A review by erine
Charlotte's Web by E.B. White

informative reflective fast-paced

5.0

It has been decades since I last read this story. 

The combination of scientific detail and fantasy is truly magical. As Charlotte composes her messages, she talks about the different kinds of thread she uses, and how she doesn’t want to use the sticky trap thread for letters or bugs will get stuck and spoil it. White weaves his deep appreciation of the natural world into the very fabric of the story: “When the words appeared, everyone said they were a miracle. But nobody pointed out that the web itself is a miracle.” In every description of the barnyard animals White’s keen observation and understanding are on display. 

Aside from the natural world, I’m adoring the characterization of Charlotte. She’s unapologetically who she is, but also intelligent and empathetic. And Wilbur is twice lucky to have Fern, who saves him first, and then Charlotte who ensures his further survival as a creature who deserves to have a life. Friendship is the highlight throughout this story, and Wilbur reaps most of the benefit, which is a great opportunity to consider what makes a good friend. 

Charlotte the Spider Notes:

“Do you want a friend?” 

“Salutations!”

“My name… is Charlotte A. Cavatica.”(Araneus Cavaticus/Barn Spider)

“I love blood.”

“My legs are hairy for good reason… Furthermore, each leg of mine has seven sections—the coxa, the trochanter, the femur, the patella, the tibia, the metatarsus, and the tarsus.”

“I’m glad I’m a sedentary spider.”

“I was just thinking that people are very gullible.”

🕸️ SOME PIG 🕸️

“People believe almost anything they see in print.”

🕸️TERRIFIC🕸️

🕸️RADIANT🕸️

“Bring me back a word.”

🕸️HUMBLE🕸️

“It is my egg sac, my magnum opus.” (514 eggs)

“You have been my friend… That in itself is a tremendous thing.”