 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Charlotte's Web
- By E.B. White
- Genre: Fantasy
Common Sense Media says
Gentle, much-loved classic delights all ages.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this children's classic begins with the main character's (a young pig) near slaughter by a farmer; Wilbur also learns that he's to be eaten for Christmas dinner. A major character dies, peacefully but alone -- all children (and most adults) will cry. All readers will also be reminded about what it means to be a good friend and be inspired by the book's messages about the power of love.
What's the story?
When Fern convinces her father not to kill the runt pig of the litter, she names him Wilbur and raises him with a bottle. Soon Wilbur goes to live in her Uncle Homer Zuckerman's barn down the road, where she visits him every day. But when she's not there, Wilbur is lonely -- the sheep, cows, geese, and even the rats don't want to play and be his friend. Then he meets Charlotte, a gray spider whose web is in a corner of the barn door, and they become good friends. But soon after, they learn that Wilbur is to be slaughtered next Christmas to make ham and bacon. So Charlotte hatches a plan to make the Zuckermans want to keep Wilbur around forever.
Is it any good?
One of the all-time great classics of children's literature, this gentle story with its kindly wisdom about friendship and love has survived and prospered even in the digital age because its themes are universal and timeless: It will inspire readers to think about how we should make and keep friends, and how we should treat each other. Though most readers will cry near the end, it's never maudlin or sappy. Indeed, it's New Yorker editor and author E.B. White's avoidance of cuteness, astringent prose, whimsical humor, and matter-of-factness about life-and-death issues that sets CHARLOTTE'S WEB apart from the pack.
His heroine is a hairy spider who sucks the blood out of flies, aided by a rat, and they're working to save Wilbur from the reality of every working barn. Kind people can be ugly and sometimes cruel, others can be greedy but helpful, snooty but caring. The world can be harsh but also beautiful and warm. It's a lovely fantasy grounded in reality, and perhaps that's why kids have loved it for so long -- they know when they're being told the truth.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the various concepts of friendship presented here. Charlotte obviously gives a lot in this relationship -- what does she get in return? How does Fern and Wilbur's relationship change at the end?
This book is a children's classic and was published in the 1950s. Why do you think it's still is so popular with readers? What other books have you read that you think are -- or should be -- classics?
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AGE
be careful if your children have sensitivity toward animals
Wonderful book but be sure that your children are at an age where they understand the beginning and where Wilbur was almost killed. This could set the tone for a negative reading experience.
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AGE
Charlottes web is a very good book. I garentee that your kids will love this book alot.
Parents, u dont need to worry about your kids reading Charlottes Web. It is very good book. There is nothing in this book that is not age appropate. There is nothing to worry about in this book. I promise. All of them ppl that r saying that it is not a good book for younger kids well they need to open up there eyes and read a lil better cause this is one of the best books i have ever read.
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AGE
Charlotte's web.
This story teaches me about friendship and death. Death is a thing that everyone has to go through. The friendship and love here between Wilbur and Charlotte is strong. I'd recommend this story to kids age 7 and above.
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AGE
Charlotte's webb....Charlotte is my hero and role model and I am 43
I absolutely love this book... it has been an altime favorite of mine since childhood.... Charlotte still remains my hero and inspiration.... she is my role model and I am 43
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AGE
brilliant
a very positive message delivered in a way children will enjoy, it has some sad parts but those are educational, like how to deal with death. all the charactors are good though some are a bit mean(i love templeton) but overall a brilliant novel.
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AGE
Good book for the young and old.
It is a good book for the young and old.
A Classic tale that can be read to all book lovers and non readers alike.
With many twists and turns with a touching morale
But personally: This book may be a little to childish to some.
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AGE
fern
Fern is a great role model. Although it had a sad ending, even though the only animal that died was a spider, she was a big part in the story!
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AGE
A tearjerker, but a classic
I loved this book. It is easy to follow the story line and the characters are likable (even Timpliton the rat, who brightens later in the book). Charlotte is friendler and sounds like a nice person (or spider!) Violence: SPOILER It's pretty upsetting when Charlotte dies. But Charlotte dies in peace so that's good. END OF SPOILER The plot revolves around a farmer trying to kill Wilbur, so it might be scary for little kids. I defiantly recommend it to anyone.
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| Author: | E.B. White |
| Illustrator: | Garth Williams |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Fantasy |
| Publisher: | HarperCollins Children's Books |
| Publication date: | October 15, 1952 |
| Number of pages: | 184 |
| Hardcover price: | $16.99 |
| Paperback price: | $6.99 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 6 - 10 |
| Read aloud: | 5 |
| Read alone: | 7 |
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