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A review by katykelly
Charlotte's Web by E.B. White
5.0
This re-read was shared with my son, aged 5. I read this with my own mother, loved the cartoon, and was thrilled when I could tell my boy was old enough to have it read to him as well.
There's something special about certain books being read aloud. Charlotte's Web is one of those - being able to share moments of drama ("Where's Papa going with that axe?!"), and the voices of the sneering Templeton and the comic Goose, are elements that work well out loud.
White never shies away from more complex language either - in his story of the spider's quest to save her friend from a bacon-destined fate, he waxes rather lyrical, romanticises the seasons and the life of a farmyard. All things that children will gloss over, but are actually quite a pleasure to read aloud and to narrate for a young listener. They are quite soothing bedtime sections as well.
The story itself is simple, and never to be forgotten. Wilbur the runt fears death at the hands of the far-from-cruel Farmer Zuckermann, after hearing he will be the Christmas meal. His new friend Charlotte, a spider, promises she will save his life. And gradually, he and his human surrogate mother Fern watch as she uses her web to send out the message that this pig is a special one.
Of course, the life cycle must begin and end and circle around, as baby goslings are born, Charlotte ages, and her life's work nears completion...
I always anticipate my reaction, I always steel myself, and always it is to no avail. On this read, I had to explain to my son my rather violent reaction to the end of the story, something that no child sees in quite the same way.
It's just beautifully conveyed, the noble yet lonely end of surely one of the most beloved and loyal friends in children's fiction. With the most poignant closing pages ever conceived.
Truly glorious writing, with so much in it of friendship, the revolving patterns of life, growing up and moving on without those we love.
I can't think of another children's book that affects me to anywhere near the same degree as Charlotte's Web. Surely a timeless classic for every generation of children and their sobbing parents.
There's something special about certain books being read aloud. Charlotte's Web is one of those - being able to share moments of drama ("Where's Papa going with that axe?!"), and the voices of the sneering Templeton and the comic Goose, are elements that work well out loud.
White never shies away from more complex language either - in his story of the spider's quest to save her friend from a bacon-destined fate, he waxes rather lyrical, romanticises the seasons and the life of a farmyard. All things that children will gloss over, but are actually quite a pleasure to read aloud and to narrate for a young listener. They are quite soothing bedtime sections as well.
The story itself is simple, and never to be forgotten. Wilbur the runt fears death at the hands of the far-from-cruel Farmer Zuckermann, after hearing he will be the Christmas meal. His new friend Charlotte, a spider, promises she will save his life. And gradually, he and his human surrogate mother Fern watch as she uses her web to send out the message that this pig is a special one.
Of course, the life cycle must begin and end and circle around, as baby goslings are born, Charlotte ages, and her life's work nears completion...
I always anticipate my reaction, I always steel myself, and always it is to no avail. On this read, I had to explain to my son my rather violent reaction to the end of the story, something that no child sees in quite the same way.
It's just beautifully conveyed, the noble yet lonely end of surely one of the most beloved and loyal friends in children's fiction. With the most poignant closing pages ever conceived.
Truly glorious writing, with so much in it of friendship, the revolving patterns of life, growing up and moving on without those we love.
I can't think of another children's book that affects me to anywhere near the same degree as Charlotte's Web. Surely a timeless classic for every generation of children and their sobbing parents.