Common Sense Media Review
Gentle, much-loved barnyard classic delights all ages.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 7+?
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Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 41 parent reviews
Parents say the book features fun characters and is a great family read, making it suitable for children and parents to enjoy together, though some find it a bit lengthy. While many reviews praise its heartwarming themes of friendship and life lessons, there are concerns about its portrayal of gender roles and the emotional impact of certain events, such as the depiction of death, which may require discussion with younger readers.
- fun characters
- family reading
- heartwarming themes
- emotional depth
- gender roles
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 55 kid reviews
Kids say this book is a beautiful and heartwarming tale that explores themes of friendship and life, with a touching ending that resonates with both children and adults. Readers appreciate its ability to evoke a range of emotions, making it a joyful yet sometimes sad experience, and recommend it as a must-read for kids ages 6 and up.
- emotional journey
- friendship theme
- suitable for families
- engaging storytelling
- recommended age
Summarized with AI
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. That's 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.
Talk to Your Kids 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?
Charlotte's Web was published in the 1950s and is considered a children's classic. Why do you think it continues to be so popular with readers?
What other books have you read that you think are -- or should be considered -- classics?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Garth Williams
- Genre : Friendship
- Topics : Animals
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : HarperCollins Children's Books
- Publication date : October 15, 1952
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 184
- Available on : Paperback, Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Award : Newbery Medal and Honors
- Last updated : November 6, 2025
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