous bits still work.
I didn't read this as a kid. Instead, I watched the animated movie about once a year before I even started kindergarten. After seeing the Children's Theater perform it, I figured it was probably time to actually read it. For an adult, it's a quick read, and I expect the newer readers in my house will be able to manage this as one of their earlier chapter books. They've already been paging through to look at chapter titles and drawings. I expect I'll have to explain the "miracle" language.
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
Can't believe it took me so long to read it. A wonderful book. Made me think a lot about my friends.
We all think we're average, but it takes one good friend to help us realize that we're not average at all. We are all special.
We all think we're average, but it takes one good friend to help us realize that we're not average at all. We are all special.
Unlike Stuart Little, which is little more than a quirky adventure story with a bizarre premise, Charlotte's Web is an extraordinary masterpiece. As an archetypal representation of Jesus Christ, the spider, through the power of the Word made silk, manifests salvation for Wilbur the pig, the insignificant runt powerless to save himself.
The story is delightful for children, with an entertaining cast of barnyard characters. They can identify with Wilbur as he safely models emotional explorations from loneliness and fear to joy and generosity and even death and rebirth. They can learn from the science and expansive vocabulary smuggled into the story through the spider's dialogue as Wilbur role-plays the student ("What is an aeronaut?"). But it's not all for the kids. In an underappreciated chapter that is reminiscent of Professor Digory's winsome open-mindedness and reassuring advice to Lucy's older siblings in The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe, the family doctor allays Mrs. Arable's concerns about her daughter's animal obsessions, along with some sophisticated theological commentary on the "miracle" of the spider's words ("Nobody pointed out that the web itself is a miracle.")
The story is delightful for children, with an entertaining cast of barnyard characters. They can identify with Wilbur as he safely models emotional explorations from loneliness and fear to joy and generosity and even death and rebirth. They can learn from the science and expansive vocabulary smuggled into the story through the spider's dialogue as Wilbur role-plays the student ("What is an aeronaut?"). But it's not all for the kids. In an underappreciated chapter that is reminiscent of Professor Digory's winsome open-mindedness and reassuring advice to Lucy's older siblings in The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe, the family doctor allays Mrs. Arable's concerns about her daughter's animal obsessions, along with some sophisticated theological commentary on the "miracle" of the spider's words ("Nobody pointed out that the web itself is a miracle.")
Fantastic story about friendship. Great for those interested in animal books and books about friendship. Read-alikes: The True Blue Scouts of Sugarman Swamp by Kathi Appelt, and Mouse on the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary. Fans of Templeton might enjoy Emmy and the Incredible Shrinking Rat by Lynne Jonell, The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo, and Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O'Brien. 2nd grade and up.
The audiobook read by Meryl Streep and other cast was great!
This is an incredibly well written book. Sweet, sassy, honest.
challenging
emotional
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-paced